Nothing has finally released the Open Beta of Nothing OS 4.0 for its highly anticipated non-flagship series, the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. This update brings Android 16 features to the brand’s mid-range models, along with a number of notable design innovations.
Android 16 Features and Cinematic Camera Mode Coming
This beta, available with build number Asteroids-V3.2-251013-1406, follows the beta releases previously released for the Phone (3), Phone (2), and Phone (2a). The delay in the 3a series is believed to have given Nothing time to optimize performance for the phones’ Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip and 6.77-inch display.
Like every Open Beta, this update carries some risks. Due to potential bugs, app crashes, and rare glyph (backlight) glitches, Nothing strongly recommends users back up their data before installing. Participation in the beta program ends on November 7th. Registrations can be made via Settings → System → Nothing Beta Hub → Join Beta.
Nothing OS 4.0 builds on the AI-powered panels, faster multitasking, and overall performance improvements seen in previous betas, but also includes special additions for the 3a series.
The camera app gets a creative upgrade thanks to a new “Stretch” preset developed in collaboration with filmmaker Jordan Hemingway. This feature enhances contrast and tone for a cinematic, emotional, and high-contrast look straight from the sensor, ideal for the 3a’s dual-lens setup.
A refreshed Nothing icon pack, which stays true to the brand’s dot-matrix aesthetic but has a lighter and more elegant look, freshens up the interface. Another key feature is Lock Glimpse, a customizable lock screen flow that cycles through quick-view widgets like weather or reminders. Nothing promises that future updates will allow for personal photo integration in this area, but that data will be encrypted locally and will not be snooped on.
Beta users should expect some glitches, but for those who want early access at the cost of some stability, the 4.0 beta offers a live first look at Nothing’s next big step in software design.
