Nothing is taking a different approach with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, and it’s one of the more unusual mid-range smartphones because it uses a metal unibody chassis with an aluminum back. At around $499, that design choice helps the phone feel more premium in the hand than many rivals that rely on plastic backs or a mix of metal frames with glass panels.
There is a trade-off, though: an aluminum back blocks wireless charging, so anyone who depends on Qi charging should keep that in mind before buying.
A recent durability test put the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro through the usual stress checks, and the results are a mix of good news and a couple of surprising red flags. The aluminum body shows only moderate scratch resistance, which is fairly typical for metal surfaces. On the plus side, the phone holds up extremely well under bending pressure and doesn’t flex even when significant force is applied. And because the back isn’t glass, it avoids the common problem of shattered rear panels after drops.
Up front, the display is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. In scratch testing, it doesn’t show clear marks until harder materials come into contact with it, around level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale—roughly the point where many modern smartphone screens begin to show visible damage.
Where the phone stumbles is in two areas users may not expect. First, the transparent cover over the camera module is plastic rather than glass, meaning it can scratch much more easily than the rest of the phone’s exterior. If you frequently set your phone down on rough surfaces or carry it in a pocket with keys and coins, that camera area may pick up scuffs quickly.
The second issue is more serious: the microphone is positioned right next to the SIM card tray. The opening is large enough that it’s possible to accidentally insert the SIM eject tool into the microphone hole. Doing so can damage the internal seal and compromise water resistance, potentially leaving the phone no longer protected against moisture. A small metal grille could have helped reduce this risk, but it isn’t present here.
It’s also worth noting that the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro comes with an IP65 rating, which generally covers rain and water splashes rather than full submersion. Even without accidental damage, it isn’t designed for underwater use.
Finally, repairability doesn’t appear to be a strength. While the metal unibody design can feel sturdier, it may also make repairs and part replacements less straightforward compared with phones designed with easier disassembly in mind.
For shoppers considering the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, the takeaway is clear: the metal unibody build delivers a premium feel and strong structural durability, but the plastic camera cover and SIM tool/microphone placement are practical weaknesses that are worth factoring into the buying decision.
