Budget phones often look and feel similar, but the Nothing Phone (4b) has a personality of its own. Its distinctive back, Glyph Bar, and Nothing OS give it an identity that goes beyond the usual list of specifications.
After using the Blue 8GB/128GB model, I found that its appeal isn’t limited to how it looks. The display, battery life, and main camera cover my everyday needs well. I also appreciate two physical details that are easy to overlook: the texture makes it enjoyable to use without a case, and the Essential button’s new position makes accidental presses less likely. At S$529, those details help make the Phone (4b) a phone I enjoy picking up.
Design: Better In The Hand Than In A Case
The Phone (4b) looks recognizably Nothing. Its blue finish (comes in black and white too) at the back give it character, while the Glyph Bar adds visual cues for notifications and timers. It stands out without feeling difficult to use.
What I like most is the texture of the back. It makes using the phone without a case especially enjoyable. I can appreciate both the look and feel of the design every time I pick it up, which is a stronger reason to go caseless than appearance alone. Fingerprints do not show up that quickly on the Phone (4b)
I also like that Nothing has moved the Essential button to the left side. On the Nothing Phone (3), I was more likely to press it accidentally when reaching for the power button. That happens less often with the Phone (4b). Button placement sounds like a small detail, but it makes a noticeable difference throughout the day.
Display And Audio
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is one of the Phone (4b)’s strengths. Its 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth, and the large screen gives me plenty of room for reading, watching videos, and using apps.
The speakers do the job for videos and casual listening. They aren’t the feature that would sell me on the phone, but I had no issue using them for everyday content.
Software And Essential Space
Nothing OS gives the Phone (4b) much of its appeal. The interface has a clear visual identity, yet it remains easy to navigate. I like that the phone feels different without making simple tasks harder.
The Essential button provides quick access to Essential Space, but I appreciate its improved placement even when I’m not using that feature. A shortcut is more useful when it stays out of the way until I want it.
Performance And Storage
For messaging, browsing, maps, social media, and moving between apps, the Phone (4b) feels capable. Judged by those everyday tasks, it handles what I need it to do.
The model I reviewed has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That storage capacity is worth thinking about if you record a lot of video, download large games, or prefer to keep years of photos on your phone.
Cameras
The 50MP main camera is the camera I would rely on most. It produces pleasing photos in good light, and optical image stabilization helps with quick handheld shots. I could take out the phone, capture what I wanted, and generally feel happy with the result.
The ultrawide is useful when I need to fit more into the frame, but I would choose the main camera when image quality matters more. That difference is worth keeping in mind if you regularly take wide landscape or group photos. Here are some photos taken with the Phone (4b):
Battery And Charging
The Phone (4b)’s battery life suits my everyday use. I can get through the day without constantly checking the percentage or planning around a charger. That reliability matters more to me than an impressive number on a specification sheet.
Charging is straightforward, although it doesn’t feel like one of the phone’s defining advantages. The stronger point is that I don’t have to think about charging very often.
Is The Nothing Phone (4b) Worth Buying?
At S$529, the Phone (4b) offers a display, software experience, and design that I enjoy using every day. The way the back is textured particularly satisfying without a case, and moving the Essential button to the left fixes an annoyance I had with the Phone (3).
The main camera and battery also cover my needs well. I would think carefully about the 128GB storage and the weaker ultrawide if either matters a lot to you, but neither takes away from what the phone gets right.
Verdict
The Nothing Phone (4b) gets the big things right: a great display, clean software, strong battery life, and a capable main camera, all in a design that stands out. Its textured back and better button placement also make it a phone I enjoy holding and using.
