Nothing Headphone (a) debuts with massive 135-hour battery, LDAC support and adaptive ANC: Price, availability
Follow UsNothing Headphone (a) packs a 40mm titanium-coated drivers with Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification.
On the earcups, you get a physical Roller, Paddle and Button controls.
It is priced in the US at USD 199 (about Rs 18,000).
Nothing has unveiled the Nothing Headphone (a) globally alongside the Nothing Phone (4a) series. The new over-ear headphones focus on long battery life, high-resolution wireless audio support, and physical ear-cup controls designed for quick access to playback and noise cancellation features. It is positioned as a more accessible option within the company’s audio lineup. The Headphone (a) promises up to 135 hours of listening on a single charge and supports the LDAC codec for high-bitrate wireless streaming. The model also adds adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation and app-based personalisation through the Nothing X app.
SurveyPrice and availability
The Nothing Headphone (a) is priced in the US at USD 199 (about Rs 18,000). In comparison, the Headphone (1) was launched in the States for $299 (around Rs 27,000) and the CMF Headphone Pro for $99 (approximately Rs 9,000).
The newcomer will be available in Black, White, Pink and a limited edition Yellow colour.
Nothing has confirmed that the headphones will launch in India in the coming months, although pricing for the Indian market has not yet been announced.
Specifications and features
The Nothing Headphone (a) uses 40mm dynamic drivers with a titanium-coated diaphragm designed to improve clarity and reduce distortion. The headphones are certified for Hi-Res Wireless Audio and support the LDAC codec alongside AAC and SBC. This allows compatible devices to stream audio at higher bitrates compared to standard Bluetooth codecs.
For connectivity, you get Bluetooth 5.4 with support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. Dual device connection is also supported, allowing users to switch between two paired devices without reconnecting manually.
The headphones include hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation using both feedforward and feedback microphones. Nothing claims the system can deliver up to 40dB of noise reduction and dynamically adjust based on surrounding noise levels and how the headphones fit on the user’s ears. You can also manually control ANC between Low, Mid and High levels.
For voice calls, the Headphone (a) uses a three-microphone system paired with an AI-based noise reduction algorithm to isolate speech.
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Design-wise, they sport the company’s signature faux transparency on the rectangular outer earcup, and at the centre of each ear cup sits a smooth, oval-shaped module with one of the aforementioned colours. The headphones weigh 310g and use memory foam ear cushions similar to those used in the company’s earlier Headphone (1). They carry an IP52 rating, offering resistance against dust and light water exposure.
On-device physical controls include:
- The ear cups include a Roller for volume control
- A Paddle for skipping tracks and managing playback
- A Button that can toggle ANC or launch other functions. A new Channel Hop feature allows users to switch between assigned apps directly from the headphones. The same button can also act as a remote camera shutter for a connected smartphone.
Headphone (a)’s battery capacity is rated at 1060mAh. Nothing claims the headphones can deliver up to:
- 135 hours playback without ANC using the AAC codec
- 75 hours playback with ANC enabled
- 90 hours without ANC using LDAC
- 62 hours with ANC using LDAC
Fast charging is supported, with a five-minute charge said to provide up to eight hours of listening without ANC or about five hours with ANC enabled.
The headphones also rely on the Nothing X app for features such as customisation and advanced controls, meaning some functions may not be accessible without installing the companion app.
The Headphone (a) boasts longer battery life than the claims made by Headphone (1) and CMF Headphone Pro. Let’s see how Nothing prices the new pair in India to gauge where it stands relative to the bigger sibling and the CMF cousin.
Keep reading Digit.in for more updates.
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