Nothing today unveiled the Nothing Headphone (a) alongside the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro. The new headphone brings the brand’s distinctive design language and software features to a more accessible price segment.

While the Headphone (a) shares several core features with the flagship Nothing Headphone (1), there are notable differences in audio tuning, battery life, design materials, and positioning. Here’s a closer look at how the two models compare.

Design and build

Both headphones follow Nothing’s recognisable transparent-inspired aesthetic and distinctive control layout, but they are aimed at slightly different audiences.

The Nothing Headphone (1) is positioned as the company’s premium over-ear headphone. It uses higher-end materials and a more refined design that aligns with flagship audio products. The overall construction feels more premium and is intended for users who value both aesthetics and build quality. The headphones weigh 329 grams.

The Nothing Headphone (a) focuses on accessibility and practicality with a polycarbonate build. While it still maintains Nothing’s design identity and tactile controls, the build has been simplified to help reduce cost. The headphones weigh around 310 grams and include a lightweight carry pouch.

In terms of colors, the Headphone (a) is available in White, Black, Pink, and Yellow, whereas the Headphone (1) is offered in more traditional color options.

Audio hardware and sound features

The two headphones share several similarities in terms of audio hardware.

The Nothing Headphone (a) features 40mm drivers with a titanium-coated diaphragm and supports Hi-Res Audio and LDAC codecs. It also supports AAC and SBC, ensuring compatibility across Android and iOS devices. The headphones offer a 20Hz to 40,000Hz frequency response.

The Headphone (1) also features 40mm dynamic drivers with a 20Hz–40kHz frequency range, but its sound is tuned by KEF, which is intended to deliver a more refined and balanced audio experience.

For everyday listening, both headphones should offer strong performance, but Headphone (1) remains the better option for users who prioritize sound quality.

Active noise cancellation and microphones

Both headphones support active noise cancellation, though the implementation differs slightly.

The Nothing Headphone (a) offers adaptive ANC up to 40dB along with a transparency mode that allows outside sound to pass through when needed. It also features a four-microphone setup, including hybrid ANC microphones and a three-mic algorithm for calls.

The Headphone (1) features real-time adaptive ANC up to 42dB and uses six microphones in total (three on each side) with ENC architecture for calls.

That said, the Headphone (a) should still provide effective noise reduction for everyday situations such as commuting, traveling, or working in busy environments.

Battery life and charging

Battery life is one of the biggest advantages of the Nothing Headphone (a).

The headphones pack a 1,060mAh battery and can deliver up to 135 hours of playback with ANC turned off and up to 75 hours with ANC enabled. Fast charging is also supported, with a five-minute charge providing up to eight hours of playback with ANC disabled.

The Headphone (1) includes a 1,040mAh battery. It offers up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off and up to 35 hours with ANC enabled using AAC playback. A five-minute charge can provide up to five hours of playback with ANC off.

Connectivity and software features

Both headphones integrate with the Nothing X app, allowing users to customize controls, adjust sound settings, and manage device features.

The Nothing Headphone (a) supports Bluetooth 5.4, dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair, along with a low-latency mode.

The Headphone (1) supports Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device connectivity, LDAC, and similar software features through the Nothing X app.

Another notable feature shared by both models is the custom tactile control system, which includes a roller, paddle, and multifunction button for managing playback, volume, and calls.

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The post Nothing Headphone (a) vs Headphone (1): How the new affordable model compares with the flagship appeared first on Gizmochina.