Nothing Phone (4b) vs. The Competition: Can It Beat the Galaxy A57?

Is the New Nothing Phone (4b) Worth Your Attention?

Nothing just pulled back the curtain on the Nothing Phone (4b), marking the debut of their new (b) series. While it’s positioned as a mid-range contender, it faces an uphill battle right out of the gate—mostly because the existing (a) series already does a better job. Let’s break down where this new device stands in a crowded market.

The Specs Breakdown

On paper, the Nothing Phone (4b) is a standard mid-ranger: a 6.77-inch 1080p+ OLED screen, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, and a solid 5,200mAh battery (with a generous 6,000mAh variant hitting India). The camera setup is a bit of a letdown, featuring a small 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide. Given that the CMF Phone 2 Pro offered a telephoto lens, this feels like a step back for those who prioritize mobile photography.

Why You Might Want to Skip the (4b)

If you have your heart set on a Nothing device, the Nothing Phone (4a) is arguably the smarter buy. For a relatively small price difference, you get a significant performance boost: faster LPDDR5X RAM, speedier UFS 3.1 storage, and a higher-resolution 1224p+ display. You also gain a more capable 50MP periscope telephoto lens. It’s hard to justify the (4b) when the (4a) delivers a more premium experience for just a few euros more.

Strong Alternatives Worth Considering

If you’re willing to step outside the Nothing ecosystem, the competition is fierce:

Samsung Galaxy A57: If software longevity is your priority, this is the clear winner. You get six years of OS updates, a sleek aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating, all wrapped in a much lighter package.
Realme 16 Pro+: For the specs-obsessed, this phone brings a massive 7,000mAh battery and a versatile camera array, including a 200MP main shooter and a 50MP periscope lens.
Motorola Edge 70: If you value aesthetics, the Edge 70 is exceptionally thin and light. It’s a rare find in this segment that actually includes wireless charging.
Poco F8 Series: If you’re looking for flagship-tier power, the F8 Pro and F8 Ultra pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, making them powerhouses that easily outperform the mid-range competition.

Ultimately, the Nothing Phone (4b) arrives in a landscape filled with more capable, better-rounded alternatives. Unless you’re truly committed to the Nothing aesthetic, you’ll likely find more value in the (4a) or the competitive offerings from Samsung, Realme, and Poco.