Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
After the Nothing OS 4.0 update arrived for Nothing Phone 3a , we downloaded and installed it, and we have been taking it for a spin for a few days now. Does the Nothing Phone 3a 4.0 update live up to expectations? Find out in our quick Nothing OS 4.0 review.
- Nothing OS 4.0 Review: What’s New?
- Camera Improvements
- Performance
- Verdict
Nothing OS 4.0 Review: What’s New?
The new Nothing OS 4.0 review
Visually, nothing much has changed. Nothing OS 4.0 introduces some new widgets, touches up a few pre-existing ones, adds more size options for the Weather, Pedometer, Screen Time widgets, and introduces a deeper Extra Dark Mode. This new Extra Dark Mode is proper black, and it is something that I like.
Also, in the Quick Settings, you can now have 2×2 size for most tiles. And the status bar icons have been updated with a new look. The icons all look different now. They are definitely bolder and easier to look at. An interesting twist is the removal of the percentage sign from the battery level indicator; all you see is the number. Have a look at the differences below.
Nothing OS 3.2 status bar icons (top); Nothing OS 4.0 status bar icons (bottom).
Some may not like the new status bar icons; I suspect they will be a polarising issue. What do you think? Which set do you prefer?
In Nothing OS 4.0, you can now hide app icons directly from the home screen and app drawer. Al you have to do is press and hold on an app icon and select the hide option. Viola! The app disappears from view and is hidden away in the phone settings (Find hidden apps via: Home screen > App drawer > Hidden icons) and in a Hidden folder at the bottom of the app drawer.
Using Essential Search, you can now determine the scope of your searches. By default, the search system includes your calendar, contacts, files, messages, settings, gallery, recorder, and widgets. You can disable anyone of these to exclude it from search results.
Before the Nothing Phone 3a 4.0 update, Pop-up view supported only one floating app. Now, it supports two floating icons for easier switching between apps that you use often. That is some extra convenience if you use the feature.
Camera Improvements
One of my favourite apps on any phone is the camera, and this is because I am a shutterbug. The camera app in Nothing OS 4.0 comes with multiple improvements. For one, the user interface looks better. I definitely prefer it to the old one.
Also, the list of presets has been updated with a handful of new styles. I have tired them out and they are not my style, but I imagine that there are other users who will love them. I love the concept of presets and I am still searching for presets that will make the feature worth using.
Nothing says that the Filters have been modified too; I have not seen the difference yet – perhaps because I do not use filters much. Motion Photos now supports longer recording times and audio capture. This is a good development.
The camera now includes Nothing brand watermarks with the dot matrix font, and artistic frames. I like that i can choose what information is appended to the photos, especially camera parameters.
Performance
Lastly, let’s talk about performance. Does the Nothing Phone 3a run smoothly after the update? Absolutely. It chugs along smoothly. There have been no freezes or random app shutdowns or phone restarts. I have found no bugs so far in this update. And if I do find any down the road, I will be sure to update this review with the new information.
Verdict
Nothing OS 4.0 brings some polish to the user interface without impeding on performance in any way, and without giving up the minimalist simplicity of the custom UI. I have found nothing to complain about it so far. let’s hope things stay that way.
This is all I have for you in my Nothing OS 4.0 review. Of course, as I use and explore the phone some more, I will likely run into more features and have experiences that I can add to this review.
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
Sony has just launched the 200MP LYTIA LYT-901 smartphone camera sensor. At 1/1.12 inches, it is reportedly the world’s largest 200MP sensor. While Sony doesn’t mention this part in its press release, an X post from a popular leaker — @sondesix — claims so.
Sony introduces the new LYTIA LYT-901 image sensor, its first camera sensor with a 200 MP resolution. It is currently the world’s largest 200 MP sensor, with a 1/1.12" size. LYT-901 specs: • 0.7 µm pixel size • Quad Quad Bayer Coding (QQBC) + AI learning-based remosaicing •… pic.twitter.com/aWnjRTv3EO — Alvin (@sondesix) November 27, 2025
This large sensor includes 0.7 µm pixels, up to 4x zoom by cropping into the sensor, and AI functionality added for faster processing and delivering high-quality details in images and videos. The world’s largest 200MP smartphone camera sensor by Sony is expected to come in some 2026 flagships.
Vivo and Oppo could get Sony’s 200MP sensor
Regarding which devices will feature this impressive camera, there are no official confirmations. However, the tipster @sondesix points to the Vivo X300 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra as the high-end devices to use this sensor. @UniverseIce also claims that smartphones from Xiaomi and Honor could feature it. While specific models aren’t mentioned, it is expected that they will also be flagship smartphones.
Chinese brands will be the first phone manufacturers to try out this new camera. Leaks claim that Samsung doesn’t have any intention of using the feature. It is unlikely that its future smartphones, like the Galaxy S26 Ultra or Galaxy S27 Ultra, will use it.
iPhones will also likely not adopt this sensor. Apple goes with lower-megapixel options instead for its devices. Vivo X300 Ultra is expected to launch in March, first in China before getting to other markets. It will be the first smartphone to come with the largest 200MP camera sensor. Next will be the Oppo Find X9 Ultra coming in April.
Author:Obiajulum Ndubuisi
Obiajulum is a tech enthusiast passionate about writing. When she isn’t writing about gadgets, she will probably be playing badminton, watching a movie, or surfing the internet.
