Nothing will not release a new flagship smartphone in 2026, the company’s CEO Carl Pei confirmed in a late January YouTube video. The Phone (3), launched in the summer of 2025, will remain the company’s primary high-end offering throughout the year. This decision reflects a broader shift in the smartphone market, where manufacturers are increasingly focused on delivering meaningful upgrades rather than adhering to strict annual release cycles.
“We won’t launch a new flagship every year just to keep to the timeline. We wish every upgrade to sense meaningful,” Pei stated.
This strategy diverges from industry norms set by companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google, which consistently unveil new flagship models annually. Essentially, Nothing is skipping a generation in the premium segment, meaning a potential Phone (5) won’t arrive until at least 2027.
Memory Chip Shortages Play a Role
The decision is partly driven by economic realities. Pei has openly discussed the dramatic increase in the price of memory chips, stating they have risen severalfold.
The surge in cost is due to the AI industry’s heavy reliance on the same type of memory used in smartphones. As data centers and mobile manufacturers compete for the same components, prices increase across the board. For a relatively smaller company like Nothing, launching a flagship model with incremental improvements becomes prohibitively expensive when component costs are this high.
It’s important to note that rising component prices aren’t affecting Nothing alone; all phones could become more expensive in the future. Nothing is simply more transparent about the situation than most. If you already own a Phone (3), you can confidently continue using it for another year or two.
Nothing Phone (3). Photo: Nothing
Phone (4a) to Fill the Gap
Instead of a new flagship, Nothing is focusing its efforts on the more affordable Phone (4a). The launch date is confirmed for March 5th, at a dedicated event in London.
Two models will be released: a standard Phone (4a) and a new Phone (4a) Pro. Pei promises both will deliver an experience closer to a flagship model than any previous (a) series device – in terms of materials, design, screen, camera, and performance. These are bold claims from a manufacturer that has built a reputation for delivering on its promises.
What We Expect in Terms of Specifications
Nothing hasn’t confirmed the details, but reliable leaker Billbil-kun (via French Dealabs) has shared what are claimed to be the full specifications. While these should be taken with a grain of salt, the source has been accurate in the past:
Nothing Phone (4a)
According to the leaks, the Phone (4a) will feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and an adaptive refresh rate between 30 and 120 Hz. The processor will be a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, paired with either 8 or 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The standout feature is a triple camera with three 50 MP sensors, including a telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom – unusual for this price range. The battery is said to be larger than the one in the Phone (3a), with 50W fast charging. Leaks suggest a starting price of around 400 Euros, with sales beginning on March 12th.
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro
The Phone (4a) Pro takes things a step further. It boasts a 6.83-inch AMOLED screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate, a 50 MP Sony main sensor with optical stabilization, and a periscope telephoto lens with up to 140x digital zoom. The body is constructed from aluminum with a unibody design, and the back features a Glyph Matrix display, familiar from the Phone (3). Prices are expected to start around 500 Euros, with sales beginning on March 26th.
European prices typically vary by plus or minus twenty euros between countries, and Nordic pricing has not been confirmed. Based on experience, it will likely be at the higher end of the range.
More Expensive Than Its Predecessor – But Also Better
The pricing represents a noticeable step up from the Phone (3a). In return, you receive more for your money: a triple camera with optical zoom on the standard model is something rarely seen for under 5,000 SEK. The Pro model, with its aluminum chassis, 144 Hz screen, and periscope camera, approaches flagship status – at least on paper.
Who is the Phone (4a) For?
The Nothing Phone (4a) is a good fit for those who want a phone that stands out visually – with a transparent back and Nothing’s distinctive Glyph lights. Or for those tired of paying flagship prices for marginal improvements. A good camera system for under 5,000 SEK is also a strong argument, especially with optical zoom in this price range. And if you’ve been curious about Nothing but found the Phone (3) too expensive, this could be a good opportunity to jump on board.
The launch takes place on March 5th at 11:30 AM Swedish time. Final Swedish prices have not yet been confirmed. We will update this article when we have more information.
More info: nothing.tech
(b. 1978): Journalist. Gråbein has never had a full-time job other than at Ljud & Bild. He has been here almost half his life, since 2001 when he sent a job application to the wrong address (he actually wanted to go to a recording studio with the same name). Gråbein’s expertise is primarily in hi-fi, headphones and home cinema, but he occasionally flashes other qualities as well.
