Nothing Phone 3a review

Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro: The Future of Mid-Range Smartphones?

Table of Contents

With the brand’s iconic translucent design, a redesigned Glyph Interface, and potent new features, the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro have finally here. But do they live up to the hype? Together with firsthand observations and personal views, let’s dig into a thorough review.
 
Nothing Phone 3a review

 

Display and Design: A Known Yet Improved Appearance

With the Phone (3a) and 3a Pro, nothing adheres to its recognisable transparent appearance, although the Glyph Interface is improved. Better customisation is now possible thanks to the LED strips on the rear, which can be used as a camera fill light, charging indicator, and notification system.
  • Build Quality: An aluminium frame for a high-end feel and Gorilla Glass protection.
  • Dimensions: It weighs 211g and measures 163.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm.
  • Display: 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED screen for display.
  • Resolution: 1080 x 2392 pixels, compatible with HDR10+.
  • Refresh Rate: Smooth scrolling at 120 Hz is the refresh rate.
  • With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, it is extremely visible outside.

👉 The display is gorgeous, with rich colours and deep blacks, making it ideal for gaming and watching entertainment.

Performance: Efficiency and Power Come Together

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which is constructed on a 4nm technology, powers both smartphones. This results in increased performance and energy efficiency, which makes multitasking, gaming, and content production simple.

  • Octa-core CPU (1x A720 at 2.5 GHz, 3x A720 at 2.4 GHz, and 4x A520 at 1.8 GHz)
  • GPU: very good for gaming, Adreno 810 (1.05 GHz).
  • Phone (3a): 128GB or 256GB + 8GB RAM
  • Phone (3a) Pro: 256GB + 8GB + 12GB RAM

👉 The technology performs fluidly when used in real life. The phone doesn’t lag when using many apps or playing demanding games.

Camera System: Significant Improvements for Expert Users

The camera technology is one of the primary differences between the two variants. The photographic skills of the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro are significantly improved.

Phone Without Anything (3a):

  • 50MP primary camera with dual-pixel PDAF, OIS, and f/1.88
  • 50 MP Telephoto Lens with 2x optical zoom and f/2.0
  • Ultra-Wide 8MP Lens (120º Field of View)
  • 32 megapixel front camera

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro:

  • 50MP primary camera with dual-pixel PDAF, OIS, and f/1.88
  • 50MP Periscope Telephoto Lens with 3x optical zoom and 60x ultra zoom (f/2.55).
  • Ultra-Wide 8MP Lens (120º Field of View)
  • 50 megapixel front camera

📸 You can take detailed pictures even from a distance because to the 3a Pro’s periscope lens’s incredible magnification capabilities.

Battery and Charging: Fast Charging and All-Day Power

Even for heavy users, the 5,000mAh battery in both versions ensures a full day of use.

  • 50W quick charging is the charging speed.
  • It takes 19 minutes to charge from 0% to 50% and 56 minutes to reach full capacity.

👉 Even with intense gaming, camera use, and streaming, the battery lasts the entire day.

Software: Clear, Simple, and Intelligent

The devices are running Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.1. Nothing guarantees:

  • OS updates for three years
  • Security patches for six years

Notable Aspect: Crucial Area

File management is made simple by a new AI-powered Essential Space feature that cleverly arranges papers, random downloads, and screenshots in one location.

Reviews & User Experience

Here are some noteworthy findings from early user input and my experience:

  • Distinctive design—the transparent appearance continues to draw attention.
  • Smooth software experience—no bloatware, just a quick and tidy user interface.
  • Long battery life—a full day of trouble-free power.
  • Camera enhancements, particularly the periscope lens on the 3a Pro.

Some drawbacks

  • Unexpectedly, there is no wireless charging.
  • Not completely water-resistant; no formal IP68 classification.

Nothing Phone (3a) vs. Phone (3a) Pro: Key Differences

FeatureNothing Phone (3a)Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Display6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 3Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
RAM & Storage8GB + 128GB / 256GB8GB / 12GB + 256GB
Main Camera50MP + 50MP + 8MP50MP + 50MP Periscope + 8MP
Zoom2x optical3x optical, 60x ultra zoom
Front Camera32MP50MP
Battery5,000mAh, 50W fast charging5,000mAh, 50W fast charging
OS Updates3 years Android updates3 years Android updates
PriceStarts at ₹24,999Starts at ₹29,999
Nothing Phone 3a review
Visit Nothing Official site for more information👆

Cost and Accessibility in India

Nothing Phone (3a):

  • 8GB + 128GB: ₹24,999
  • 8GB + 256GB: ₹26,999

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro:

  • 8GB + 128GB: ₹29,999
  • 8GB + 256GB: ₹31,999
  • 12GB + 256GB: ₹33,999

📅 Availability:

  • Orders in advance: March 4, 2025
  • Launch dates are March 11 (3a) and March 25 (3a Pro).

Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying?

Performance, design, and price are all expertly balanced in the Nothing Phone (3a) and 3a Pro. If you’d like:

  • A distinctive, striking phone → Purchase it.
  • Excellent cameras with cutting-edge zoom (3a Pro) => Purchase it.
  • Buy it for its clear user interface and long software support.

However, you might want to look at other options if complete waterproofing and wireless charging are essential.

📢 How do you feel about the series of Nothing Phones (3a)? Leave a comment.

FAQs

Prices for the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro start at ₹24,999 and ₹29,999, respectively. Storage and RAM configurations affect pricing.

The primary distinctions are found in the zoom capabilities, RAM choices, and camera system. While the normal Phone (3a) has a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, the Phone (3a) Pro has a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 60x ultra zoom.

No, wireless charging is not supported by the Nothing Phone (3a) or 3a Pro, which is a disadvantage for some customers.

With normal use, both phones’ 5,000mAh batteries and 50W fast charging provide a full day of battery life.

Nothing has guaranteed long-term usage with three years of Android updates and six years of security fixes.

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