Nothing Phone 4b quick review: Premium feel, capable cameras and a promising start

Nothing's new Phone 4b looks like a solid package on paper. But how does it perform in everyday use? After spending a few days using it as our primary phone, here is what we think of the design, software, battery, and cameras so far.

In Short

• Nothing Phone 4b features a premium design with a distinctive Glyph Bar
• It is powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset and 6,000mAh battery
• Photography is handled by 50-megapixel OIS main camera

Nothing has expanded its smartphone portfolio with the launch of the Phone 4b, the first device in its new B series. Starting at Rs 34,999, the smartphone is designed to make the Nothing experience more accessible without pushing buyers into a higher price bracket. On paper, it looks like a promising package, bringing the signature Nothing design and software paired with decent hardware including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip and a 6,000mAh battery.

But, as always, specs only tell half the story. At India Today Tech, we are now putting the Nothing Phone 4b through its paces. I have been using it as my primary phone for the past few days, relying on it for everything from navigation and photography to messaging and social media. While it's too early for a final verdict, we have already got a good sense of what the phone does well. So, here's a quick look at how the Nothing Phone 4b is shaping up so far.

Nothing Phone 4b design and feel

Out of the box, the Phone 4b instantly feels like a Nothing phone. It keeps Nothing's familiar see-through design, although a bit more dialled down to something like the Phone 3, to fit its relatively budget pricing. Regardless, the phone has a personality, one that's sure to turn heads and spark a conversation.

Though made entirely out of plastic, the Phone 4b is built well, even premium, some might say. The matte finish on the back has a soft, almost velvety texture that feels nice in the hand and offers plenty of grip. It is prone to the occasional smudging if you have greasy fingers.

The power and volume buttons are easy to reach and offer good tactile feedback. Given that there is a 6,000mAh battery inside, the Phone 4b does have a bit of a heft to it.

The Phone 4b borrows from the glyph bar from the Phone 4a. It lights up for notifications, charging progress, timers and camera countdowns. In a segment where most phones look almost identical, little touches like this give the device its own personality.

Nothing has also introduced a special Phone 4b RCB Edition in red, and I have to say, it looks fantastic. It's my favourite colour of the lot. That said, the Blue variant has really grown on me over the past few days. It feels fresh, has a nice pop of colour giving the phone a personality that feels missing from many smartphones in this segment.

Using the Phone 4b so far

Now, let's talk about what it's actually like using the Phone 4b.

The phone has a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display, and so far, I've enjoyed using it. Whether I was scrolling through Instagram, watching YouTube or just browsing the web, the screen felt smooth and responsive. I also had no issues using it outdoors even under bright sunlight.

One thing I did notice is the bezels. They aren't symmetrical, and there is a slightly thicker chin at the bottom. It is not a big issue, but once you notice it, it's hard to ignore.

The software is exactly what you'd expect from a Nothing phone. Nothing OS 4.1 feels clean, smooth and easy to use. Animations are fluid, and the overall experience has been pleasant so far.

You do get apps like Instagram and Facebook pre-installed, but you can uninstall them if you don't want them. Apart from that, the software is clean. I haven't faced any bugs or major issues during my time with the phone.

So far, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor has handled everyday use without any issues. Everything from browsing and Google Maps to messaging and social media has felt smooth.

Battery life has been one of the biggest highlights so far. The 6,000mAh battery easily lasted me a full day, even with heavy use. I spent most of the day clicking photos, using navigation, browsing social media and staying connected, yet I still had enough battery left by the evening. If you're someone who is looking for a phone with solid battery life this looks like one of the options.

The camera has also impressed me so far. I've clicked plenty of photos over the past few days, and in good lighting, the Phone 4b captures detailed shots with pleasing colours. The landscapes look vibrant without going overboard, and the camera handles bright skies quite well.

Nothing Phone 4b: First impressions

Of course, it's still too early to give the Nothing Phone 4b a final verdict. But after using it for the past few days, I can say the phone has made a good first impression. I like the design, the software feels clean and smooth, battery life has been solid, and the cameras have shown plenty of promise in good lighting. There are also plenty of customisation options and AI features that I'm looking forward to exploring further.

That said, there are still a few things I want to test before making the final verdict. So stay tuned to India Today Tech for the full review, where I will share my final verdict and whether the Phone 4b is worth your money.

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