Nothing Phone 3a: In an increasingly homogeneous smartphone market where innovation often feels limited to flagship devices, the Nothing Phone 3a emerges as a breath of fresh air.

Launched in March 2025, this mid-range offering from Carl Pei’s maverick tech company continues the brand’s tradition of distinctive design while pushing performance boundaries in the sub-₹25,000 segment. Is this the device that finally delivers premium features without the premium price tag? Let’s dive in.

A Design That Stands Out

Nothing has consistently challenged smartphone design conventions, and the Phone 3a is no exception.

The device maintains the brand’s signature transparent back panel that offers a peek at select internal components—not the actual circuitry, but a thoughtfully arranged layout that creates visual interest. This aesthetic immediately distinguishes the Phone 3a from the sea of similar-looking devices that dominate store shelves.

The redesigned Glyph interface—those distinctive LED strips on the rear—has been refined for this generation. While less flashy than on the original Nothing Phone, the Glyph lighting now curves elegantly around the camera module, creating a more sophisticated look.

These aren’t just for show either; they serve functional purposes as notification indicators, charging status displays, and even as fill lights for photography.

At 201g with dimensions that accommodate its 6.77-inch display, the Phone 3a isn’t the most compact device on the market.

Some users might find it a bit bulky for one-handed use, especially compared to slimmer competitors in this price bracket. The flat edges and straight sides give it a geometric, industrial feel that’s reminiscent of higher-end devices.

Available in understated monochrome colorways, the Phone 3a exudes a premium feel that belies its mid-range pricing.

The matte finish on the back resists fingerprints well, though the Panda Glass protection (rather than Corning’s Gorilla Glass) might raise durability concerns for some users. With an IP64 rating, it offers decent protection against dust and splashes, if not full water resistance.

Display: Bright, Smooth, Vibrant

The Phone 3a sports a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that impresses on multiple fronts.

With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling feels butter-smooth, while the 1000Hz touch sampling rate ensures responsive touch interactions—crucial for mobile gaming. The screen’s 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors that pop, making content consumption a pleasure.

Peak brightness hits an impressive 3000 nits (with 1300 nits outdoor brightness and 800 nits typical brightness), ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The 2160Hz PWM frequency helps reduce eye strain during extended use, a thoughtful addition often reserved for pricier models.

Though the bezels are slightly thicker than those found on some competitors, they’re uniform around the display, contributing to the device’s symmetrical, balanced appearance. The central punch-hole for the selfie camera is discrete and doesn’t significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Performance: Punching Above Its Weight

Powering the Nothing Phone 3a is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor—a capable 4nm chip featuring one Cortex-A720 core clocked at 2.5GHz, three additional A720 cores at 2.4GHz, and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A520 cores running at 1.8GHz. The accompanying Adreno 810 GPU handles graphics processing duties admirably.

According to Nothing, the Phone 3a delivers 33% faster CPU performance, 11% better GPU performance, and a staggering 92% improvement in AI tasks compared to its predecessor.

While these numbers don’t match flagship processors like those found in the iPhone 16e or Pixel 8a, they translate to smooth everyday performance for most users.

In benchmark tests, the Phone 3a scores around 1,166 in single-core and 3,275 in multi-core Geekbench 6 tests.

These figures won’t impress hardcore mobile gamers seeking maximum frame rates in graphically intensive titles, but for day-to-day tasks—messaging, social media browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming—the device performs admirably without noticeable lag.

The base model ships with 8GB RAM and 128GB of non-expandable UFS 2.2 storage, though variants with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage are available in select markets.

The absence of expandable storage might disappoint some potential buyers, but the generous internal storage options should suffice for most users.

Camera System: Versatility Meets Quality

Photography capabilities receive a significant upgrade with the Phone 3a, which marks Nothing’s first foray into triple-camera setups at this price point. The system consists of:

50MP main camera with OIS and f/1.88 aperture
50MP 2x telephoto lens with f/2.0 aperture
8MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture
50MP front-facing camera for selfies

The main sensor delivers solid performance in most lighting conditions, producing natural colors with good dynamic range, if not class-leading sharpness. Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3.0 employs AI to enhance image processing, with particularly noticeable improvements in low-light scenarios.

The telephoto lens offers 2x optical zoom, extending to 30x digital zoom—impressive on paper, though quality predictably deteriorates beyond about 10x magnification.

The ultrawide camera provides versatility for landscape shots and group photos, though it doesn’t quite match the color consistency of the main shooter.

Video capabilities are surprisingly robust, with 4K recording supported across all rear lenses—a feature often omitted in this price segment. AI-powered stabilization helps produce smooth footage even in challenging conditions.

While the camera system won’t dethrone dedicated photography-focused devices like the Pixel 8a, it offers versatility and quality that exceed expectations for a mid-range smartphone, particularly in good lighting conditions.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Endurance

The Phone 3a houses a substantial 5,000mAh battery that easily powers through a full day of moderate to heavy use.

Even with the 120Hz display enabled and mixed usage patterns including social media browsing, video streaming, and some gaming, most users will end their day with power to spare.

According to Nothing’s internal testing, the device can sustain up to 26 hours of continuous YouTube playback—an impressive figure that, while likely optimistic for real-world scenarios, indicates strong battery optimization.

Charging speeds, while not industry-leading, are respectable.

The included charger replenishes the battery at a decent pace, though faster solutions exist in this price bracket. Wireless charging is notably absent, but that’s a common omission at this price point.

Software: Clean, Distinctive, and Smart

Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, remains one of the Phone 3a’s strongest selling points.

The interface strikes an excellent balance between stock Android’s cleanliness and Nothing’s distinctive visual identity, characterized by the dot-matrix font and monochromatic aesthetic that permeates the UI.

Custom widgets (18 in total), ranging from clocks and calendars to contacts and weather forecasts, maintain the consistent Nothing look throughout.

The notification shade and quick toggles blend AOSP elements with Nothing’s design language, featuring a combination of large rectangles and smaller circles that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Nothing promises three years of Android version updates and an impressive six years of security patches—not quite matching Google’s support timeline but substantially better than many competitors in this price range.

Perhaps the most intriguing software feature is the Essential Space, accessed via the new dedicated Essential Key on the device’s frame. This AI-powered organizational hub allows users to:

Capture screenshots with a single press of the Essential Key and annotate them
Record voice memos with a double-tap that are automatically transcribed
Set reminders that are intelligently categorized and organized
Use the key as a camera button (following the Nothing OS 3.1 update)

The system employs AI to analyze and organize content, generating personalized suggestions, summaries, and action points.

While these features cater to specific note-taking habits and might not appeal universally, they demonstrate Nothing’s commitment to thoughtful software innovation.

Advanced behavioral learning algorithms work behind the scenes to optimize load times and boost read/write speeds by managing the file system during idle periods.

Similarly, multi-tasking performance benefits from intelligent resource allocation, ensuring smooth operation even with numerous apps open simultaneously.

Special Features: The Glyph Interface and Essential Key

Two features that set the Nothing Phone 3a apart from its competitors are the Glyph Interface and the Essential Key.

The Glyph Interface consists of LED strips on the rear panel that serve multiple functions:

Visual notifications for calls, messages, and app alerts
Battery level indicator when charging
Music visualization that syncs lights to playing audio
Countdown timer visualization
Fill light for photography in low-light conditions
Audio level visualization when adjusting volume

While less extensive than on previous Nothing phones, the Glyph system adds both practical utility and visual flair that distinguishes the device from competitors.

The Essential Key, a physical button on the device’s frame, provides quick access to the Essential Space functionality.

With the Nothing OS 3.1 update, its capabilities extend to the camera app, allowing users to capture photos directly to Essential Space with written or voice notes attached.

This integration of hardware and software creates a cohesive system for capturing and organizing information on the go.

Pricing and Variants

The Nothing Phone 3a is priced at ₹23,699 for the base 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant in India, positioning it competitively in the mid-range segment. Additional configurations include:

8GB RAM/256GB storage (India only)
12GB RAM/256GB storage (select markets outside India)

This pricing strategy places the Phone 3a in direct competition with devices like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, POCO X7, and Realme P3 Pro, though its unique design and clean software experience help it stand out in this crowded market segment.

Comparison with Key Competitors

Feature	Nothing Phone 3a	Motorola Edge 50 Neo	POCO X7	Realme P3 Pro
Display	6.77″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz	6.36″ pOLED, 120Hz	6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz	6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 7s Gen 3	Dimensity 7300	Snapdragon 7s Gen 2	Dimensity 7200
Main Camera	50MP, f/1.88	50MP, f/1.88	64MP, f/1.79	50MP, f/1.88
Battery	5,000mAh	4,310mAh	5,000mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	45W wired	68W wired	67W wired	80W wired
Software	Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15)	Android 14	HyperOS (Android 14)	Realme UI 5.0 (Android 14)
Unique Features	Glyph Interface, Essential Key	ThinkShield security	Gaming features	AI enhancements
Water/Dust Resistance	IP64	IP68	IP54	IP65
Price (8GB/128GB)	₹23,699	₹24,999	₹21,999	₹23,999

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Distinctive, premium design with functional Glyph interface
Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display with excellent brightness
Clean, bloatware-free software experience
Versatile triple-camera system with good main sensor
Strong battery life
Innovative Essential Space functionality
Competitive pricing for the features offered
Six years of security updates promised

Cons:

Relatively bulky and heavy compared to competitors
Charging speeds lag behind some rivals
No expandable storage option
Camera performance inconsistent in challenging conditions
Panda Glass may be less durable than Gorilla Glass
IP64 rating falls short of some competitors’ IP68 certification

Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone 3a?

The Nothing Phone 3a is an excellent choice for:

Design-conscious users seeking a device that stands out
Those who value clean, near-stock Android experience
Mobile photography enthusiasts on a budget
Users who prioritize display quality and battery life
Tech enthusiasts interested in innovative features like the Glyph interface and Essential Space

However, it might not be ideal for:

Hardcore mobile gamers seeking maximum performance
Those who require the absolute best camera in this price range
Users who prioritize compact, lightweight designs
People who need expandable storage or the highest level of water resistance

Nothing Phone 3a Conclusion: Nothing but Impressive

The Nothing Phone 3a represents a compelling package that successfully balances distinctive design, solid performance, and innovative features at a competitive price point.

While it doesn’t excel in every category—few devices do, especially at this price—it offers a cohesive, well-rounded experience that feels refreshingly different from its more conventional competitors.

By prioritizing a clean software experience, useful distinctive features like the Glyph interface and Essential Key, and capable everyday performance, Nothing has created a mid-range device that punches above its weight class in the aspects that matter most to many users.

The triple-camera system, while not perfect, offers versatility that was previously unavailable at this price point from Nothing, while the stunning display and robust battery life ensure enjoyable daily use. The promised six years of security updates also provide peace of mind for longer-term ownership.

For those tired of smartphone sameness or willing to trade absolute top-tier performance for character and innovation, the Nothing Phone 3a represents one of the most interesting options in the mid-range market of 2025.

It’s not just a good phone for the price—it’s a good phone, period, with a distinctive personality that’s increasingly rare in today’s smartphone landscape.

In a market where meaningful differentiation is increasingly difficult to achieve, Nothing continues to carve out its own path with the Phone 3a—proving that mid-range devices don’t have to be boring, derivative, or compromise on key features. And in doing so, it has created something that feels like much more than the sum of its parts.