Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro: Are They Really That Good? A Real-World Look

Carl Pei clearly understands what sells in the smartphone market. His brand, Nothing, has delivered two new devices—the Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro—that have not only created a buzz but are already dominating their price segments on Flipkart. Based on recent sales data, both models have surpassed the performance of the earlier Nothing Phone 2A, which speaks volumes about their reception.

Both phones were surrounded by hype at launch, with the 3A Pro gaining extra attention for its standout design. Despite being priced affordably, they offer a surprisingly premium feel, with front and back glass panels and the iconic Glyph Lighting that has become Nothing’s signature feature. The 120Hz AMOLED display, combined with Nothing OS, makes using either phone a smooth and enjoyable experience. Nothing OS, with its dot matrix aesthetics, is minimal, fast, and thankfully free from bloatware—something increasingly rare in the mid-range segment.

Performance-wise, both phones come with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which is capable enough for everyday use and even some light gaming. More notably, Nothing has made noticeable improvements to the camera systems in both phones, which is evident in the quality of photos they produce. The battery life is reliable, and with support for 50W fast charging, you won’t find yourself tethered to a charger all day. Although the 3A and 3A Pro are nearly identical internally, the Pro version edges out slightly due to features like periscope zoom, which isn’t available on the standard 3A.

That said, not everything is perfect. One drawback is that both phones still use UFS 2.2 storage rather than the faster UFS 3.1, which could have made a noticeable difference, particularly for gaming. While this may not affect day-to-day usage much, power users might find it limiting. Another disappointing aspect is that Nothing continues to exclude the charger from the box. The hope is that this might change in future models, especially since the upcoming CMF Phone 2 Pro is rumored to include one.

The overall look and feel of the 3A series is quite premium, especially when compared to other phones in the ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 price range that still use plastic backs. The phones feel solid, although the frame is made of plastic, which slightly diminishes that high-end impression. The 3A Pro does offer a more advanced camera setup with a Sony LYT sensor for the periscope zoom, whereas the standard 3A uses a Samsung sensor for its telephoto lens, resulting in slightly less impressive portrait shots.

Additionally, the Pro model allows for macro photography, a feature missing from the 3A. The raised camera module on the 3A Pro gives it a bulkier, heavier appearance, though the weight difference between the two phones is minimal—just around 10 grams. Both phones ship with Android 15 and come with a promise of three years of major Android updates and six years of security patches, which adds to their longevity.

One of the interesting new software features is the AI Button, also called the Essential Space key. Long pressing it allows users to record voice notes that are transcribed right on the device. While this is a nifty addition, a bit of controversy has emerged around its future—Nothing may eventually charge users for this feature. Although there’s no official announcement for India yet, globally, there have been hints that this might become a paid service.

In terms of value, the Nothing Phone 3A stands out as one of the better mid-range phones currently available. The only real gripes are the 50W charging (which feels a bit slow in 2025 standards) and the lack of an included charger. The 3A Pro, on the other hand, is worth considering if you want a better camera, a more distinctive rear design, or if you’re getting a good deal on it. But if you’re approaching the ₹30,000 mark, you might want to explore higher-end options that offer more advanced features and better performance.

Looking ahead, Nothing is also gearing up to launch its CMF Phone 2 Pro soon. This upcoming model is expected to come with a DVC 7300 Pro chip, a 120Hz AMOLED display, under-display fingerprint scanner, a removable back, and yes—a charger in the box. While it won’t feature the Glyph lighting, it might redefine expectations in the ₹15,000 price segment.

In the end, if you’re looking for a good mid-range smartphone that balances performance, design, and software experience, the Nothing Phone 3A is a solid pick. For those who value camera capabilities and unique aesthetics, the 3A Pro makes a compelling case. Both are impressive additions to the Nothing lineup and prove that innovation and affordability can still go hand in hand.