Mid-Range, Major Vibes: Nothing 3a & 3a Pro
Nothing 3a & Nothing 3a Pro
Ok, this is the moment I stop writing about Apple because I simply can’t pretend I didn’t see these devices.
Nothing recently released two new phones during its latest event: the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro. These are two mid-range phones that, no, don’t replace the Nothing Phone (2), but instead join Nothing’s existing lineup. Externally, they look quite different, but internally they’re actually pretty similar.
I think most of us were expecting Nothing to announce a successor to the Nothing Phone (2) - a high-end device for those looking for the very best Nothing can offer, especially considering the Phone (2) is already starting to feel a bit outdated.
However, to everyone’s surprise, Nothing decided to unveil new mid-range devices that effectively replace the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus. The Nothing Phone (3) is still expected to arrive later this year.
Both devices keep Nothing’s unique visual identity, with a transparent back and Glyph LED lights. The biggest change this time is the new processor: both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, replacing the MediaTek chips used in the 2a lineup. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a solid mid-range choice, bringing several features from the higher-end Snapdragon 8 series and delivering more than enough performance for everyday use.
In addition, both devices share the exact same display: a 6.77-inch Flexible AMOLED LTPS panel with a resolution of 2392 × 1080, 387 PPI, and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Nothing Essential Space button.
Another new feature is Essential Space, a new tool designed by Nothing that works somewhat like an AI assistant. There’s a dedicated button on the right side of the phone that gives you instant access to it.
Inside Essential Space, you can store ideas, screenshots from the web, and voice memos - everything is collected in one place. A single press captures the screen, and you can then add text or voice notes to what you’ve saved. It can also function as a to-do list or notes app.
One downside, though, is that the button sits quite close to the power/lock button, which means you might accidentally press the wrong one from time to time.
Looking at both devices in terms of design and overall feel, I honestly think they’re super cool. I’m personally a big fan of the transparent, slightly vintage look and Nothing’s unique design language.
From a user perspective, both phones are excellent options for anyone wanting a capable smartphone without spending a lot of money. The Pro version is slightly more expensive, but it offers extra features, while the standard Phone (3a) feels more like a clean, straightforward upgrade from the Phone (2a).
Both deliver great value and a solid experience, with new processors, updated cameras, large 5,000mAh batteries, and long-term Android support.
Why is there a Pro version?
Nothing 3a (left) & Nothing 3a Pro (right) camera specifications.
When comparing the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, the main differences come down to design and cameras.
The Pro model features a different back design (which I personally find more attractive, though that’s obviously subjective), and a more advanced camera setup. With a periscope sensor on the back, the Phone (3a) Pro can shoot 50MP photos with 3× optical zoom, 6× lossless digital zoom, and up to 60× ultra zoom, delivering surprisingly good results.
In comparison, the standard Phone (3a) offers 50MP photos with 2× optical zoom and up to 30× ultra zoom. The front-facing camera is also upgraded on the Pro, featuring a 50MP sensor versus the 32MP camera on the regular 3a. Both phones support 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps.
Neither model supports wireless charging. The Pro does have a noticeably larger camera bump, which some might find inconvenient. Personally, I think it’s a fair trade-off once the periscope lens needs the space, and in this case, the bump feels justified.
Nothing 3a available colours: White, Black, and Blue.
Nothing 3a Pro available colours: Grey, and Black.
⚙️ Nothing 3a & 3a Pro Specs:
| Specification: | Phone 3a | Phone 3a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display: | 6.77" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6.77" AMOLED, 120 Hz |
| Chipset: | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| RAM: | 8 GB / 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage: | 128 GB / 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Rear Cameras: | 50 MP + Telephoto + 8 MP | 50 MP + Periscope Telephoto + 8 MP |
| Front Camera: | ~32 MP | ~32 MP |
| Battery: | 5000 mAh, 50 W | 5000 mAh, 50 W |
| OS: | Android 15 | Android 15 |
| Price (AUD): | A$599–A$689 | A$849 |
| Price (USD): | $379 | $459 |
| Pre‑Order: | 4 Mar 2025 | 4 Mar 2025 |
| In‑Store: | 11 Mar 2025 | 24 Mar 2025 |
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