Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro Review: Standing Out in a Sea of Bland Smartphones

In a world where mid-range smartphones often blur together into a sea of sameness, Nothing’s latest devices—the Phone 3a and 3a Pro—offer a breath of fresh air. With their signature transparent design, improved specs, and unique take on Android, these phones aren’t just another set of black rectangles. They’re proof that even in the mid-range market, a little creativity goes a long way.

Design: Nothing’s Signature Look Evolves

The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro stay true to the company’s bold aesthetic. The transparent back panel, now with more refined LED Glyph lighting, continues to be a standout feature, offering customizable notifications, charging indicators, and even unique ringtones that sync with the lights. While most manufacturers shy away from unique designs in this price range, Nothing leans into it, making these phones instantly recognizable.

Build quality remains solid, with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection, ensuring durability. The slightly rounded edges make them comfortable to hold, and Nothing has improved the haptic feedback, making interactions feel more premium than their price tag suggests. However, the transparent design, while eye-catching, may not appeal to everyone and tends to attract fingerprints easily.

Display: Smooth, Vibrant, and Easy on the Eyes

Both models feature a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering fluid scrolling and punchy colors. The 3a Pro edges ahead with a slightly higher peak brightness, making outdoor visibility even better. HDR10+ support means your Netflix binges or YouTube deep dives will look sharp and dynamic. While some competitors may pack in QHD+ resolutions at this price, Nothing’s fine-tuned FHD+ display holds its own with excellent contrast and deep blacks. That said, the lack of LTPO technology means battery life could be more efficient, as the refresh rate doesn’t dynamically adjust.

Performance: Mid-Range, But Mighty

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, while the 3a Pro gets a slight boost with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Both are capable performers, handling multitasking and gaming with ease. The software, Nothing OS 2.5 (based on Android 14), keeps things clean and lightweight, free of bloatware, and optimized for smooth performance. With up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, app switching is snappy, and load times are minimal. However, heavy gamers may notice occasional thermal throttling on the standard 3a, as it lacks the more advanced cooling found in higher-end devices.

Cameras: Keeping It Simple, Yet Effective

Nothing doesn’t chase megapixel madness, sticking with a dual-camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultrawide. While some mid-range rivals throw in unnecessary depth or macro sensors, Nothing focuses on delivering quality shots with what matters. The results? Crisp daytime images, well-balanced colors, and solid low-light performance, thanks to improved computational photography. The Pro model benefits from slightly faster processing and better dynamic range. However, the absence of a telephoto lens means zooming in results in a noticeable loss of detail, and low-light shots can still struggle with noise compared to flagship models.

Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Power with Fast Refueling

The Nothing Phone 3a packs a 4,700mAh battery, while the 3a Pro bumps it up to 5,000mAh. Thanks to efficient software and optimized hardware, both easily last a full day of heavy use. Fast charging at 45W (wired) and 15W (wireless) means you can top up quickly when needed. Unlike many flagships today, Nothing still includes a charger in the box—something users will appreciate. That said, the charging speeds lag behind some competitors that offer 65W or higher, and wireless charging isn’t as fast as some may hope.

Extras: The Little Things That Matter

• Glyph Interface: The customizable LED notifications remain a unique feature, now with more control over how they function.
• Stereo Speakers: Loud and clear, making media consumption enjoyable.
• Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Fast and reliable.
• Sustainability Focus: Made with recycled materials and packaged in eco-friendly boxes.
• No Expandable Storage: A downside for those who need extra space, as there’s no microSD card slot.
• No Official IP Rating: While Nothing claims some water resistance, there’s no official IP certification, meaning durability in wet conditions remains uncertain.

Verdict: A Mid-Range Standout with Some Trade-Offs

The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro prove that mid-range phones don’t have to be boring. With their distinctive design, smooth performance, and thoughtful features, they rise above the generic slabs flooding the market. However, the lack of a telephoto camera, no expandable storage, and the absence of an official IP rating may be dealbreakers for some. Additionally, while performance is solid, it’s not quite at flagship level, particularly in extended gaming sessions.

If you’re looking for a smartphone that stands out, delivers solid performance, and doesn’t break the bank, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro should be high on your list—but be aware of the compromises that come with the style and simplicity.