🔥 Nothing Phone (3a) Review – Bold Design, Solid Performance, Great Value
The Nothing Phone (3a) is the cheaper sibling of the Phone (3a) Pro, offering the same unique design and smooth performance at a more accessible price. Here’s my hands-on review after using it as my daily phone.
📦 Unboxing Experience
The Nothing Phone (3a) comes in a slim, book-style box with a cardboard sleeve – a minimalist, eco-friendly presentation. Inside, everything is recyclable cardboard, which is a nice touch. Accessories are minimal:
- ✅ USB-C cable
- ✅ SIM ejector tool
- ❌ No charger or case included
It’s a bare-bones unboxing, but that’s become the norm these days.
🛠️ Design and Build Quality
The Phone (3a)’s design is distinctly Nothing. It sports the brand’s signature see-through back with Glyph LED strips – which flash for notifications and calls.
- Premium materials: Glass back + aluminum frame
- IP64 rating: Dust and splash resistant
- New Essential Key: Side-mounted button for shortcuts
- Slim bezels + in-display fingerprint reader
It’s stylish, functional, and has a nice in-hand feel.
📺 Display and Audio
- 6.77-inch AMOLED
- Full HD+ resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR10+ certified
- Peak brightness: ~1300 nits
The screen is vivid, smooth, and bright enough for sunny days.
🔊 Audio
- Dual stereo speakers (earpiece + bottom-firing)
- Loud, clear sound with decent stereo separation
- No headphone jack
- Bluetooth 5.4 & NFC for wireless connectivity
For this price, the audio experience is impressive.
⚙️ Software and Performance
- OS: Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1
- Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
- RAM: 8GB or 12GB
- Storage: Fast and responsive (UFS)
- Gaming: Handles PUBG & CoD at high settings
- Thermals: Gets warm but no throttling
- Updates: 3 years Android + 6 years security
✨ Key Feature: Essential Key
A new side button with quick-access functions:- Single press: Screenshot/save
- Double press: Record voice memo with live transcription
🔋 Battery Life and Charging
- 5,000 mAh battery
- Easily lasts a full day of use
- 50W fast charging over USB-C
- No charger included
- ~50% in 25 minutes, ~100% in 65 minutes
📸 Camera Quality
| Camera | Specs | Notes |
| Main (rear) | 50MP with OIS | Sharp, detailed, great in low light too |
| Telephoto | 50MP 2x Optical Zoom | Crisp in good lighting, limited in low light |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | Good for daylight shots, weak in the dark |
| Front (selfie) | 32MP | Clean, natural selfies in daylight |
| Video (rear) | 4K (main), 1080p (others) | Stabilized 4K looks great from the main cam |
💸 Value for Money
- Starting price: €329 / ~$379
- Strong competitors can’t match this overall package
- Premium design + performance + software support
✅ Pros and Cons
✔️ Pros
- 💰 Aggressive pricing
- 🎨 Unique transparent design with Glyph LEDs
- 📱 Bright, smooth 120Hz OLED display
- 🔊 Loud stereo speakers
- 🧼 Clean, bloat-free Android
- 🚀 Smooth day-to-day performance
- 📷 Versatile and reliable cameras
❌ Cons
- 🔘 Awkward button placement
- 💧 Only IP64 – not fully waterproof
- 🎥 4K limited to main camera only
- 📵 No eSIM support
- 🔌 No charger in the box
📊 Nothing Phone (3a) vs. Competitors – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Nothing Phone (3a) | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Pixel 7a | iQOO Z9 Turbo |
| Display | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.6″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1″ OLED, 90Hz | 6.78″ AMOLED, 144Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Exynos 1380 | Google Tensor G2 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| Camera (Main) | 50MP (OIS) + 50MP Telephoto | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP Ultra-wide | 64MP (OIS) + 13MP Ultra-wide | 50MP (OIS) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 50W Charging | 5,000 mAh, 25W Charging | 4,385 mAh, 18W Charging | 6,000 mAh, 80W Charging |
| Software Support | 3 Android + 6 Security Yrs | 4 Android + 5 Security Yrs | 3 Android + 5 Security Yrs | 3 Android + 3 Security Yrs |
| Unique Feature | Glyph Interface, Essential Key | Samsung Ecosystem Integration | Stock Android, Long Updates | Flagship-level Performance |
| Starting Price | ~$379 / €329 | ~$349 | ~$499 | ~$299 |
🧾 Final Verdict
The Nothing Phone (3a) is a fantastic all-rounder for under $400. It doesn’t just match rivals – it outshines many with its bold design, clean software, and dependable performance. Whether you’re a casual user, creative type, or someone looking for a phone with personality – this phone delivers. 👉 If you want a phone that’s fun, functional, and future-proof – the Phone (3a) should be at the top of your list.❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
📱 Is the Nothing Phone (3a) waterproof?
The Nothing Phone (3a) has an IP64 rating, which means it’s dust-tight and splash-resistant. However, it’s not fully waterproof, so avoid submerging it in water.⚡ Does the Nothing Phone (3a) support wireless charging?
No, the Phone (3a) does not support wireless charging. However, it offers 50W fast wired charging, which is quite fast for a mid-range device.🎮 Is the Nothing Phone (3a) good for gaming?
Yes! With the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and up to 12GB RAM, the Phone (3a) handles most games like PUBG, Call of Duty, and Asphalt smoothly at high settings.🔋 How long does the battery last on a full charge?
The 5,000mAh battery can easily last a full day of normal usage, including browsing, streaming, and gaming. With lighter use, it can go into a second day.🛠️ Can I customize the Glyph lights?
Yes, the Glyph Interface is customizable via the settings. You can assign different light patterns for calls, messages, and notifications—or even use it as a fill light for photos and videos.📸 Does the Phone (3a) have a good camera for photography?
Absolutely. The 50MP main camera with OIS captures sharp, vibrant photos, and the 2× telephoto lens is great for portraits and zoom shots. It’s one of the better camera setups in its price range.🆕 How long will Nothing support the Phone (3a)?
Nothing promises 3 years of Android version updates and 6 years of security patches, which is exceptional for a phone in this price bracket.📬 Stay Updated!
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