Nothing Phone 3A: One Month Review – Surprising Features and Hidden Drawbacks

The Nothing Phone 3A has been in my hands for over a month now. During this time, I have traveled across multiple countries, snapped over 500 photos, accidentally dropped it, and put it through real-world tests. This in-depth review covers its design, performance, camera capabilities, software experience, and whether its storage and display protection are a downgrade.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing, one of the first changes I noticed was that the transparent ends of the charging cable were no longer transparent—likely a result of cost-cutting. Another key observation was that the phone is slightly wider than other devices in this price range, even wider than its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2A. The glass back is now more resistant to scratches, which is great for those who prefer showing off the design without a case. However, the side frame feels slightly cheaper, showing smudges and wear after just one month of use.

Design and Build Quality

The Nothing Phone 3A retains its signature Glyph lighting, though the back pattern has changed significantly. Unlike previous models, this design feels less symmetrical and more chaotic. On the bright side, the phone boasts an IP64 rating, providing peace of mind against dust and water splashes. One of the standout design additions is the new Essential Key, a button that functions as a secondary memory tool. It allows users to take quick notes or set reminders using screenshots and voice inputs.

Software Experience

Running on Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, the phone promises three OS updates and six years of security patches. The software is clean and offers a near-stock Android experience. However, there are some optimization issues—particularly with RAM management. Opening the camera app frequently kills background applications, which can be frustrating. Additionally, extended camera usage causes the phone to warm up and slow down slightly.

Performance and Storage Concerns

Powered by a mid-range processor, the device handles most day-to-day tasks smoothly, including web browsing, social media, and video streaming. However, some slowdowns occur when using the camera or downloading large files. The UFS 2.2 storage performs well in benchmarks but occasionally leads to sluggish performance, especially while processing images. Given the competition, Nothing should consider upgrading to UFS 3.1 storage in future models.

Display Quality

One of the best aspects of the Nothing Phone 3A is its high-brightness display. Whether under direct sunlight or in a dimly lit room, the screen remains clear and vibrant. However, Netflix HDR support is absent, despite the phone featuring a well-calibrated display and improved stereo speakers. Another drawback is the downgraded screen protection, switching from Gorilla Glass 5 to Panda Glass, making it more prone to scratches. A screen protector is highly recommended.

Gaming Performance

For casual gaming, the device holds up well. BGMI runs at 90 FPS, and Genshin Impact averages 45–50 FPS. However, Warzone Mobile was barely playable, even at peak graphics settings. The phone can handle gaming but is not the best choice for hardcore gamers.

Camera Performance

The camera setup consists of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens (downgraded from last year’s 50MP ultra-wide), and a new 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom but no OIS (optical image stabilization). The selfie camera sensor size has also been reduced, slightly impacting quality. In real-world use, the main camera captures impressive daylight shots, and even the ultra-wide shots deliver unexpectedly good results. The portrait mode performs well, with decent edge detection. Additionally, Nothing introduced customizable LUTs (color presets), a first for any smartphone brand.

When compared to the Moto Edge 50 Neo, the color consistency and details on the Moto were noticeably better. In ultra-wide and telephoto shots, the Moto Edge 50 Neo retained more details and allowed closer focusing. The biggest drawback is video recording, as the Nothing Phone 3A only allows 4K 30FPS recording from a single camera, whereas competitors like Motorola allow 4K 30FPS across all lenses. Stabilization is also weaker compared to rivals.

Battery Life and Charging

The phone consistently delivers 5–6 hours of screen-on time, lasting one to two days per charge. The 50W charging fully recharges the battery from 10% to 100% in about one hour, though the charger is sold separately. Overnight battery drain is minimal at around 2%.

Connectivity and Call Quality

Network reception was solid across multiple locations, including international roaming. Wi-Fi performance and call quality were both reliable. Haptic feedback also felt improved, though not seamlessly integrated into UI elements like the volume and brightness sliders.

Pricing and Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone 3A starts at ₹24,999, with discounts bringing it down to ₹22,999. Considering its price, the phone delivers clean software, good cameras, a bright display, and reliable battery life. However, cost-cutting measures like downgraded storage, display protection, and lack of bundled accessories are evident.

Should You Buy It?

If you prioritize software experience, unique design, and overall smooth performance, the Nothing Phone 3A is a solid option under ₹25,000. However, if you want better camera consistency, superior video recording, and stronger storage performance, you might want to explore alternatives like the Moto Edge 50 Neo.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, and we’ll be happy to answer them!