After the success of Nothing OS 3, which focused on stability and simplicity, Nothing OS 4.0 brings a more expressive, content-rich experience that both excites and divides fans.
Let’s talk about what’s changed, what’s improved, and whether this new direction still feels like the “Nothing” we fell in love with.
⚙️ From Nothing OS 3 to 4 — The Evolution
The leap from Nothing OS 3 to Nothing OS 4 isn’t just about a version number — it’s a shift toward a smarter, smoother, and more expressive user experience. Here’s how they stack up:
Android Base:
Nothing OS 3 was built on Android 15
Nothing OS 4 moves up to Android 16, bringing better optimization and new features
Design Language:
OS 3 followed a clean, flat, minimal look
OS 4 introduces a more refined, lively, and polished design
Performance:
OS 3 was known for being stable and efficient
OS 4 enhances speed with faster animations and smarter battery management
Camera:
OS 3 offered standard presets
OS 4 brings a new “Stretch Mode”, co-created with visual artist Jordan Hemingway
Lock Screen:
OS 3 featured a simple static layout
OS 4 adds a dynamic “Lock Glimpse” feed that updates with fresh content
App Setup:
OS 3 had no extra pre-installed apps
OS 4 now lets users choose select third-party apps during setup for a personalized experience
In short, OS 3 was all about quiet refinement — OS 4 adds personality.
🎨 A Fresh Look — Visually Lighter, Emotionally Richer
When you boot up Nothing OS 4.0, the difference hits instantly.
Icons are smoother, animations more fluid, and transitions carry a touch of elegance.
It feels familiar but livelier — like Nothing finally allowed itself to show emotion through design.
📸 Camera Creativity Gets a Boost
The new Stretch Preset (made with photographer Jordan Hemingway) is a highlight.
It deepens shadows, adds texture, and gives a cinematic mood to photos — perfect for those who love storytelling through visuals.
For content creators, it’s an artistic tool disguised as a camera mode.
🔒 Lock Glimpse — Innovation or Intrusion?
OS 4 introduces Lock Glimpse, a feature that brings curated wallpapers and content directly to your lock screen.
Swipe left, and you’ll find categories like travel, art, and tech — almost like a magazine preview.
But here’s the twist: while it’s opt-in for now, many tech fans worry this could evolve into lock-screen ads in future updates.
Still, the concept of a living lock screen is undeniably interesting.
📱 Pre-Installed Apps: A Shift in Philosophy
One of the biggest surprises is the addition of a few pre-installed apps in OS 4.0 — something the brand once promised to avoid.
According to Nothing’s co-founder Akis Evangelidis, this helps new users get started faster.
As long as these apps remain optional and uninstallable, it’s a fair trade-off — but fans are watching closely.
⚡ Performance and Stability
Early testers report smoother transitions, faster app launches, and better memory management than OS 3.
Battery performance improves slightly once the system settles (after 2–3 days).
Since this is a Beta build, minor bugs, heat spikes, or extra drain are expected initially.
🌍 Rollout Details for Indian Users
If you’re in India, you can already join the Open Beta for the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro using the Nothing Beta Hub (Settings → System → Beta Hub).
Enrollment is open until November 7, 2025, and the update runs on Android 16.
Stable rollout for all eligible devices is expected by late Q4 2025.
💭 My Honest Opinion
I’ve used both OS 3 and OS 4, and here’s my takeaway:
OS 3 was a minimalist’s dream — fast, clean, and distraction-free.
OS 4 feels like a creative evolution — expressive, experimental, and a bit daring.
Nothing is no longer just the “minimalist alternative”; it’s becoming a statement brand that wants to mix art with utility.
If that balance holds, OS 4 could be their best update yet.
💬 Final Thoughts
Nothing OS 4.0 bridges the gap between simplicity and smart content.
It’s a step forward that brings life and motion to the minimal design language we loved in OS 3.
Sure, some features may spark debate — but that’s what innovation often does.
As a tech enthusiast, I’d say: this update doesn’t just look new, it feels new.
FAQs
Q1. Can I upgrade from OS 3 to OS 4 directly?
👉 Yes, but backup your data first if you’re installing the Beta version.
Q2. Which devices are eligible?
👉 Currently, Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro. More models to be added later.
Q3. Is Lock Glimpse safe for privacy?
👉 Yes, it’s optional and doesn’t collect personal content — it simply shows curated visuals.
Q4. Will older devices like Phone (2) get OS 4?
👉 Nothing has not confirmed yet, but it’s likely once the Beta period ends.
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