The Nothing Phone 4a Pro just launched, and it’s already made a lot of noise with its design and specs. Enough to rival a full-fledged flagship. The unusual camera placement reminiscent of the iPhone 17 Pro, an additional display in the corner, the signature transparent design — it looks impressive. For its price, it’s one of the most unconventional smartphones on the market. But “unconventional” and “best choice” aren’t the same thing. Honestly, despite all my sympathy for Nothing, I wouldn’t rush in. There are at least five alternatives on the market that would be a smarter choice for most buyers. Let’s break it down.
Nothing stands out by making visually very bold smartphones.
Google Pixel 10a — The Best Alternative to Nothing Phone 4a Pro for the Same Money
If choosing between the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and the Google Pixel 10a, I’d pick the Pixel, even though I’ve criticized it more than once. Yes, it’s not as flashy — it’s deliberately understated, even. But in practice, it’s the one you actually want to carry every day. It’s 27 grams lighter, more compact thanks to a 6.3-inch screen versus Nothing’s 6.8 inches, and the camera sits completely flush with the body.
Pixel 10a. Image: Google
The main advantage is the software. NothingOS has gotten noticeably better, I won’t argue with that. But Google with Material 3 Expressive UI and exclusive AI features is the best experience available on Android. Seven years of updates versus three from Nothing — it’s almost embarrassing to compare. In terms of performance and battery, Nothing is formally ahead, but the Pixel 10a is at a good level, and its optimization is certainly no worse. So it’s definitely worth paying attention to.
Is It Worth Buying the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Instead of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
Let’s say you need a bigger screen and a telephoto camera. Then — Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. The 6.7-inch display is almost the same as Nothing’s, but the body is thinner, shorter, and lighter. The telephoto with 3x optical zoom and a large sensor is more serious than what Nothing offers. IP68 protection versus IP65, a more powerful Exynos 2400 chipset, and seven years of guaranteed updates.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. Photo: techjuice.pk
The Galaxy S25 FE price may seem high. And it is. That’s why it’s best to buy it on sale, which happens from time to time. If you find a good deal, this device is definitely worth considering and will be more interesting than the Nothing Phone 4a Pro.
OnePlus 13R Instead of Nothing Phone 4a Pro
If the Galaxy S25 FE didn’t catch your eye — there’s the OnePlus 13R. Yes, it’s not the freshest model, and OnePlus has formally discontinued it. But you can still find it for sale, and at a pretty attractive price. Especially the 256 GB version, though that’s the bare minimum worth buying. It should be comparable or even equal in price to the Nothing Phone 4a Pro.
OnePlus 13R. Image: iXBT.com
For the money, the OnePlus 13R gives you a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is noticeably more powerful than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 in the Nothing. The battery is 6000 mAh versus 5080 mAh, and charging is 80W versus 50W. Design-wise, OnePlus loses — no transparent back, no additional screen. But if performance and battery life matter more — the OnePlus 13R wins on all those fronts. Personally, I’d recommend looking for it on sale — then the price-to-quality ratio becomes truly compelling.
Motorola Razr 2025: A Foldable Phone Instead of a Regular One
And finally — an option for those who are primarily attracted to the Nothing Phone 4a Pro’s unusual design. Because, hand on heart, no matter how interesting the Nothing is, it still doesn’t fold in half. And the Motorola Razr 2025 does.
The main 6.9-inch screen works like a regular Android smartphone. The 3.6-inch external screen handles notifications, quick replies, and apps in a compact format. The Razr can be propped up in a tent position for photos or used as a mini display on a desk.
Motorola Razr 2025
Spec-wise, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro wins on almost every point if you dig into the specifications. But the Razr 2025 doesn’t fall short on any of them — and offers a completely different user experience. At the very least, it’s a solid alternative among affordable flip phones.
Is the Nothing Phone 4a Pro Worth Buying?
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is an interesting smartphone — there’s no point in arguing about that. The design is eye-catching, the additional screen is cool, and the price is reasonable for such a feature set. But if you set aside the visual impact and look at things soberly — in terms of practicality, software, and long-term support, the Pixel 10a looks more convincing for the same money. The Galaxy S25 FE on sale does too. The OnePlus 13R is more powerful, and the Razr 2025 is more unusual.
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is best suited for those who value design above everything else. For everyone else, there are plenty of interesting options with a wide variety of strengths.
