Nothing Phone (4a) Pro review: nearly the best midrange phone you can buy

If you've been keeping an eye on the midrange smartphone space, you already know it's getting genuinely exciting. Flagship-quality features are trickling down faster than ever, and brands outside the usual Apple-Samsung bubble are making a real case for your attention. Nothing is one of them - and their latest release, the Phone (4a) Pro, is worth taking seriously.

What the reviewers are saying

According to a hands-on review from Wired, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro earns the title of "a close second" in the US midrange market. That's not a backhanded compliment - it's actually a strong position to hold. The phone that nudges ahead of it is Google's Pixel 10a, which has the advantage of deep Android integration and Google's own AI-powered features baked in. But for anyone who misses out on a Pixel or simply wants something a little different, the (4a) Pro offers a genuinely compelling alternative.

Why Nothing is worth paying attention to

Nothing has carved out a real identity in a crowded market - partly through its distinctive design aesthetic (yes, the transparent back and Glyph lighting interface are still a thing), and partly by proving it can deliver solid performance without the premium price tag. The (4a) Pro continues that tradition.

For buyers in the US especially, having a legitimate contender to the Pixel lineup matters. The midrange segment is where most people actually live when it comes to phone purchases, and options that don't sacrifice too much for the sake of affordability are always welcome.

Should you buy it?

If you're in the market for a midrange phone and the Pixel 10a is either unavailable, out of stock, or just not your style, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro makes a strong case for itself. It's the kind of device that punches above its weight class - and in a market full of forgettable mid-tier options, being a "close second" to one of the best value phones out there is a real achievement.

Worth a look? Absolutely. The full review is available over at Wired if you want to dig into the specifics before committing.