The smartphone industry is constantly in motion, with manufacturers vying to create phones that are comparable in performance, looks, and price. Nothing, which prides itself on thinking outside the box, has introduced two new phones: the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro. The phones are meant to target mid-range smartphone consumers with their unique features and affordable prices. But is it worth the price?
Build and Design Quality
Both the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro have inherited the company’s transparent design, as well as the Glyph interface—a row of LEDs on the back that are used to provide visual alerts and a unique aesthetic. The move from plastic to recycled glass and aluminum not only gives it a premium aesthetic but also reaffirms Nothing’s emphasis on sustainable materials. The Phone 3a Pro also has an IP68 rating, something that is superior to the Phone 3a’s IP64 rating in water and dust resistance. The Pro variant also has eSIM support, which allows users to have more control over their connectivity.
Display
Both phones feature a 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. With a maximum output of 3,000 nits, the display is easily readable even in bright sunlight. The Panda Glass protection renders them tough, safeguarding the screens against scratches and small drops.
Performance
Internally, both phones are driven by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. The Phone 3a uses 8GB of RAM, and the 3a Pro also offers 12GB as an optional add-on, which improves multitasking capabilities. Both phones have up to 256GB of internal storage. The user can expect seamless navigation of the user interface, usage of programs, and execution of routine tasks. Other than that, during prolonged gaming, there is some thermal throttling that affects long-term performance.
Camera System
The camera setup is where the two phones diverge quite markedly. The Phone 3a features a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The 3a Pro takes the telephoto to the next level with a 50MP periscope camera that offers 3x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom. The Pro model has also got a 50MP front camera, which is better than the 32MP lens on the standard 3a. The upgrade makes the 3a Pro more suitable for photo use, particularly to those that would require high-zoom and high-resolution selfies.
Battery Life
Both of these phones share a 5,000mAh battery with support for 50W fast-charging, and users can therefore charge their phone in no time. Neither one, however, supports wireless charging—something others in the same price range support. Other than this omission, the huge battery capacity ensures users can easily complete a full day of normal to heavy use.
Software and AI Features
Both the phones operate on Nothing OS 3.1, which is Android 15-based, and both have a smooth and clutter-free interface. Nothing provides three years of operating system updates and six years of security updates, and therefore the phones are long-lasting. The Essential Space is a highlight. It is a superintelligence hub wherein screenshots, voice notes, and photographs are edited. The Essential Key—a physical, one-of-a-kind key—facilitates effortless capture of content or jumping to the Essential Space, with the added convenience and productivity advantage.
Nothing Phone 3a will cost between $379, while the 3a Pro begins at $459. The $80 price difference mainly accounts for the more advanced camera system, greater water-resistant rating, and greater RAM in the Pro model.
The decision between Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro is based on individual preferences:
Nothing Phone 3a: Offers a good deal with a unique look, powerful performance, and decent camera system at an economical price. It’s an ideal choice for fashion-conscious buyers who want a stylish smartphone at an affordable price.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro: For $80 extra, users receive a more dynamic camera system, enhanced water resistance, and the ability to expand RAM. The upgrade might be worthwhile for camera buffs or those who need extra ruggedness.
Overall, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro provide decent choices in the mid-range smartphone market. Their sleek design, smooth performance, and handy features are sufficient to make them worthy of consideration for anyone seeking a new phone.
