As the tech world looks ahead to 2026, the rumor mill is already churning with details about next year's mid-range contenders. Fresh leaks have surfaced concerning Nothing's anticipated follow-up to its popular budget-friendly Phone (3a) series, offering the first concrete specifications, potential pricing, and even details on a new audio accessory. This information paints a picture of a competitive landscape where performance upgrades may come with a significant cost.
Leaked Specifications Point to a Generational Chipset Upgrade
According to a recent leak from developer MlgmXyysd on Telegram, the Nothing Phone (4a) series is expected to feature the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series processors. The leak suggests a strategic split between the standard and Pro models. The base Nothing Phone (4a) is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 7s chipset, likely the 7s Gen 4, while the more premium Phone (4a) Pro could receive the standard Snapdragon 7 Gen 4. This represents a clear step up from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 used in both models of the current Phone (3a) generation, promising improvements in CPU performance, graphics, and power efficiency for the 2026 lineup.
Rumored Nothing Phone (4a) Series Specifications & Pricing
| Feature | Nothing Phone (4a) | Nothing Phone (4a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (rumored) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (rumored) |
| RAM/Storage Config | 12GB / 256GB | 12GB / 256GB |
| eSIM Support | No (rumored) | Yes (rumored) |
| Rumored Price | USD 475 | USD 540 |
| Colors | Pink, Blue, White, Black (rumored) | Pink, Blue, White, Black (rumored) |
| Launch Window | March 2026 (rumored) | March 2026 (rumored) |
Pricing and Feature Differentiation Between Models
The leak also provides insight into the potential cost and feature set of the new devices. A configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is rumored to be priced at approximately USD 475 for the Phone (4a) and USD 540 for the Pro model. If accurate, this indicates a notable price increase over the 2025 models, which launched at USD 379 and USD 459 for the same specification tier. Furthermore, the leak indicates that, like its predecessor, only the Phone (4a) Pro model will support eSIM functionality. The color options for the phones are said to include pink, blue, white, and black.
A New Audio Companion: The Nothing Headphone (a)
Alongside the smartphones, Nothing is reportedly preparing to launch a new pair of headphones dubbed the Headphone (a). Described as a rebranded version of the existing Headphone (1), the key differentiator for this new model is its construction. The Headphone (a) is expected to feature a full plastic body, potentially making it a more affordable entry into Nothing's audio ecosystem. It is rumored to be offered in a vibrant palette of pink, yellow, white, and black, aligning with the company's distinctive design language.
Rumored Nothing Headphone (a) Details
- Design: Rebodied version of Headphone (1) with a full plastic construction.
- Colors: Pink, Yellow, White, Black.
- Launch: Alongside Phone (4a) series in March 2026.
A Crowded Mid-Range Launch Window Awaits
The leaked information points to a March 2026 launch for all these products, which would mark a one-year cycle from the release of the Phone (3a). This timing would position Nothing directly against rumored mid-range offerings from other major manufacturers. The spring of 2026 is expected to be a busy period, with potential launches including Apple's iPhone 17e, Google's Pixel 10a, and Samsung's Galaxy A57, setting the stage for intense competition in the value segment of the smartphone market.
Competitive Context: Rumored Spring 2026 Mid-Range Launches
- Apple iPhone 17e
- Google Pixel 10a
- Samsung Galaxy A57
The Implications of Rising Smartphone Costs
Perhaps the most striking takeaway from these leaks is the suggested price increase. Industry analysts have repeatedly warned about rising component and manufacturing costs, and the rumored pricing for the Phone (4a) series appears to confirm this trend. The speculated ~USD 100 jump for the base model, if true, represents a significant year-over-year increase. This development raises questions about how Nothing and its competitors will balance delivering compelling technology with maintaining accessibility in the increasingly expensive mid-range sector, a challenge that will be closely watched by consumers and industry observers alike.