Nothing Phone (4b) Review: The Budget Phone That Defies Memory Crisis 2026

In our Nothing Phone (4b) review, we explore how this budget smartphone stands out in a market constrained by the ongoing memory crisis. The affordable phone segment has resigned itself to worrying monotony. In a year that is not the best for changing phones due to a component crisis—more severe for storage and especially RAM—finding a device under €350 that offers any difference from one or two generations ago is difficult. Now, Nothing has decided that this situation does not have to translate into boredom. While the high-end and premium segments battle it out, this Nothing Phone (4b) arrives to remind us that doing things right does not depend solely on the margin left for a better chip or camera sensor.

We spent the last few weeks using the Phone (4b) as our main device, a phone that can deceive by its price. Under a polycarbonate body—with the characteristic Glyph—we found difficult decisions imposed by the reality we spoke of, such as the choice of a modest Qualcomm chip. Does it make sense to bet on more restrained hardware in exchange for maintaining the price of a traditional mid-range? We have a short answer and an analysis: the limitations are there, but the balance and software disguise them masterfully. Now we invite you to read the latter.

Nothing Phone (4b) Review: Design and Display

The Nothing Phone (4b) inherits the brand's distinctive design language, featuring the iconic Glyph interface that sets it apart from the crowd. The polycarbonate body feels solid, and the transparent back showcases the phone's internal components, a signature Nothing aesthetic.

The display measures 6.7 inches with a resolution of 2,344 x 1,080 pixels (381 PPI) and a 120Hz refresh rate. Touch sampling is 240Hz (1,000Hz instantaneous), ensuring responsive gaming and smooth scrolling. While not the sharpest panel in this price range, it offers good color reproduction and adequate brightness for outdoor use.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Phone (4b) is powered by a modest Qualcomm chip—likely a Snapdragon 4-series or 6-series—paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. Given the memory crisis, these specs are reasonable for the price. In day-to-day use, the phone handles social media, browsing, and light gaming without major hiccups.

Nothing OS 4.1 is the real star here. It's clean, bloatware-free, and optimized to make the most of the hardware. The Glyph interface adds a layer of personalization and functionality, with customizable light patterns for notifications and calls. The software experience is fluid, and Nothing promises three years of Android updates and four years of security patches.

Camera

The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a secondary ultrawide or depth sensor. In good lighting, the main camera captures detailed photos with accurate colors. Low-light performance is average, with some noise and softness, but the Night mode helps. The 16MP front camera is adequate for selfies and video calls.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, which is a limitation for content creators, but acceptable for casual users.

Battery and Charging

The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate use. Heavy users might need a top-up in the evening, but the 33W fast charging gets you to 50% in about 30 minutes. There's no wireless charging, which is expected at this price point.

Key Takeaways

• Distinctive design with Glyph interface and transparent back.
• Clean software with Nothing OS 4.1 and long update support.
• Solid battery life with 5,000mAh capacity and 33W charging.
• Modest performance suitable for everyday tasks but not heavy gaming.
• Competitive price under €350, making it a strong value.

Nothing Phone (4b) vs. Competitors

The Phone (4b) sits below the Phone (3a) Pro in terms of performance but offers a similar experience for less. The Phone (3) is a significant step up but costs nearly double.

Why the Memory Crisis Matters

The global memory crisis has led to increased prices for RAM and storage, forcing manufacturers to cut corners or raise prices. Budget phones are hit hardest, often shipping with less RAM and slower storage. The Nothing Phone (4b) manages to offer 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, which is commendable given the circumstances.

Nothing's decision to prioritize software optimization over raw power ensures the phone remains usable for years. This approach aligns with the company's philosophy of making technology more accessible and enjoyable. The background to this story is set out in The $120 Smartphone Is Dying: Why Budget Phones Are Disappearing for Good. A related thread runs through How Phone Photography Is Changing Our Souls.

Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone (4b)?

The Phone (4b) is ideal for budget-conscious users who want a stylish, reliable phone with clean software. It's also a great choice for those who value design and branding. If you need top-tier gaming performance or professional-grade cameras, look elsewhere. Earlier coverage in Republicans Have 'Nothing to Run On' After Trump Failures shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Republicans Have Nothing to Run On in Midterms, Jeffries Says.

For those considering alternatives, the Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro with new cameras, Glyph and Nothing OS 4.1 offer similar features with slightly better specs. If you can stretch your budget, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro 256GB drops to €275, which is a fantastic deal for a more powerful device. And for those who want the best Nothing has to offer, the Nothing Phone (3) with Glyph Matrix and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a flagship killer.

Ultimately, the Nothing Phone (4b) proves that even in a crisis, thoughtful design and software can deliver a compelling experience. It's a budget phone that doesn't feel like a compromise. Anyone following the wider picture can start with This is Samsung's next budget phone.