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.

Alongside the Phone (4a) series, Nothing has officially launched the Headphone (a). As an affordable alternative to the Headphone (1), the headphones feature a similar design to the Headphone (1) and offer good battery life and customizable sound.

Nothing Headphone (a) Specifications

The Headphone (a) stands out visually thanks to its four color options: yellow, pink, black, and white. Despite being over-ear headphones, the device is relatively lightweight at 310 grams. It uses memory foam ear cushions designed to sit comfortably during long listening sessions.

Nothing has also added an IP52 rating, meaning the headphones offer protection against dust and light splashes of water.

Inside the Headphone (a) are 40mm drivers with a titanium-coated diaphragm. According to Nothing, this material provides a more rigid structure for the drivers, helping to reduce distortion and deliver cleaner audio.

The headphones support Hi-Resolution Audio Wireless and the LDAC codec. Users can also tweak the sound profile through the Nothing X app, which includes an eight-band equalizer for more precise frequency adjustments than typical bass and treble sliders.

Adaptive Noise Cancellation and Smarter Controls

The Headphone (a) includes adaptive active noise cancellation with three preset levels — low, medium, and high — depending on how much background noise users want to block out.

There is also a transparency mode that lets outside sounds in, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings. For calls, the headphones feature a three-microphone AI system that analyzes surrounding noise and isolates the user’s voice.

The headphones also use the same physical controls introduced on the earlier Nothing Headphone (1), including a Roller, Paddle, and Button built directly into the ear cups.

Nothing is also introducing a feature called Channel Hop. Users can activate it by pressing the button, allowing them to quickly switch between apps or functions without reaching for their phone. The same button can also work as a remote camera shutter.

As for battery life, Nothing says the headphones can deliver up to five days of continuous listening on a single charge. A quick five-minute charge is said to provide up to five hours of playback.

Price and Availability

The Nothing Headphone (a) will be sold for $199, £149, or €159. Preorders begin on March 5 through Nothing’s website and selected partners.

Open sales for the black, white, and pink versions start on March 13, while the yellow limited edition model will arrive later, on April 6.

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Nothing is preparing to expand its audio lineup again, this time with a more affordable pair of over-ear headphones. The upcoming Nothing Headphone (a) is set to debut on March 5, 2026, during the company’s “Built Different” event.

The event will also introduce the Nothing Phone (4a) and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, suggesting Nothing is continuing its push to build a broader, connected ecosystem rather than focusing on standalone devices.

The Headphone (a) appears to be a more accessible alternative to the original Nothing Headphone (1), which launched at €299. This new model is expected to come in at €159 in Europe and £149 in the UK, roughly half the price of the flagship version.

To reach that price point, Nothing is reportedly opting for a plastic construction instead of more premium materials. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will feel cheap, but it does signal a clear shift toward the mid-range segment.

In terms of design, the company isn’t toning things down. The Headphone (a) is expected to arrive in pink, white, black, and yellow — in line with Nothing’s bold, playful aesthetic. The semi-transparent styling that defines the brand is also likely to remain intact.

On the technical side, leaks point to a custom 40mm dynamic driver, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and dual-device pairing. Battery life could reach up to 35 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, which is competitive at this price. There’s some speculation that the ANC system may be less advanced than the one found in the Headphone (1), possibly as part of the cost-saving strategy.

If that trade-off holds true, the Headphone (a) may appeal most to users who want solid sound quality and long battery life without paying for top-tier noise isolation.

Nothing has been steadily growing its portfolio, and launching a more affordable over-ear option alongside mid-range smartphones reinforces that strategy. We’ll get full confirmation of specs, pricing, and availability on March 5. For now, the Headphone (a) looks like Nothing’s attempt to hit a sweet spot — stylish, capable, and easier on the wallet.

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(Source: Nothing)

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