The Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro Are Fun, Flashy and Affordable
London-based tech companies do not I was very happy before With highlights Android phone In a world full of plain grey smartphones, this offers some much-needed frivolity that is too serious. The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro have the same fabric cut as their predecessors, packing solid all-around specs, affordable price tags and LED-infused design that stands out from the crowd.
The Nothing Phone 3A is the base model of the new series, starting at $379 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In the UK, you can buy a discounted model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for £329 or a 12GB/256GB model for £379. The Phone 3A Pro’s camera system has a more full-featured camera system than the Base 3A, but with the same processor, monitor, and battery. The 12GB/256GB model costs $459 (£449).
I’ve been testing Nothing Phone 3A Pro on the ground in Barcelona, ​​this year Mobile World Congress. I’m very passionate about the price and performance balance of the phone and look forward to seeing how it stacks up with other affordable phones Samsung Galaxy A series and Google Pixel 8a – and budget phones like this iPhone 16e.
Glittery design
vanity? Yes, please.
Design is the first thing for these phones. The screws and data ribbons are exposed on the back of the glass, giving it an industrial look that I find attractive. LED lights (no name glyphs) are scattered on the camera unit on your phone and illuminated to alert you of incoming notifications. They are fun additions to Nothing phones that don’t need anywhere else.
Both phones have a 6.7-inch display that looks bright and energetic during my hands-on time and can easily resist the grey dark weather in Barcelona. Those who are in the bright noon California sun may experience differently. With IP68 waterproof rating, there will be no problem answering calls in a downpour (not you, California).
Stable performance, Android 15 and AI
The monitor is vibrant and sharp.
Powering the 3A series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 processor, which offers a decent score in our benchmarks, especially considering the price of the phone. Although not today Flagship mobile phone3A Pro results with Pixel 8a and Galaxy A35 5Gboth of which are great phones.
In daily use, the phone has enough power to complete basic tasks, while games like Alto’s Odyssey and Vampire Survivor go smoothly.
Both phones run at the core of Android 15, but nothing can be used to customize the interface extensively with a distinct monochromatic beauty. It looks stylish, but I sometimes have a hard time distinguishing them when app idols simplify them to minimalist black and white buttons. You may like the mono look, though, and if not, you can customize the layout to your liking. There is nothing to guarantee a total of six years of software and security support, which is great, especially considering the price.
Gemini Advanced, Gemini Live and Circle are available on your phone, and while nothing isn’t thrown in its own AI stuff (I’m thankful for that), it’s already launched a tool that I really like. It is called the Basic Space and it is designed as a central hub for storing your ideas, notes, screenshots and ideas all day long.
The basic space will be filled with all your thoughts and ideas. perhaps.
See your favorite shoes? Turn on the camera and save the lens, along with your voice notes, using the dedicated basic space button on the side of the phone. Need to buy Brie, Vodka, Party Hats and Snake Food on the way home? A long button press will make you decide on your shopping list to add it to your space for later checking.
It’s a good idea in theory, although it seems to be limited in functionality right now. The basic space is essentially a hub for screenshots and voice notes, but I see its potential. It’s refreshing to find features that are both unique and truly useful. There is nothing to emphasize that the basic space is still in beta, with more features along the way – so keep an eye on this space.
Good enough
Both phones pack a 50 megapixel main camera, and while nothing can be said that the Pro model has upgraded autofocus and dynamic range, I haven’t been able to compare them yet, so my idea is based on my use of the Phone 3a Pro.
Taken with the main camera, this photo is full of vitality and sharp.
Despite the challenges of challenging high contrast scenarios, the Phone 3A Pro works well and balances bright highlights with dark areas.
There are all kinds of filters, but I especially like the black and white filters.
The super camera provides a balanced exposure in this photo.
While the Base 3a packs a 50-megapixel telephoto camera that can be equipped with 2x optical zoom, the 3A Pro’s 50-megapixel Periscope camera offers 3x optical zoom with 6x “internal sensor” zoom Sensor crop to achieve longer zoom.
Shot at 6x Zoom, this lens remains nice and sharp
The base phone 3A has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, while the 3A Pro has a 50-megapixel sensor that is larger and can help take clearer lenses.
Testing the Pro’s front-facing camera is the perfect excuse to get a big beer. The image itself is good, especially considering the relatively low environment.
No phone 3A, 3A Pro or competitor phone?
There is no 3a (left), no 3a pro (right).
I was surprised that the difference between the two models was small. With the same processor, monitor and 5,000mAh battery (with 50W fast charging), the main difference is the additional periscope zoom and a high-resolution front-facing camera. Is photography important to you? If so, maybe a professional. Otherwise, save yourself a few dollars and choose the basic model.
Both phones seem to offer a reliable overall experience at a truly reasonable price. Priced at $379, it’s a big deal for a phone that can handle almost anything – especially when Apple thinks $599’s “affordable” iPhone 16e. But unless you need a new phone right away, it might be worth waiting to see how Samsung’s newly announced Galaxy A26 and A36 stacks, or whether Google’s Pixel 9A is just around the corner.
