I’ve faced minimal performance issues with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 powering the device, as it delivers a responsive experience across most tasks. The camera application, however, occasionally exhibits stutters or shutter lag, which is the only instance where the phone feels like it’s operating with a midrange processor. In every other scenario, its performance rivals that of flagship models, although resource-intensive games such as Genshin Impact might not support the top-tier graphics settings.
It’s great to see Nothing include 256 GB of storage, as it’s about time that phone manufacturers adopt this as a standard. Additionally, Nothing has improved its software update policy, promising three Android OS updates along with six years of security patches. Although this is commendable, it falls short compared to Samsung’s commitment to six years for both OS and security updates on its new Galaxy A series. Nothing might argue that Samsung is a massive corporation while it is still a startup, which is a fair point. I’m just pleased to see both companies enhancing their software support annually.
My primary concerns revolve around the absence of an IP68 rating and wireless charging. Just recently, Motorola introduced its budget Moto G Power for 2025, which features an IP68 rating for the first time and supports wireless charging. While the IP64 rating on Nothing devices means they can withstand rain, they aren’t suitable for underwater use, so caution is advised near pools. It’s tough to criticize the absence of wireless charging too harshly, as that feature is still relatively rare among sub-$500 smartphones, although this trend is beginning to shift. This is something to keep in mind for the Phone (4a).
The Glyph lights continue to adorn the back of the device. Personally, I still enjoy these LEDs—they can pulse to music, signal notifications, display the remaining time on a timer, among other functions. Do I consider them incredibly useful? Not necessarily, but they do add a playful element and work as a conversation starter.
Innovative AI Features
The Phone (3a) series introduces a new button called the Essential Key, unrelated to the infamous Essential Phone. A single tap captures your screen and enables you to add a voice or text note. This information is then processed in the Essential Space app using artificial intelligence, extracting valuable insights from your screenshots. This function is similar to Google’s Pixel Screenshots app but allows for personal note infusion. Holding the button enables you to record a voice note—these are categorized and stored as memories for later recall. If the AI identifies actionable items, it creates tasks for you. A double-tap on the button launches the Essential Space app.
When compared to other smartphone brands that often inundate users with generic AI features—such as AI transcriptions, writing tools, and summaries—Nothing’s unique approach is refreshing. Initially, I struggled with incorporating this feature into my routine, often hitting the button accidentally due to its proximity to the power button (a textured alternative would have been a smart design choice). However, I’m gradually getting used to pressing it to quickly record reminders or tasks I want to tackle later.
The Essential Key is conveniently located just below the power button.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
There’s also a new Essential Space widget.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
These memories can be transcribed and summarized, with tasks generated as per my requests. Furthermore, I can listen to my audio clips to hear my recorded notes directly. The Essential Space widget plays a crucial role in reminding me about these tasks and memories.
This marks Nothing’s first foray into AI, and I had concerns regarding the security and privacy of the notes I’m creating. According to Nothing, most data within Essential Space is stored locally on the device, including audio data converted to text. For text and screenshot processing, data is sent to Nothing’s servers (located in France for global users, and in India for users in India) and then subsequently deleted. Additional data may be uploaded to enhance processing accuracy, including details like time, time zone, and location, though this information isn’t retained. Nothing assures that this data is not utilized for advertising purposes and isn’t shared with third parties “beyond the scope of the service request.” The company has, however, chosen not to disclose the specific third-party partners involved in enabling Nothing AI’s functionality.
