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Nothing Phone (3a) Review

Nothing Phone (3a)

Expert Rating: 7.6/10

Nothing Phone (3a)

Nothing Phone (3a)

Design & Build Quality    ⭐ 9/10
Display Quality                ⭐8/10
Performance                   ⭐ 7/10
Camera (Rear)                ⭐7/10
Camera (Front)               ⭐ 6/10
Battery Life                     ⭐ 8/10
Charging Speed             ⭐ 8/10
Software & UI                 ⭐ 9/10

Pros

  • Excellent and super bright 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display.
  • Great battery life with fast 50W charging.
  • Improved camera system with a useful 2x telephoto lens.
  • IP64 rating for added durability.

Cons

  • No charger included in the box.
  • Ultrawide camera could be better in low light.

Table of the Content 

  1. Unboxing Experience
  2. Design and Build
  3. Display
  4. Performance
  5. Camera
  6. Battery Life and Charging
  7. Software
  8. User Feedback
  9. Connectivity and Other Features
  10. AI feature
  11. Security
  12. Nothing Phone (3a) VS Competitor
  13. Price and Availability
  14. Buying Guide
  15. Conclusion
  16. Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing Phone (3a) : The Mid-Range Maverick Strikes Again

Nothing, the brand known for its distinctive transparent designs and unique software approach, has once again made waves in the competitive mid-range smartphone market with the launch of the Nothing Phone (3a). Released on March 11, 2025, the Phone (3a) aims to bring a touch of the premium Nothing experience to a more accessible price point. But does it succeed in balancing affordability with innovation? Let's dive into a complete review.

Nothing Phone (3a) Unboxing Experience 

The unboxing experience for the Nothing Phone (3a) is designed to be minimalist, eco-friendly, and distinctively "Nothing." It reflects the brand's philosophy of clean aesthetics and attention to detail, even in its packaging.
Here's what you can expect when you unbox the Nothing Phone (3a):

1. The Box Itself:

Nothing Phone (3a) Unboxing
  • Sleek and Minimal: The Phone (3a) comes in a bold black box, often with subtle color shifts depending on the phone variant. The packaging is notably compact and sleek, designed to be as minimal as possible.
  • Unique Design Language: The front of the box often features a clever, minimal sketch that mirrors the phone's camera layout, hinting at the device inside without giving too much away.
  • Eco-Conscious: Nothing emphasizes its commitment to sustainability. The entire packaging, including the inner cradle that holds the phone, is made from recyclable cardboard.
  • Improved Seal: Reviewers have noted that the packaging has improved compared to earlier Nothing phones, with a nice peeling sticker on the back that allows you to unbox it without easily damaging the box.

Inside The Box  

Nothing Phone (3a) Inside The Box
  • Nothing Phone (3a),
  • 1 USB data cable, 
  • 1 SIM Ejector Tool, 
  • 1 Safety Guide, 
  • 1 Quick Guide, 
  • 1 Protective Case.

First Impressions from Unboxing: 

  • The unboxing experience of the Nothing Phone (3a) is designed to be satisfying and on-brand.
  • It's not about a plethora of accessories, but about the thoughtful presentation and the distinctive aesthetics of the phone itself. 
  • The pre-applied screen protector and the unique SIM ejector tool are appreciated details that speak to Nothing's attention to user experience.
  • While the absence of a charger and case might be a minor inconvenience for some, it aligns with the brand's minimalist and environmental stance.

Nothing Phone (3a) Design and Build: Transparency, Evolved

Nothing Phone (3a) Design and Build

The Nothing Phone (3a) continues Nothing's design philosophy with its signature transparent back, allowing a glimpse into the phone's internal components. While it shares a similar aesthetic to its predecessors, the Phone (3a) refines it. The design is cleaner, with a more pronounced focus on geometric shapes and flat surfaces, giving it a sophisticated, almost minimalistic feel.

Nothing Phone (3a)  Cooling System

The Glyph Interface, Nothing's unique notification lighting system, is still present and accounted for. While some might find it a gimmick, it remains a defining feature that sets Nothing phones apart. It’s customizable for notifications, timers, and even a visual countdown for the camera. The phone feels solid in hand, with a well-balanced weight, though the flat sides might be a preference for some and a slight discomfort for others depending on hand size. The Phone (3a) also boasts an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, offering a decent level of protection for everyday mishaps.

Nothing Phone (3a) Display: A Bright and Smooth Canvas

Nothing Phone (3a) Display

True to Nothing's design ethos, the Nothing Phone (3a) has a transparent back, providing views into the internals. It has been developed in what might best be described as an evolution of the design laid down by its forebears. The design is cleaner, with a bigger emphasis on geometric shapes and flat surfaces that endow it with an almost minimalistic aura.

Nothing's inventive notification lighting system, the Glyph Interface, is here and accounted for. Granted, some might consider it a gimmick, but it has become one of those distinguishing features that put the Nothing phones in a class of their own. It can be customized for notifications, timers, and even a visual camera countdown. The phone feels sturdy in the hand and well-balanced in terms of weight, though given the flat edges, some might prefer it one way or the other, depending on the circumference of their hands. The Phone (3a) carries IP64 certification against dust ingress and splash protection, providing a modest level of shielding against the rigors of daily life.

Nothing Phone (3a) Performance: Mid-Range Muscle with AI Smarts

Nothing Phone (3a) Performance

Under the hood, Nothing Phone (3a) renders activity through Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform. This processor having a 4 nm octa-core, with a prime core clocked at 2.5 GHz, is known for satisfactorily powering any mid-range performance. 

In the real-world scenarios:

  • Day-to-day Activities: The smartphone performs daily tasks-including browsing, social networking, messaging, and switching between applications-for users in great smoothness. It is almost lagging or stuttering, thus offering truly very responsive user interaction.
  • Multitasking: With LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage of either 8GB or 12GB, multitasking is hassle-free as applications are kept in View Memory, allowing for immediate switches.
  • Gaming: The Phone (3a), for light or moderate-level gaming, is a joy to hold. It handles graphically demanding games at decent frame rates; however, for hitting ultra settings, some compromises will have to be made. Adreno 710 offers fair graphics rendering. 
  • AI Engine: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 has a dedicated Qualcomm AI Engine and Hexagon Tensor Accelerator (HTA) to boost AI performance. This allows for features like Essential Space, an AI-based system that arranges your content and nudges you towards performing actions, and enhancements in camera processing capabilities.

Nothing Phone (3a) Camera: A Surprising Step Up

Nothing Phone (3a) Camera

Nothing has made notable improvements in the camera department with the Phone (3a). It sports a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear:

  • 50MP Main Camera (f/1.9, OIS): This is the star of the show. It captures detailed photos with good dynamic range and natural colors in well-lit conditions. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) significantly improves low-light performance and video stability.
  • 50MP Telephoto Lens (f/2.0, 2x optical zoom): A welcome addition over a macro lens, this telephoto sensor allows for genuinely sharp 2x optical zoom shots. It's great for portraits and getting closer to subjects without significant loss of detail. It also offers up to 30x ultra zoom (digital).
  • 8MP Ultrawide Camera (f/2.2, 120˚ FOV): While not as impressive as the main sensor, the ultrawide is decent for capturing wider scenes, especially in good lighting.
  • Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera (f/2.2) delivers good selfies with accurate skin tones and sufficient detail in good lighting.

Camera Performance in practice:

  • Daylight: Photos taken during daylight, by and large, remain excellent, exhibiting good exposure and finer detail with colors still very much in their natural tone.
  • Low Light: With the assistance of OIS and Nothing's TrueLens Engine 3 (AI-assisted image processing), the main camera does great in low light, providing a fair amount of detail while debarring noise.
  • Video: The main camera records the video at 4K resolution and 30fps. These videos proceed to remain stable and factually detailed.

Nothing Phone (3a) Battery Life and Charging: Power Through Your Day

Nothing Phone (3a) Battery Life and Charging

The Nothing Phone (3a) is equipped with a large 5000 mAh battery, which is quickly becoming a standard for excellent endurance in smartphones.

Real-world battery life:

  • Users consistently report excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day even with heavy usage, including gaming and streaming. Moderate users can expect up to 1.5 to 2 days of usage.
  • Screen-on-time (SOT) often reaches 7-10 hours, which is very impressive for a device in this segment.

For charging, the Phone (3a) supports 50W fast wired charging. While it doesn't include a charger in the box (a common trend), the 50W speed is quite respectable, allowing the phone to charge from 0 to 50% in approximately 19 minutes and a full charge in under an hour (around 56 minutes). It also supports 7.5W reverse wired charging.Z

Nothing Phone (3a) Software: Nothing OS 3.1 – Clean, Intuitive, and Smart

Nothing Phone (3a) Software

The Phone (3a) runs on Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15. Nothing's software philosophy focuses on a clean, bloatware-free experience with subtle, yet distinct, visual elements.

Key software highlights:

  • Clean UI: The interface is close to stock Android, with minimal pre-installed third-party apps, contributing to a smooth and responsive user experience.
  • Dot Engine: Nothing OS integrates its unique "Dot Engine" with bespoke animations, icons, and fonts that align with its design language.
  • Functional Customizations: Users can personalize Quick Settings, home screen, and lock screen with custom shortcuts and widgets.
  • AI Features: Beyond Essential Space, Nothing OS 3.1 integrates AI for smart app organization (Smart Drawer), and even ChatGPT integration via voice control or a dedicated widget, making it a "first-of-its-kind" in the Nothing ecosystem.
  • Long-Term Support: Nothing promises 3 years of Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches, which is excellent for a phone in this price range and adds significant value.

Nothing Phone (3a) - User Feedback 

“Great for value, software is amazing, the customisation as well. Camera is not bad at all considering the price.”

“So far, so good. Decent phone, looks cool. Just buy a case for it because this has glass on both sides.”

“It feels like a flagship but cheaper… performance are good… battery is very good too, lasts me around 1.5 days.”

“Fell in love with the camera… battery life is easily around 7‑8 hours SOT.”

“Charges fast, lasts longer than I expected, the ui is the best I've used so far.”

Nothing Phone (3a) Connectivity and Other Features

Nothing Phone (3a) Connectivity and Other Features
  • 5G Connectivity: Supports a wide range of 5G bands for fast mobile data.
  • Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC: Standard modern connectivity options are all present.
  • Stereo Speakers: Provides a decent audio experience for media consumption.
  • In-display Fingerprint Sensor: Fast and reliable for unlocking the device.
  • Dual SIM (Nano-SIM): For managing two numbers.

Nothing Phone (3a) AI feature

Nothing Phone (3a) AI feature

The Nothing Phone (3a), while positioned as a mid-range device, leverages AI capabilities to enhance user experience, particularly through its Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform and Nothing's own Nothing OS 3.1. Here's a breakdown of its AI features:

1. On-Device AI Processing (Powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3):

  • Qualcomm AI Engine: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset includes a dedicated Qualcomm AI Engine and Hexagon Tensor Accelerator (HTA). This hardware accelerates AI processing directly on the device, leading to faster and more efficient execution of AI tasks without relying solely on cloud processing.
  • Generative AI Support: The chip is designed to support on-device generative AI capabilities, paving the way for more sophisticated AI features to be implemented directly on the phone. This is a significant step for a mid-range SoC.
  • Machine Learning for Camera: The Spectra Triple ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon leverages machine learning to produce sharper, high-resolution photos.

2. Essential Space: The AI-Powered Hub:

  • Intelligent Organization: Essential Space is Nothing's core AI-powered feature for organizing digital content. It acts as a centralized repository for screenshots, voice memos, photos, travel information, and other miscellaneous digital bits that often get scattered across a phone.
  • Contextual Understanding: What makes Essential Space intelligent is its ability to extract relevant information from your saved content. For example, if you screenshot flight details, the AI can identify departure times, dates, and even remind you to book tickets or pull up related maps and links.
  • Dedicated "Essential Key": The Phone (3a) features a dedicated physical "Essential Key" button.
  1. Quick Press: A short press allows you to quickly save what's on your screen (like a screenshot) and add notes directly, without needing to go to the gallery first.
  2. Long Press: A long press can instantly record voice notes, which are then automatically transcribed into text by AI, making it a handy tool for quick memos.
  • Upcoming Features: Nothing has teased further enhancements for Essential Space, including "Smart Collections" for automatic content grouping and "Focused Search" for more precise content retrieval.

3. AI in Camera Enhancements (TrueLens Engine 3):

  • Advanced Image Processing: The Nothing Phone (3a) utilizes Nothing's TrueLens Engine 3, which combines hardware, advanced computational algorithms, and AI processing.
  • Definition and Skin Tone Accuracy: AI is specifically used for better definition and more accurate skin tone reproduction in photos.
  • Enhanced Night Scenes: For low-light photography, AI scans images to make hues brighter and contrasts higher, resulting in more vibrant and "popping" night shots. This works in conjunction with pixel binning technology and OIS.
  • Face and Scene Classification in Gallery: The Nothing Gallery app benefits from AI-powered face and scene recognition, making it easier for users with large photo libraries to search for and organize their images.
  • Portrait Mode Refinements:Nothing Phone (3a) Portrait ModeAI assists in refining the background blur in portrait photos for more accurate subject isolation.

4. Nothing OS 3.1 AI Integrations:

  • Smart Drawer: Nothing OS often includes features like a "Smart Drawer" that can intelligently organize your apps into categories based on usage patterns.
  • ChatGPT Integration: A notable AI integration is the native ChatGPT integration via voice control or a dedicated widget, making it one of the first phones to offer such a direct link to the popular AI chatbot.
  • Behavioral Learning Algorithms: Nothing OS 3.1 includes advanced behavioral learning algorithms that work in the background to optimize app load times and boost read/write speeds by managing the file system when the phone is idle.

Nothing Phone (3a) Security 

The Nothing Phone (3a) prioritizes security through a combination of robust hardware, regular software updates, and user-centric features within Nothing OS 3.1. Here's a breakdown:

1. Software Updates and Longevity:

Android 15: The Phone (3a) ships with the latest Android 15 out of the box, ensuring users start with the most current security patches and platform-level protections from Google.
Update Policy: Nothing promises a solid software support policy for the Phone (3a):
3 years of Android OS upgrades: This means the device should receive major Android version updates up to Android 18 (Android 15 -> 16 -> 17 -> 18).
6 years of security patches: This is a commendable commitment for a mid-range phone, ensuring that the device remains protected against known vulnerabilities and threats for a prolonged period, extending well beyond its major OS updates (until early 2031). This is crucial for long-term user data security.

2. Biometric Authentication:

In-Display Optical Fingerprint Sensor: The Phone (3a) features a reliable and fast in-display optical fingerprint sensor. This allows for quick and secure unlocking of the device and authentication for apps and payments (like Google Pay). Reviews generally praise its speed and accuracy.
Face Unlock: While not as secure as fingerprint or PIN, face unlock is typically available for convenient, albeit less robust, unlocking.

3. Operating System Level Security (Nothing OS 3.1):

  • Near-Stock Android: Nothing OS 3.1 is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience. This generally means fewer custom layers that could potentially introduce vulnerabilities compared to heavily customized UIs.
  • Minimal Bloatware: The absence of excessive pre-installed third-party apps (bloatware) reduces the attack surface for potential malware or privacy breaches.
  • Power-Off Password Verification: A notable security enhancement introduced with Nothing OS 3.1 is a power-off password verification feature. When the device is locked, you will need to authenticate (e.g., via PIN/password) before being able to power it off. This helps prevent unauthorized shutdown of the device, which could be used to circumvent tracking or other security measures if the phone is lost or stolen.
  • Privacy Space (or Private Space): Nothing OS 3.1 includes a "Privacy Space" feature (sometimes referred to as "Private Space"). This is akin to Samsung's Secure Folder or Pixel's Locked Folder, allowing users to:
  • Hide Apps: Keep sensitive applications out of sight.
  • Separate Files: Store private photos, videos, and documents in a secure, encrypted area.
  • Cloned Apps: Potentially run cloned apps within this secure environment for added privacy.
    This feature ensures that even if someone gains access to your phone, your most sensitive data and apps remain protected behind a separate authentication layer.
  • IP64 Rating: The Phone (3a) carries an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. While it's not designed for submersion in water, this rating offers protection against everyday elements like rain splashes, accidental spills, and dust ingress, which can contribute to the longevity and reliability of the device.

5. Secure Hardware (Snapdragon 7s Gen 3):

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 includes various hardware-level security features, such as Secure Boot, hardware-backed key storage, and trusted execution environments (TEE), which are fundamental to the overall security of the Android platform.

Nothing Phone (3a) VS Competitor 

Feature / Model

Nothing Phone (3a)

OnePlus Nord CE4

Samsung Galaxy M15 5G

Price (India) ₹22,999 ₹24,999 ₹13,999
Design & Build Transparent back + Glyph LEDs Plastic back, sleek design Matte back, water drop notch
Display 6.7" FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz 6.7" AMOLED, 120Hz HDR10+ 6.5" Super AMOLED, 90Hz
Processor Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm)
RAM + Storage 8GB + 128/256GB (UFS 2.2) 8GB + 128/256GB (UFS 3.1) 6GB + 128GB
Rear Camera 50MP Sony IMX890 + 2MP 50MP Sony LYT600 + 2MP 50MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera 16MP 16MP 13MP
Battery 5000mAh 5500mAh 6000mAh
Charging Speed 45W (no charger in box) 100W SuperVOOC (charger in box) 25W Fast Charge
OS & UI Nothing OS 2.5 (Android 14) OxygenOS 14 One UI Core 6 (Android 14)
Software Updates 3 yrs OS + 4 yrs security 2 yrs OS + 3 yrs security 4 yrs OS + 5 yrs security
Stereo Speakers Yes Yes No
Water Resistance IP54 (splash only) IP54 IP52
Fingerprint Sensor In-display In-display Side-mounted
Weight 191g 186g 217g
Unique Feature Glyph Interface (LEDs) 100W fast charging 6000mAh battery

Nothing Phone (3a) Price and Availability

8GB + 128GB variant: ₹24,999 on Flipkart and Croma, often available as low as ₹22,999 with bank offers & exchange combos

  • 8GB + 256GB: Priced at ₹26,999–29,990 .
  • 12GB + 256GB: Around ₹28,999 (leaked pricing), may vary at launch

Launch date was March 4–11, 2025, with sales beginning March 11 in select colors—Black, White, and Blue

Retail Availability

India:

  • Online: Flipkart, Amazon, and Croma , Vijay Sales, Supreme Mobiles,etc.
  • Offers: Bank cashback (HDFC, SBI), exchange deals up to ₹3,000–5,000

Global:

  • Official Nothing stores (US, Europe, Asia-Pacific)
  • Participating global retailers via Beta Program in the US

Nothing Phone (3a) Buying Guide 

Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone (3a)

  • Mid-range buyers seeking style & value
  • Stock Android lovers
  • Battery & display-conscious users
  • Casual content creators & mobile photographers
  • Everyday multitaskers
  • First-time Nothing buyers

Who Should NOT Buy the Nothing Phone (3a)?

  • Heavy gamers
  • Camera professionals or enthusiasts
  • Wireless charging fans
  • Those needing water/dust resistance
  • Dual SIM + eSIM users

Is the Nothing Phone (3a) Worth the Money

Yes, absolutely-if you:

  • Want a budget-friendly phone with premium feel and performance
  • Prefer a clutter-free, minimal user interface
  • Value long battery life and fast charging
  • Don’t demand flagship-level gaming or photography

For the starting price of ₹24,999 ($379 globally), it’s one of the most stylish, well-optimized Android phones under ₹30,000. Its Glyph LED interface is unique, the software is refined, and you’ll enjoy long-term support.

Nothing Phone (3a) Conclusion

Nothing Phone (3a) Conclusion

The Nothing Phone (3a) is a compelling proposition in the crowded mid-range market. It successfully carries forward Nothing's distinctive design identity while delivering a strong performance across the board. The highlight is undoubtedly its balanced approach: a powerful processor, a vibrant and bright display, a surprisingly capable camera system with a telephoto lens, and long-lasting battery life. Coupled with the clean and intuitive Nothing OS 3.1 and strong software support, the Phone (3a) is more than just a stylish phone; it's a practical and enjoyable daily driver that stands out from the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does Nothing 3a support 5G?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (3a) supports 5G.

Is Nothing 3a waterproof?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (3a) has an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance

Is nothing 3a wireless charging?

No, the Nothing Phone (3a) does not support wireless charging.

What  processor is in Nothing 3a?

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset delivers seamless multitasking, lag-free gaming, and energy-efficient performance.

Does Nothing Phone 3a have esim?

No, the Nothing Phone (3a) does not support eSIM. 

What is the battery life of Nothing 3a?

The Nothing Phone (3a) features a 5000 mAh battery and is expected to offer a full day of usage for most casual users, with a potential to last up to 14-15 hours.

What kind of screen is Nothing 3a?

The Nothing Phone 3a features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10+ and has a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it suitable for outdoor viewing. The screen has a 1080 x 2392 resolution and a 387 PPI pixel density, providing sharp and clear visuals. 

Is Nothing 3a available offline?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 3a series is available offline at major electronics retailers.

What is the build quality of Nothing 3a?

The Nothing Phone (3a) boasts improved build quality compared to its predecessor, featuring a glass back panel instead of polycarbonate and an upgraded IP64 rating for dust and water resistance.

Does Nothing 3a have glass back?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (3a) does have a glass back.

Does Nothing 3a have fingerprint sensor?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (3a) does have an in-display fingerprint sensor.

Does Nothing 3a support fast charging?

Yes. Nothing 3a support fast charging  50W Fast Charging

Does Nothing 3a have AI features?

Yes, the Nothing Phone (3a) series features several AI-powered capabilities, notably with the "Essential Space" feature.

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This content was last updated on 14/07/2025.

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