Nothing Gallery Update has started rolling out with new editing features, but it still feels incomplete when compared to competitors like OnePlus and its OxygenOS gallery experience. The latest version introduces drawing and markup tools, aiming to enhance photo editing directly within the app. However, the implementation raises questions about usability and feature depth.

What’s New in Nothing Gallery Update

The latest update (version 2.8) introduces a set of basic editing tools under a new drawing section. Users can now add doodles, notes, shapes, and highlights to images. The update also brings options like customizable colors, stroke thickness, and opacity adjustments, making it easier to personalize edits.

Additionally, the mosaic blur feature allows users to hide sensitive details in images, which can be particularly useful for screenshots or sharing private information. Shapes such as arrows, rectangles, circles, and lines can also be added and adjusted with options to rotate, resize, and reposition.

These changes are confirmed in the update notes and demonstrated in detail in the provided source content .

User Experience Still Feels Limited

Despite the addition of new tools, the overall user experience remains underwhelming. The interface itself hasn’t changed, and the editing tools require manual selection for each action. For example, drawing a circle or line requires choosing specific tools rather than allowing gesture-based automatic shape detection.

This is where competitors like OnePlus stand out. On OxygenOS, users can simply draw a rough shape and hold for a moment, and the system automatically converts it into a perfect shape. This makes editing faster and more intuitive.

In contrast, Nothing’s implementation feels more rigid and less refined, requiring extra steps for actions that should be seamless.

Missing Advanced Features

Another limitation is the absence of advanced editing capabilities. Features like automatic blur detection, smart markup suggestions, or AI-powered enhancements are still missing. While the current update adds basic functionality, it does not significantly elevate the app to match modern standards.

Even after over a year since the launch of the Nothing Gallery app, the pace of feature development appears slow. Users expecting a polished and feature-rich gallery experience may find it lacking.

Final Thoughts

The Nothing Gallery Update is a step in the right direction, introducing essential tools that were previously missing. However, it still falls short when compared to more mature gallery apps available on other Android skins.

For now, it serves as a basic editing solution rather than a fully competitive gallery platform. Future updates will need to focus on smarter implementations and advanced features to truly stand out.

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NothingOS 4.1 Update: Real-World Camera Test Results

The latest NothingOS 4.1 update for the Nothing Phone (4a) has started rolling out, bringing camera-related enhancements, system tweaks, and the April 2026 security patch. However, after personally testing the update in real-world conditions, the results appear to be mixed rather than a clear upgrade.

One of the key highlights of this update is the improved front camera video performance. Exposure handling is noticeably better, making videos look brighter and more vibrant. Faces appear well-lit, and HDR performance is more stable compared to the previous version. This makes the front camera more suitable for social media content. However, this improvement comes at the cost of color accuracy, as videos now carry a slightly warm or reddish tint.

On the rear camera side, the update claims to enhance autofocus performance, but in testing, there is little to no noticeable improvement. The camera still struggles to maintain focus unless the subject is perfectly centered. Additionally, minor color shifting during focus adjustments affects consistency in both photos and videos.

Portrait photography has seen some changes as well. Images now appear brighter with improved edge detection, especially at 2x zoom. However, at higher zoom levels like 3.5x, aggressive processing becomes evident. Skin tones tend to shift toward warmer tones, and facial details are slightly reduced due to added smoothing. While the images may look more appealing at first glance, they sacrifice realism and texture.

Color processing overall has shifted toward a more vibrant and punchy style. Greens and reds appear boosted, making images pop more on screen. However, HDR performance has taken a slight hit, with highlights such as skies occasionally getting overexposed.

Apart from camera changes, the update introduces minor refinements like improved haptic feedback in the recorder app and suggestions for essential notifications. Despite these additions, occasional UI jitters and performance inconsistencies still persist.

In conclusion, the NothingOS 4.1 update focuses more on visual appeal than natural output. Users who prefer vibrant images may appreciate the changes, but those seeking accurate colors and consistent performance might find this update less satisfying.

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Nothing Phone 4a Appears on TDRA Certification Database

Nothing Phone 4a has been listed on the UAE’s telecom certification platform, indicating that the smartphone’s launch timeline is nearing. The device has appeared on the website of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) with the model number A069. The approval was reportedly granted on January 22, a development that often precedes an official product launch.

While the TDRA listing does not reveal hardware specifications or design details, such certifications usually confirm that the device is cleared for sale in the region. This strongly suggests that Nothing is preparing to introduce the Phone 4a in the UAE and possibly other global markets in the coming weeks.

BIS Listing Confirms India Launch Plans

Before its appearance on the TDRA database, the Nothing Phone 4a was also reportedly spotted on India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification website with the same model number. Multiple regulatory approvals typically indicate that a smartphone is in its final stages before launch, pointing toward a near-simultaneous rollout in India and select international markets.

Expected Price and Storage Variants

Leaks suggest that the Nothing Phone 4a could be priced at $475 (approximately Rs. 43,000) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. Alongside the standard model, Nothing is also rumoured to launch a Phone 4a Pro, which may carry a price tag of around $540 (roughly Rs. 49,000) for a similar memory configuration. The Phone 4a series is expected to be available in black, blue, pink, and white colour options.

Anticipated Specifications and Comparison

In terms of performance, the Nothing Phone 4a is said to feature an unspecified Snapdragon 7s series chipset, while the Pro variant could come with a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 7-series processor. For reference, the previous-generation Nothing smartphone, the Nothing Phone 3a, launched in India in March 2025 with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 5,000mAh battery supporting 50W fast charging.

If the leaks hold, the Nothing Phone 4a could bring incremental upgrades while retaining the brand’s signature design language and software experience.

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