You bought a Nothing phone for its unique design and fluid software. But with every new OS version, the question arises: does it enhance the experience or just add bloat? The nothing os 4.0 open beta update is here, promising a significant leap in customization, performance, and that signature Nothing flair. As a tech enthusiast, diving into a beta is always a risk—but the potential reward of a slicker, smarter phone is irresistible.
After spending days with the nothing os 4.0 open beta update on my Phone (2), I can confidently say this isn’t just a minor iteration. It’s a foundational shift that refines the core Nothing experience while adding meaningful new features. But is it stable enough for your daily driver? This in-depth review will break down the performance, new visual elements, customization options, and, most importantly, whether you should hit that “install” button right now
The installation process for the nothing os 4.0 open beta update is a testament to Nothing’s improved software management. Unlike some chaotic beta programs, the process is straightforward via a dedicated community page. After a 2.4GB download, the installation was quick, and the first boot was accompanied by a slick new animation—a subtle hint of the visual treats to come.
My initial hour with the OS was spent simply exploring. The feel is immediately more mature. The signature dot-matrix font is used more deliberately, the animations are fluid and purposeful, and there’s a sense of cohesion that, while present in OS 3.0, feels fully realized here. The aesthetic remains distinctly Nothing but with a new layer of polish that elevates it from a quirky alternative to a genuinely premium Android skin.
Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta: In-Depth Performance & User Experience
This update isn’t just a coat of paint. The changes run deep, affecting how you interact with your phone daily.
Visual Overhaul & Glyph Interface 2.0
The most immediate change is the visual language. Nothing has introduced new wallpapers, widgets, and animations that lean heavily into a retro-futuristic aesthetic.
- Refined Aesthetics: The color palette is more consistent, and the use of monochrome icons feels more intentional. The new widgets, especially the weather and clock ones, are beautiful and perfectly align with the Nothing design philosophy.
- Glyph Interface 2.0: This is where the nothing os 4.0 open beta update truly shines. The Glyph lights are no longer just for notifications and timer progress. You can now assign unique Glyph patterns for individual contacts, making it easier to know who’s calling without looking at the screen. The new “Glyph Progress” for Uber/Zomato is more integrated, and there’s even a fun “Glyph Composer” that lets you create custom ringtones with accompanying light shows. It transforms the Glyph from a novelty into a genuinely useful tool.
Performance & Battery Life: Buttery Smooth
Nothing claims a 20% performance improvement in app launch speeds, and in my testing, that doesn’t feel like an exaggeration. Apps snap open, and multitasking is virtually stutter-free.
- Speed & Responsiveness: Scrolling is consistently smooth across social media feeds and web browsers. The animations, now with more “bounce” and elasticity, contribute to the feeling of a faster, more responsive device.
- Battery Life: Battery performance on a beta is always a wild card, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. On my Phone (2), I consistently ended a standard 16-hour day with around 25-30% battery remaining, which is on par with, if not slightly better than, my experience on the stable OS 3.5. Your mileage may vary, but it’s clear the team has worked on optimization.
Software & Special Features: Smart Additions
Based on Android 14, the nothing os 4.0 open beta update brings a host of new features that enhance usability without cluttering the interface.
- New Lock Screen Customization: You can now customize the clock style and shortcuts on your lock screen, a feature many have been craving. It’s simple, effective, and brings Nothing OS in line with other major players.
- Quick Settings Widgets: A small but impactful change—you can now add widgets directly to the expanded Quick Settings panel, giving you instant access to things like screen recording or your Glyph composer without cluttering your home screen.
- Monochrome Palette: For the purists, you can now enforce a full-system monochrome color palette, making the entire UI black and white. It’s a bold look that perfectly complements the hardware.
The Competition: How Does Nothing OS 4.0 Stack Up?
The true test of any Android skin is how it compares to the clean experience of Stock Android and the feature-richness of its rivals.
- vs. Stock Android (Google Pixel): Nothing OS 4.0 offers far more personality and customization than the minimalist Pixel launcher. The Glyph Interface is a unique hardware/software integration that Pixel lacks. However, Pixel users will still get faster, guaranteed Android version updates.
- vs. Samsung One UI: Nothing OS is the antithesis of One UI. It’s lightweight, bloat-free, and focuses on a cohesive aesthetic rather than an overwhelming feature list. For users who value design and performance over sheer functionality, Nothing OS 4.0 is the clear winner.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Nothing OS 4.0 | Stock Android (Pixel) | Samsung One UI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customization | High (Aesthetic-focused) | Low | Very High (Feature-focused) |
| Bloatware | None | None | Significant |
| Unique Selling Point | Glyph Interface, Design | AI, Cleanliness, Updates | DeX, Ecosystem, Features |
| Update Speed | Good (for a small brand) | Excellent | Slow (but long support) |
The Verdict: Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy It?
After extensive testing, the nothing os 4.0 open beta update feels more like a release candidate than an early beta. The polish is impressive, but it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
- Significantly Smoother Performance: The improved speed and fluidity are immediately noticeable.
- Meaningful Glyph Upgrades: Glyph Interface 2.0 adds genuine utility and fun.
- Enhanced Customization: New lock screen and widget options satisfy the need for personalization without breaking the design language.
- Stable for a Beta: Fewer bugs than expected, making it surprisingly daily-driver worthy for the adventurous.
Cons
- It’s Still a Beta: You will encounter minor bugs. Some users report occasional app crashes or UI glitches.
- Limited Device Availability: Currently only for the Phone (2), with Phone (1) support coming later.
- Potential Battery Inconsistency: While good for me, beta software can be unpredictable, and your battery life might not be as consistent.
Final Recommendation
Who should install the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta? Enthusiasts, tinkerers, and anyone who loves being on the cutting edge. If you have a secondary device or aren’t fazed by the occasional bug, this beta is stable and rewarding enough to use daily. The improvements are tangible and make the Phone (2) feel like a new device.
Who should wait? If your Phone (2) is your only and critical communication tool, and you value 100% stability above all else, wait for the stable release. The risks, while small, are real.
The bottom line: The nothing os 4.0 open beta update is a massive win for Nothing. It demonstrates a clear vision for its software: unique, performant, and beautifully designed. It addresses key user requests while doubling down on what makes Nothing different. This isn’t just an update; it’s a statement of intent.
Where to Buy & Learn More:
The nothing os 4.0 open beta update is available for download directly from the Nothing Community website for Phone (2) users. Remember to back up your data before installing!
What do you think? Are you running the beta, or are you waiting for the stable release? Let me know your experiences or any questions you have in the comments below! If you found this review helpful, please share it with fellow Nothing fans.
