Nothing, the London-based tech company known for its distinctive design and minimalist approach, has once again shaken up the smartphone market with the release of the Nothing Phone (3a) 5G. Announced on March 4, 2025, and made available on March 11, the Phone (3a) series aims to bring a premium, flagship-like experience to a more accessible price point.
The Phone (3a) builds on the success of its predecessors, inheriting the iconic transparent design and the signature Glyph Interface, which now features 26 individually addressable zones for a more refined and customizable lighting experience. Available in Black, White, and a new Blue color, the device maintains a sleek aesthetic with a glass back and a plastic frame, offering a balanced mix of style and durability with an IP64 dust and water resistance rating.
Performance and Display: A Seamless Experience
At the heart of the Nothing Phone (3a) is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, a 4nm processor that provides a smooth and efficient performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the phone handles multitasking and app-heavy usage with ease. While it might not be a top-tier gaming powerhouse, it’s more than capable of delivering a reliable and responsive user experience.
The display is a major highlight of the Phone (3a). It features a 6.77-inch Flexible AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the screen is highly visible even in direct sunlight. The display also boasts a 2160Hz PWM dimming rate for eye comfort and a 1000Hz touch sampling rate for a highly responsive feel.
Camera System: A Versatile Shooter
The Nothing Phone (3a) comes equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back, offering a versatile range for photography enthusiasts. The main camera is a 50MP sensor with OIS and PDAF, delivering sharp and vibrant photos in good lighting. It is complemented by a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and an 8MP ultrawide lens. While the main and telephoto sensors perform well, especially in daylight, some reviewers have noted that the ultrawide camera and low-light video could be improved. On the front, the phone sports a 32MP selfie camera, capable of capturing detailed and high-resolution images.
Software and Battery Life: Clean, Efficient, and Long-Lasting
Running on Android 15 with NothingOS 3.1, the Phone (3a) offers a clean, bloat-free, and highly intuitive user interface. Nothing’s commitment to long-term support is evident with a promise of up to three years of Android upgrades and six years of security patches. The software is also integrated with AI features like the “Essential Space,” which uses the new “Essential Key” to organize and categorize content.
Powering the device is a 5000mAh battery that provides excellent endurance, lasting a full day and beyond for most users. When it’s time to recharge, the 50W fast charging gets the phone from 0 to 100% in under an hour. While it lacks wireless charging, the inclusion of 7.5W reverse wired charging is a welcome feature.
Pricing and Availability
The Nothing Phone (3a) is available in various configurations, with prices starting around ₹24,999 in India. It is a compelling choice in the competitive mid-range market, offering a unique blend of design, performance, and user-centric features. The Phone (3a) and the more enhanced Phone (3a) Pro are available in select markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, and India, and can be purchased from various online and offline retailers.
The Nothing Phone (3a) solidifies Nothing’s position as a brand that is not afraid to stand out from the crowd. It’s a phone that caters to users who value a clean software experience and a distinctive design without compromising on essential features and performance.