Nothing Phone 3A Pro Review After Updates – The Best Budget Smartphone of 2025?

In the world of budget smartphones, the Nothing Phone 3A Pro has emerged as a strong contender. With a sleek design, updated software, and a powerful set of features for its price point, this device proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality phone. After two months of use and several software updates, here’s a detailed look at how the 3A Pro holds up in real-world performance.

Top-Tier Specs for Less

The Nothing Phone 3A Pro comes in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage or the more powerful version offering 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The model reviewed features the latter and delivers smooth multitasking and ample storage space.

At its core is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. While not the newest or fastest chip, it’s a capable performer, especially when you consider this phone is positioned in the budget category. Paired with a 5000mAh battery and support for 50W wired fast charging, the phone matches the stamina of many high-end devices.

Vibrant AMOLED Display

One of the highlights of the 3A Pro is its 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 1300 nits in high brightness mode, and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the screen looks incredibly sharp and vivid. Whether you’re watching videos, scrolling social media, or gaming, the visuals are smooth and immersive—impressive for a sub-$500 phone.

A Familiar Yet Bold Design

The design stays true to Nothing’s identity. While it bears a resemblance to the Phone 2A, the new circular camera module adds a distinctive touch. The transparent back and visible internal elements continue to offer that unique aesthetic that Nothing phones are known for. It’s arguably the most attractive phone the company has released so far.

Software That Stands Out

Running Nothing OS 3.1 on top of Android, the software experience here is one of the device’s strongest points. It’s clean, intuitive, and full of small customizations that enhance daily use—from unique widgets on the home screen to a customizable lock screen. The step-tracking widget, for example, visually tracks your daily activity in a playful and motivating way.

Over the past two months, the phone has received three updates. These have brought noticeable improvements in camera clarity, white balance, and autofocus, as well as general bug fixes that have made the phone feel snappier overall.

Great Value in Performance

Though it doesn’t rival flagship phones like the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16, the 3A Pro performs surprisingly well for a mid-range device. It handles most tasks with ease, though image processing can occasionally take a couple of seconds, and demanding games may struggle to maintain 60fps over longer sessions. Still, for a phone priced at $459, the day-to-day performance punches well above its weight.

Battery Life That Lasts

Battery life is another area where the 3A Pro shines. With an average of 6.5 hours of screen-on time, it easily lasts through a full day of use. In fact, even when left idle for days, the battery drain is minimal. With some light usage and conservative settings, users might even stretch it close to 10 hours.

Triple Camera Setup Surprises

For photography, the Nothing Phone 3A Pro is equipped with two 50MP lenses (a main and a 3x periscope zoom) and an 8MP ultrawide. The real standout is the 3x zoom lens, which also offers a 6x digital zoom. It captures sharp, color-balanced images with impressive natural background blur—no portrait mode required. The ultrawide is functional, though it lacks the detail of the other sensors. Still, at this price point, the overall camera performance is a pleasant surprise.

Video capabilities are decent, though the frame rate options are limited compared to more expensive devices. Nonetheless, casual video shooters will find it more than adequate for everyday moments.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The Nothing Phone 3A Pro might just be the best phone you can buy under $500 in 2025. It offers a well-rounded package with a premium design, solid performance, excellent battery life, and a surprisingly good camera system. If you’re bored of the usual suspects and want something a bit more refreshing, this phone delivers both style and substance.