This series summarizes the weekly developments in budget SIMs, SIM-free smartphones, and more, along with price lists for major budget SIMs. Last week saw the debut of Nothing's new mid-range device, the Nothing Phone (4b). While smartphone prices have been soaring recently, this model offers 8GB of RAM and FeliCa support for under ¥60,000. The Rakuten Mobile exclusive blue color is also very appealing.
Nothing's New Mid-Range 'Phone (4b)' Arrives: An All-Inclusive Device for Under ¥60,000 is Welcome Amid Soaring Smartphone Prices
Nothing has unveiled its new model, the Nothing Phone (4b), set to be released on October 27th. The price on the official online store is ¥59,800, and it will also be available through Rakuten Mobile for ¥58,900. A blue color will be offered as a Rakuten exclusive (in addition to white and black).
A key feature of the Nothing Phone (4b) is its unibody construction, first introduced with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. However, this version uses plastic material instead of metal. The camera module on the upper rear retains the signature see-through design, complemented by the 'Glyph Bar,' which uses bar-shaped LEDs to indicate notifications and calls, giving it a distinctive Nothing aesthetic.
To the right of the camera module is the 'Glyph Bar,' which uses bar-shaped LEDs to alert users to notifications and calls.
Key specifications include a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 SoC, achieving an AnTuTu score of just under 1 million, a 6.77-inch 120Hz OLED display, a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel (1/2.76-inch) main sensor and an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 5200mAh battery, and Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16. While its IP64 rating offers only splash resistance, it supports eSIM and FeliCa for the Japanese market.
The camera features a dual-lens configuration. Are the specs perhaps a little underwhelming!?
It comes in a single configuration: 8GB RAM + 128GB storage. Given the particularly sharp price increases for mid-range smartphones, a device priced under ¥60,000 could prove to be a valuable option.
Key specifications at a glance. While water resistance is limited to IP64, FeliCa and eSIM are supported.
The More Powerful Nothing Phone (4a) is Also Available for Under ¥60,000 – A Must-Consider Option for Camera Enthusiasts
Incidentally, the company released the Nothing Phone (4a) and the aforementioned Nothing Phone (4a) Pro in April this year. The Nothing Phone (4a) is priced at ¥58,800 for the 8GB+128GB model and ¥64,800 for the 8GB+256GB model, creating some overlap in price points.
This is the Nothing Phone (4a). As a new product released before the current surge in smartphone prices, its camera performance is significantly higher, yet it's priced similarly. If you want it, you should buy it while it's still available!?
The Nothing Phone (4a) features an all-glass, see-through design on its rear. While its SoC, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, is not significantly different from the Nothing Phone (4b)'s, its camera system is clearly superior, boasting a 50-megapixel (1/1.57-inch) main sensor, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens (periscope type, 3.5x optical zoom), and an ultra-wide-angle lens. If you prefer its design, it's worth considering this model while stock lasts.
Currently, only white and black versions of the Nothing Phone (4a) are available on official stores and e-commerce sites. The pink and blue colors, which generated buzz upon launch, appear to be out of stock.
