Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro Receive Android 16-Based Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, based on Android 16, is finally rolling out for the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, marking the next major update in the company’s software evolution. After debuting the update last month for other models like the Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus, the brand has now brought its latest operating system to the more affordable 3a lineup.

This marks the completion of the first beta phase for all current Nothing devices.

The Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta introduces a refreshed visual experience built on Android 16’s foundation. One of its highlights is the redesigned Nothing icon pack, which continues the company’s minimalist design language but with a sharper and more consistent aesthetic across all system apps. For photography lovers, the update adds a special ‘Stretch’ Camera preset created in collaboration with renowned fashion and portrait photographer Jordan Hemingway. This new mode emphasizes cinematic contrast, offering richer shadows and extended highlights for photos that look instantly artistic without the need for post-editing.

Another major addition is the Lock Glimpse feature. Acting as a dynamic lock screen experience, it cycles through high-resolution wallpapers grouped into nine themed categories. Users can now wake their screen to find fresh images each time, along with contextual information such as weather snippets, daily tips, or other content designed to add personality and utility to the lock screen. Nothing has also teased that a future update will allow users to showcase their personal photo collections directly within Lock Glimpse, though no specific release date has been given for that functionality yet.

As with earlier beta versions on the other models, Nothing OS 4.0 for the 3a and 3a Pro includes smoother transitions, improved animation timing, and better integration between widgets and the Quick Settings menu. System optimization has also been refined to deliver a more consistent refresh rate and better multitasking response. Early testers report that even though this is a beta build, it feels noticeably faster and more refined than Nothing OS 3.5, particularly in camera startup and app switching.

Of course, since this release is still an Open Beta, users are reminded that it may contain bugs and stability issues. Beta software is meant for testing and feedback rather than daily reliability, so installing it on a main device is not recommended. Those who still wish to participate can register and download the build from the official Nothing community website, but they must do so before November 7. After that date, enrollment in the beta program will close until the next testing wave begins.

In terms of pricing, the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro continue to offer impressive value. The base 3a variant with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM starts around €308 (approximately $445), while the higher 256GB/12GB configuration is priced near €349 ($455). The Pro model steps up with enhanced materials and performance, starting around €399 for the 256GB/12GB version. These devices remain strong contenders in the midrange Android market, now further strengthened by access to Nothing OS 4.0’s experimental features.

With this update, Nothing cements its reputation for delivering unique design-driven Android experiences that balance creativity and user focus. From the distinctive visual identity of its icons to artistic camera tuning, Nothing OS 4.0 represents a maturing software vision – one that mirrors the company’s ambition to make technology feel personal again. The Nothing Phone (3a) series, now included in this rollout, shows that even the more affordable Nothing models won’t be left behind in terms of innovation or design refinement.