The mid-range smartphone arena got hotter with Nothing’s launch of the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. With upgrades like advanced cameras, snappy performance, and Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface, these phones aim to disrupt rivals like the Google Pixel 7a, Samsung Galaxy A54, and OnePlus Nord CE3. But do they genuinely outshine the competition? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Nothing Phone (3a) & Phone (3a) Pro Details
Design & Display: Bold Aesthetics vs the Crowd
Both Nothing Phone (3a) models sport a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a buttery 120Hz refresh rate and a jaw-dropping 3,000 nits peak brightness—outmatching the Galaxy A54’s 1,000 nits and Pixel 7a’s 1,400 nits. The edge-to-edge screen (88.4% screen-to-body ratio) offers immersive viewing. At the same time, the iconic Glyph LED interface adds flair to notifications and charging.
While rivals like the Pixel 7a stick to compact designs, Nothing embraces a more significant form factor. The Phone (3a) Pro model’s bold circular camera ring also sets it apart from the understated designs of Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro.
Performance: Snapdragon Power vs Mid-Range Contenders
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm chip), the Phone (3a) series boasts 10% faster CPU performance than the Dimensity 7300 (seen in the Redmi Note 13 Pro) and a slight edge over its predecessor. With LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, multitasking feels smooth, though rivals like the OnePlus Nord CE3 (Snapdragon 782G) offer comparable speeds.
However, the lack of UFS 4.0 support might disappoint power users, and heavy gamers may find the Adreno 710 GPU trailing behind the Dimensity 7200 Phone (3a) Pro’s Mali-G610. Still, for everyday use, Nothing’s performance holds up well.
Cameras: Telephoto Triumph?
Here’s where Nothing flexes its muscles. The Phone (3a) Pro debuts a 50MP 3x periscope lens (6x lossless zoom, 60x digital), a rarity in mid-range phones. It outpaces the Pixel 7a’s digital zoom and the Galaxy A54’s basic 2x optical zoom. Even the standard (3a) impresses with a 50MP 2x telephoto lens—addressing past critiques favoring zoom over ultrawide.
The Phone Pro’s 50MP front camera also trumps rivals’ 32MP sensors, making it a selfie standout. However, Google’s computational photography still reigns in low-light scenarios, and Samsung’s color science appeals to purists.
Battery & Charging: Speed vs Wireless
A 5,000mAh battery with 50W wired charging ensures the (3a) series stays ahead of the Pixel 7a (18W) and Galaxy A54 (25W). Yet, wireless charging stings are absent, especially when Xiaomi and Samsung offer it in pricier models.
Software: Clean but Limited Updates
Nothing OS 3.1 (based on Android 15) delivers a bloat-free experience with minimalist widgets. However, three years of updates lag behind Samsung’s four-year pledge and Google’s five-year security patches.
The new Essential Key is a clever addition—a shortcut for screenshots, voice notes, and AI-curated content storage. It’s a unique productivity booster that rivals lack.
Price & Availability: Competitive or Overpriced?
- Nothing Phone (3a): Starts at ₹22,999 (India) / $329 (US)
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: Starts at ₹29,999 (India) / $459 (US)
The standard (3a) undercuts the Pixel 7a (499), andGalaxyA54(499), and Galaxy A54 (449), while the Phone (3a) Pro’s price aligns with premium mid-rangers. However, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro offers similar specs for less, making Nothing’s value proposition hinge on design and camera innovation.
Verdict: Does Nothing Outshine the Competition?
The Phone (3a) series brings bold design, standout cameras, and snappy performance to the mid-range segment. The Phone (3a) Pro’s periscope zoom and Essential Key are compelling upgrades, while the base model’s pricing undercuts key rivals.
Buy if You crave unique aesthetics, telephoto versatility, and clean software.
Skip if: Priorities include wireless charging, extended software support, and gaming prowess.
While not a total “crushing” of competitors, Nothing’s latest phones carve a niche for style-conscious users seeking innovation without flagship prices.
What do you think? Can the Phone (3a) series dethrone the mid-range kings? Share your thoughts below!
