Alongside the Nothing Phone (4a) series, Nothing has introduced the Nothing Headphone (a) for the global markets, as it had promised. The new model introduces extended battery life, physical ear-cup controls, and a lightweight, water-resistant design, alongside support for high-resolution audio.
Hardware and Design
The Headphone (a) utilizes a physical control system integrated directly into the ear cups, carrying over the Roller, Paddle, and Button for volume adjustment, media navigation, and ANC toggling.
The feature memory foam ear cushions from the Headhone (1) and come with IP52 rating, offering resistance to dirt, dust, and light water exposure. These are slightly light at 310g, and come in Black, White, Pink, and a Limited Edition Yellow.
A “Channel Hop” function allows users to switch between designated apps using the primary button. Additionally, a “Camera Shutter” mode enables the button to act as a remote trigger for a paired smartphone’s camera.
Battery
The device is positioned as having the longest battery life within the brand’s current product lineup promising up to 135 hours or 5 days of listening on a single charge on AAC with ANC off. A 5-minute charge yields up to 5 hours of media playback.
Audio and Noise Cancellation
The internal audio hardware and noise cancellation software are designed to support high-fidelity listening and adapt to ambient environments.
These feature 40mm titanium-coated drivers, Certified for Hi-Resolution Audio Wireless and supports the LDAC codec. There is hybrid Adaptive ANC utilizing dual feedforward and feedback microphones. The ANC adapts in real-time based on the user’s environment and headphone fit, and includes three manual presets (Low, Mid, and High).
There is a 3-microphone array paired with an AI noise-reduction algorithm trained on 28 million scenarios to isolate voice audio during calls. Users can customize their listening experience via Nothing X App.
Nothing Headphone (a) specifications
- 40mm dynamic driver, PEN+PU diaphragm
- Bluetooth 5.4, AAC, SBC, LDAC codecs, Hi-Res audio, compatible with Android 5.1 and later and iOS 13 and later, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, Dual Connection
- In-ear detection
- Low Lag Mode (Automatically enabled in Nothing Phones, can be enabled from app for others)
- Up to 40db Personalised ANC, Environment Adaptive ANC
- Smart Adaptive Noise cancellation Transparency mode
- Clear Voice Technology for call noise cancellation with 3-mic ENC call architecture
- Roller, Paddle, and Button controls for play/pause, skip forward, skip back, answer/hang up calls, reject calls, switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, launch assistant, control volume
- Dust Water-resistant (IP52)
- Dimension: 177x78x190.4mm; Weight:310g
- 1060mAh battery offers up to 135 hours (without ANC) / 75 hours (with ANC) music playback in AAC, up to 90 hours (without ANC) / 62 hours (with ANC) music playback in LDAC
- Fast charging– 5 mins for 8 hours (without ANC) / 5 hours (with ANC)
Pricing and Availability
The Nothing Headphone (a) is priced at USD 199 (Rs. 18,235 approx.) / 159 Euros / 149 GBP depending on the market.
It will be available for pre-order from March 5th on nothing.tech and select partners, with open sales starting 13 March for White, Black and Pink devices. The limited edition yellow pair will be on sale from 6 April. India launch is expected in the coming months.