Nothing Headphone (a) launched Globally with up to 40dB hybrid ANC, LDAC, up to 135h playback
Nothing has also launched its latest Headphone, the Nothing Headphone (a) for global markets, along with the Nothing Phone (4a) Series, as previously announced. The new headphones bring longer battery life, physical ear-cup controls, a lightweight and water-resistant design, along with support for high-resolution audio.
Hardware and Design -
The Headphone (a) features a physical control system built into the ear cups, retaining the Roller, Paddle, and Button for adjusting volume, navigating media, and switching ANC on or off.
It also uses memory foam ear cushions, similar to those on the Headphone (1), and carries an IP52 rating, offering protection against dust, dirt, and light water splashes. The headphones weigh 310g and are available in Black, White, Pink, and a Limited Edition Yellow colour.
A “Channel Hop” feature allows users to quickly switch between selected apps using the main button. In addition, a “Camera Shutter” mode enables the button to function as a remote shutter for a connected smartphone camera.
Battery -
Nothing positions the Headphone (a) as the longest-lasting device in its current audio lineup, offering up to 135 hours (around 5 days) of playback on a single charge using AAC with ANC turned off. A 5-minute quick charge can deliver up to 5 hours of listening time.
Audio and Noise Cancellation -
The headphones are designed for high-fidelity audio and adaptive noise cancellation that responds to the surrounding environment.
They feature 40mm titanium-coated drivers, are Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, and support the LDAC codec. The hybrid adaptive ANC system uses dual feedforward and feedback microphones to adjust noise cancellation in real time based on environmental noise and headphone fit. Users can also choose between three manual ANC levels: Low, Mid, and High.
For calls, the headphones use a three-microphone array combined with an AI noise-reduction algorithm trained on 28 million scenarios to isolate voice audio more effectively. Users can further customize their listening experience through the Nothing X app.
Nothing Headphone (a) Specifications -
| Driver | 40mm dynamic driver, PEN+PU diaphragm |
| Connectivity | 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 | Supported |
| Low Lag Mode | Automatically enabled on Nothing Phones, can be enabled via app for other devices |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 40dB Personalised ANC, Environment Adaptive ANC |
| Transparency Mode | Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation Transparency Mode |
| Call Technology | Clear Voice Technology for call noise cancellation with 3-mic ENC call architecture |
| Controls | 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 |
| Durability | Dust and water-resistant (IP52) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 177 × 78 × 190.4mm; Weight: 310g |
| Battery | 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 minutes charging offers up to 8 hours playback (without ANC) / 5 hours playback (with ANC) |
Pricing and Availability -
The Nothing Headphone (a) is priced at USD 199 (approximately Rs. 18,235), 159 Euros, and 149 GBP, depending on the market.
Pre-orders will begin on March 5 through nothing.tech and select retail partners, while open sales will start on March 13 for the White, Black, and Pink variants. The limited edition Yellow version will go on sale starting April 6. The India launch is expected in the coming months.