Nothing Phone (4b) Emerges as Successor to Cancelled CMF Phone 3 Pro with Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 SoC

In a strategic shift amid ongoing industry challenges, Nothing has announced the upcoming release of its Phone (4b) (model A009P), scheduled to launch on July 7, 2026. The device emerges as a replacement for the reportedly cancelled CMF Phone 3 Pro, which was shelved due to the persistent RAM supply crisis affecting the smartphone industry.

Market Context: The RAM Supply Crisis and Strategic Pivot

The global semiconductor shortage has continued to impact smartphone manufacturers, with RAM supply constraints particularly affecting mid-range device production. Nothing's decision to cancel the CMF Phone 3 Pro and redirect resources to the Phone (4b) represents a pragmatic response to these market conditions. This move allows the company to maintain its product release schedule while working within the limitations of component availability.

The Phone (4b) will inherit the positioning originally intended for the CMF Phone 3 Pro, targeting consumers seeking premium design elements at a more accessible price point. This strategic pivot demonstrates Nothing's flexibility in adapting to market challenges while maintaining its commitment to distinctive design and user experience.

Technical Specifications: A Closer Look at the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4

The Nothing Phone (4b) will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, model SM6650. This mid-range processor represents a significant step forward from previous generations in the Snapdragon 6 series, offering improved performance and efficiency.

Processor Architecture

The CPU configuration follows an octa-core design with three distinct clock speed clusters:

• Performance cores: 2 × 2.30 GHz
• Efficiency cores: 2 × 2.21 GHz
• Power efficiency cores: 4 × 1.80 GHz

This heterogeneous architecture allows the processor to balance performance demands with power efficiency, optimizing battery life during everyday tasks while providing adequate processing power for more intensive applications.

Graphics and Memory

The Phone (4b) features the Adreno 810 GPU, which promises enhanced graphics performance over its predecessor. This will benefit users who engage in mobile gaming, graphic-intensive applications, and AR experiences.

The device is confirmed to come with 8GB of RAM, a configuration that Nothing likely selected based on current market conditions and supply constraints. While this represents a standard offering in the mid-range segment, it should provide sufficient multitasking capabilities for most users.

Software Experience

Nothing Phone (4b) will ship with Android 16, the latest iteration of Google's mobile operating system. This early adoption of the newest Android version ensures users will receive the latest features, security updates, and compatibility with upcoming applications designed for the newest platform requirements.

Performance Benchmarks: Geekbench 6 Analysis

Preliminary Geekbench 6 benchmarks provide insight into the Phone (4b)'s real-world performance capabilities:

Benchmark Test	Score	Comparison Context
Single-core	1,088	Competitive with mid-range processors from 2025-2026
Multi-core	3,155	Approximately 25% improvement over Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
OpenCL (GPU)	2,896	Significant boost in graphics compute performance

These scores position the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 as a capable mid-range processor that should handle everyday tasks with ease, moderate gaming experiences, and multitasking without noticeable lag. The single-core score suggests good responsiveness in app launching and general navigation, while the multi-core score indicates solid performance for background processes and more demanding applications.

Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape

With the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 and 8GB of RAM, the Nothing Phone (4b) is likely to be positioned in the upper mid-range segment. This places it in competition with devices such as:

• Google Pixel 8a
• Samsung Galaxy A55
• OnePlus Nord 4
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+

Nothing's distinctive design language, which has become a hallmark of the brand, will likely be a key differentiator in this segment. The company has consistently emphasized aesthetic appeal with elements like the transparent back and customizable LED glyph interface, features that are expected to continue in the Phone (4b).

Expected Features and Design Evolution

While specific design details haven't been fully disclosed, industry analysts expect the Phone (4b) to build upon Nothing's design philosophy with potential refinements to the signature transparent back panel and glyph interface. The device may incorporate advancements in display technology, camera systems, and battery efficiency that align with the improved specifications of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4.

Pricing and Availability

With the Phone (4b) taking over the cancelled CMF Phone 3 Pro's position, industry observers anticipate a price point in the $400-$500 range, positioning it as a premium mid-range option. The device is expected to be available through Nothing's direct channels as well as major retail partners in key markets.

Conclusion: A Strategic Response to Industry Challenges

The Nothing Phone (4b) represents more than just a new device in the company's portfolio; it symbolizes a strategic adaptation to the ongoing component supply challenges facing the smartphone industry. By leveraging the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 and maintaining its commitment to distinctive design, Nothing appears poised to deliver a competitive offering that bridges the gap between its flagship and more budget-friendly devices.

As the July 7, 2026 launch date approaches, consumers and industry watchers will be keen to see how Nothing differentiates the Phone (4b) in a crowded mid-range market and whether the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 delivers on its promise of improved performance and efficiency. The device's success may well depend on how effectively Nothing balances technical specifications with its signature design elements and user experience.

Nothing Phone (4b) SoC details are here 👀 Nothing Phone (4b) (A009P) is launching on July 7, 2026. The company has reportedly cancelled the CMF Phone 3 Pro due to the ongoing RAM supply crisis, and the Nothing Phone (4b) is now set to take its place. 📱 Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (SM6650) ⚡️ CPU: 2.30GHz + 2.21GHz + 1.80GHz 🎮 Adreno 810 GPU 💾 8GB RAM 🤖 Android 16 📊 Geekbench 6 CPU & GPU scores: - Single-core: 1,088 - Multi-core: 3,155 - OpenCL: 2,896 ❤️ @techroma Nothing Phone (4b) SoC details are here 👀 Nothing Phone (4b) (A009P) is launching on July 7, 2026. The company has reportedly cancelled the CMF Phone 3 Pro due to the ongoing RAM supply crisis, and the Nothing Phone (4b) is now set to take its place. 📱 Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (SM6650) ⚡️ CPU: 2.30GHz + 2.21GHz + 1.80GHz 🎮 Adreno 810 GPU 💾 8GB RAM 🤖 Android 16 📊 Geekbench 6 CPU & GPU scores: - Single-core: 1,088 - Multi-core: 3,155 - OpenCL: 2,896 ❤️ @techroma