Nothing Phone 4b is finally launched and gets a cleaner software experience and unique design, but buyers have better options depending on what they value most
The Nothing Phone (4b) has arrived in India with a starting price of ₹34,999, although launch offers bring the effective price down to ₹29,999. It packs a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, a 50MP OIS camera, a 6,000mAh battery, and the company’s signature transparent design with the new Glyph Bar interface.
On paper, it looks like a well-rounded premium mid-range smartphone. However, spending nearly ₹35,000 also opens the door to several strong alternatives. So, should you buy the Nothing Phone (4b), or are you better off looking elsewhere?
A polished phone, but not the most powerful at this price
The biggest strength of the Nothing Phone (4b) isn’t its specifications—it’s the overall experience.
The Full HD+ AMOLED display looks sharp, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 delivers smooth day-to-day performance, and Nothing OS continues to be one of Android’s cleanest software experiences. There are very few pre-installed apps, animations are fluid, and the interface feels uncluttered compared to many rivals.
These are the things users notice every single day. Whether you’re browsing social media, watching Netflix, replying to messages, or switching between multiple apps, the Phone (4b) feels polished and responsive.
Its 50MP primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide sensor also make it a more versatile option for photography than many phones in this segment.
The problem is what ₹35,000 can buy today
At this price, buyers aren’t only looking at the Nothing Phone (4b).
If performance is your biggest priority, the OnePlus Nord 5 offers a considerably faster chipset, making it a better choice for gaming, video editing, and heavier multitasking. While the Nothing Phone (4b) performs well, the Nord 5 provides more performance headroom for users planning to keep their phone for several years.
Then there’s the Realme 16T 5G, which takes a completely different approach. It costs around ₹26,999 yet offers an enormous 8,000 mAh battery, faster 45 W charging, IP68/IP69K water resistance, and military-grade durability.
Of course, the Realme isn’t perfect. Its HD+ display isn’t as sharp as the Nothing Phone (4b)’s Full HD+ panel, and the Dimensity 6300 chipset isn’t as powerful as the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. The software experience is also busier, with more pre-installed apps than Nothing OS.
But if your priorities are battery life, durability, and overall hardware value, it’s difficult to ignore how much the Realme offers for significantly less money.
Other Alternatives
Here are some bonus alternative phones that you can buy instead of the Nothing Phone 4B.
- Google Pixel 10a: This phone boasts an improved camera and a potent Tensor G4 chip. It works well for taking pictures in the dark.
- OnePlus Nord CE 6: At a comparable mid-range price, this phone has a slimmer design and quicker charging.
- Samsung Galaxy A57: This phone has a great Super AMOLED display and is protected well against water and dust.
- Lava Agni 4 5G: This phone features a fast MediaTek processor and a curved display for about ₹29,999.
Should you buy the Nothing Phone (4b)?
The answer depends on what matters most to you.
If you want a smartphone that feels premium to use every day—with a sharp display, clean software, reliable cameras, and smooth overall performance—the Nothing Phone (4b) is one of the better choices in its segment.
However, if you’re spending the full ₹34,999, it’s worth looking at alternatives first. The OnePlus Nord 5 delivers better performance for power users, while the Realme 16T 5G offers exceptional battery life and durability at a much lower price.
The Nothing Phone (4b) is easiest to recommend at its effective launch price of ₹29,999. At ₹34,999, it remains a good smartphone, but not necessarily the best value. Unless you specifically want Nothing OS, the transparent design, or the Glyph interface, comparing it against rivals like the OnePlus Nord 5 and Realme 16T 5G before making a purchase is the smarter decision.
