5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro

https://www.androidauthority.com/nothing-phone-4a-pro-alternatives-3648028/

Publish Date: 2026-03-14 05:06:00

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro was just announced earlier this month, and it’s already safe to say it’ll be one of 2026’s most unique smartphones. With the wild camera sensor placement, iPhone 17 Pro-like camera island, and the secondary display in the top-right corner, it’s quite unlike any other Android phone on the market today — even without Nothing’s iconic transparent design.

But despite the fascinating hardware, decent spec sheet, and $500 starting price, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Nothing Phone 4a Pro should be your next smartphone.

Before you rush out and buy Nothing’s latest and greatest, here are five other Android phones you may want to buy instead.

What do you think is the best Nothing Phone 4a Pro alternative?

25 votes

Google Pixel 10a

12%

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

28%

OnePlus 13R

40%

Moto G Stylus (2025)

Motorola Razr (2025)

Other (let us know in the comments)

Google Pixel 10a

Joe Maring / Android Authority

The first of those phones is the Google Pixel 10a. The 10a isn’t nearly as flashy or exciting as the Nothing Phone 4a Pro, and that can make it look like a pretty boring alternative. But given the choice between the two, I would choose the Pixel.

Why? Part of it is because of Google’s hardware. As unique as the Nothing Phone 4a Pro may be, the Pixel 10a is easily the more practical smartphone. It’s 27 grams lighter, has a more compact 6.3-inch display (Nothing uses a 6.8-inch screen), and it has a completely flush camera on the back. Nothing’s phone may be more stylish, but it’s the Pixel I’d actually want to use and carry with me every day. Plus, the new Berry color is outstanding.

The other big deciding factor is software. While NothingOS is one of the better Android skins in 2026, Google’s Pixel software remains the best you can get. The Material 3 Expressive UI is wonderful, and all of Google’s Pixel-exclusive features are far more useful than what Nothing provides. Furthermore, Google’s seven-year guarantee for…

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