What’s New: OS 4.0 Arrives for Phone 3a (and 3a Pro)
- The company behind Nothing has officially rolled out the stable Nothing OS 4.0 update — based on Android 16 — to the Phone 3a series (Phone 3a and 3a Pro).
- According to the official release, the update comes under build version B4.0-251118-1551, and the rollout will happen in phases: all users should receive it within one to two weeks.
This move extends OS 4.0 beyond flagship devices (which received it earlier) to mid-range users, broadening the reach of Nothing’s Android-16-based custom OS.
Key Features and Improvements in Nothing OS 4.0
The new update brings several enhancements and new functionalities that aim to elevate performance, usability, and customization for Phone 3a users. Some major changes:
- AI Usage Dashboard — Tracks and displays on-device large-model AI activity so users are aware of AI processing operations, improving transparency and privacy.
- App Hiding — Users can now hide apps directly from home screen or app drawer; hidden apps remain accessible but hidden from plain view.
- Customization & UI Refresh — New icon pack, cleaner status bar, extra dark mode, updated lock-screen clock faces, refreshed quick-settings tiles (2×2 size supported), and smoother transition animations.
- Improved Multitasking & Efficiency — “Pop-up View” now supports two floating windows for easier multitasking; system-level app optimisation for faster start-up times.
- Camera Upgrades — New presets including a “Stretch” filter style, longer Motion Photos with audio, updated watermark option, cleaner UI for the camera app.
- Enhanced Glyph and Notifications Integration — The “Glyph Progress” feature now works with Android 16 Live Updates, increasing compatibility with third-party apps (for real-time information like rides, deliveries, timers) through the Glyph interface.
These changes indicate a significant step in Nothing’s plan to deliver a more modern, smooth, and flexible user experience — even on their mid-range hardware.
Significance: Why This Update Matters for Indian Users & Mid-Range Smartphone Market
- Brings Flagship-level Software to Mid-Range Segment: Many mid-range smartphone users often miss out on the latest OS features. With OS 4.0, Phone 3a users no longer lag behind — they get Android 16’s benefits without needing a flagship-level budget.
- Boosts Device Longevity and Value: Regular major OS updates help extend the usable life of a smartphone. For Phone 3a users, this update adds new features and system optimisations that prolong relevance and resale value.
- Competitive Edge in Indian Market: For buyers in India — where mid-range phones often dominate due to affordability — having a custom OS with advanced features (AI dashboard, better camera tools, multitasking enhancements) gives Nothing a competitive advantage over other mid-range offerings.
- Privacy and Flexibility: Features like AI-usage transparency and app hiding give users more control over what their phone does — an increasing demand among privacy-conscious consumers.
- Stronger Brand Promise: By updating across their device lineup, Nothing reinforces trust among existing and potential buyers that their phones will stay updated and supported.
What Users Should Do: Tips for Upgrading
If you own a Nothing Phone 3a (or 3a Pro), here’s how to proceed with the update:
- Back up your data — as recommended by Nothing before installing OS 4.0.
- Check for updates — Go to Settings → System → System Updates. The update is rolling out in phases, so it may take a few days to reach every device.
- After installation: explore new settings — AI Usage Dashboard, app hiding, Quick Settings changes, and camera presets — to configure the phone per your preferences.
What to Watch Out For: Beta Concerns & Early Feedback
While the stable release of OS 4.0 for 3a seems official, past experiences (during beta) flagged some issues:
- Some users on beta versions reportedly faced camera quirks and slower app drawers when customizing icons extensively.
- As with any major OS update, there can be transitional battery drainage or minor performance lags immediately after updating, which often stabilise after a few days as the system settles.
Hence, it’s prudent to back up data beforehand and, if possible, wait for a few days before extensively using high-demand features (like heavy camera usage or multitasking) to ensure stability.
The rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 to Phone 3a significantly enhances the value proposition of the mid-range smartphone — bringing features typically reserved for flagships: fresh UI, AI transparency, improved camera tools, multitasking upgrades, and deeper customisation.
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Last Updated on: Monday, December 1, 2025 12:57 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Monday, December 1, 2025 12:57 pm | News Categories: Business