A new critical review of the Nothing Phone (4b) highlights strong battery endurance and a vibrant display, though reviewers caution that buyers might be better off sticking with older sibling models in the brand's lineup.

Pocket Tactics awarded the mobile device a 7/10 verdict in its review, describing the £299 handset as a stylish and cheaper alternative for users prioritizing design and longevity over raw processing power. However, the evaluation points out several clear compromises that prospective buyers need to weigh against the lower price point.

Quick Facts

  • Platform & Price: Mobile device priced at £299 for the 8GB RAM / 128GB storage base model.
  • Display: 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness.
  • Processor & Battery: Powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip paired with a 5200mAh battery.
  • Availability: Released in black, white, and blue via Nothing, Amazon, and UK retailers, with no official US release planned.

Performance and Gaming Caveats

While everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, and social media scrolling run smoothly on the 120Hz display, gaming tells a different story. According to Pocket Tactics, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset struggles with demanding titles. Games like *Neverness to Everness* and *Zenless Zone Zero* face issues when pushing higher graphics settings, while *The Division Resurgence* suffers from notable texture pop-in. On the positive side, the review notes that the phone manages heat well during extended sessions and handles lighter games like *Call of Duty: Mobile* without major friction.

Camera and Hardware Compromises

Photography is cited as another weak spot. The setup includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 16MP front shooter, which the review calls adequate for casual social media snapshots in good lighting. However, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens limits versatility for distance shots.

Software support spans three years of operating system updates up to Android 19, backed by six years of security patches. The signature clean aesthetic of Nothing OS remains intact, complete with the Glyph Bar and a dedicated button for Essential Space — though the review criticizes the inability to remap that specific physical button.

Who Is the Phone (4b) For?

Review findings suggest the Nothing Phone (4b) suits budget-conscious buyers who care primarily about battery endurance, software cleanliness, and distinctive hardware design. Yet, Pocket Tactics ultimately recommends spending extra on the Phone (4a) or Phone (4a) Pro instead, noting that the price cut on the (4b) sacrifices too much camera versatility and future-proofing gaming performance.