In a world where high-end smartphones dominate, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro come as a breath of fresh air. These budget-friendly devices, priced at $379 and $459, offer a near-flagship experience without the premium price tag. Sure, there are a few trade-offs, but for the price, they deliver more than expected.
A Design That Turns Heads
Nothing has built a reputation for unique aesthetics, and the 3a series continues that tradition. With the brand’s signature split design and those eye-catching glyphs, these phones stand out in a sea of lookalikes. The vibrant blue 3a is a showstopper, while the Pro model keeps things sleek with a monochrome finish and a larger camera plateau. The unconventional camera layout may be polarizing, but love it or hate it, it’s definitely a conversation starter.
Solid Build and a Stunning Display
Compared to its predecessor, the 3a has stepped up its game in terms of build quality. A glass back replaces the previous plastic one, adding a more premium feel, and the IP64 rating ensures decent water and dust resistance. The real star, though, is the display. The 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with 3,000 nits peak brightness is one of the best in its price range, making HDR content look stunning. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or just scrolling, it feels high-end.
Smooth Performance, Even Without Top-Tier Specs
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a runs on a Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chip, paired with 12GB of RAM. It’s not the most powerful setup, but thanks to Nothing’s optimized software, it runs surprisingly well. Nothing OS 3.1, layered over Android 15, brings smooth animations and an intuitive experience. There might be a few hiccups with heavy multitasking, but for everyday use, it holds up remarkably well.
Software That Stands Out
Nothing is playing the long game with software, promising six years of updates—an impressive commitment for a budget phone. Customization is a big plus here, especially with lock screen options and fluid animations. A standout addition is the AI button, which lets you take a screenshot and record a voice note at the same time. It’s still a work in progress, lacking multi-platform support, but it hints at an exciting future for AI integration.
Battery Life and Charging: No Worries Here
Both models pack a 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage with ease. Charging is speedy too, thanks to 50W wired charging that gets you from 0 to 100% in about an hour. The only letdown? No wireless charging. If that’s a must-have for you, this might be a dealbreaker.
Cameras: The Biggest Differentiator
While both phones sport 50MP primary cameras, the Pro model takes it a step further with an improved autofocus system and a 3x periscope telephoto lens. The result? Sharper shots and better zoom capabilities. That said, in everyday use, the difference isn’t drastic. Both phones produce solid photos, but if camera performance is a top priority, the Pro might be worth the extra cash.
Final Thoughts: Budget Phones Done Right
With the 3a and 3a Pro, Nothing proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a premium smartphone experience. The design is bold, the display is gorgeous, and the performance is more than capable. Compared to competitors like the iPhone 16e, these phones hold their ground and even outshine them in some areas.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone that doesn’t feel cheap, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro deserve a spot on your shortlist. They’re proof that Nothing is maturing as a brand—and who knows? Maybe their next move is a true flagship that shakes up the market even more.