Nothing Phone (3a) review

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Introduction

Hot on the heels of our Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review, it's time we turn our attention to its sibling, the Nothing Phone (3a). As already mentioned, the two phones are very similar, basically only differing in their camera setup. While the Pro model impressed with its versatile triple-camera setup, including a 3x optical zoom telephoto lens, the standard Phone (3a) offers a compelling feature set at a more accessible price point.

Notably, it maintains the same 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, ensuring robust performance. The striking design language is also present, including the distinctive Glyph Interface, which uses LED light strips for notifications and other functionalities.

Nothing Phone (3a) specs at a glance:

• Body: 163.5x77.5x8.4mm, 201g; plastic body, glass back and front; IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes), 3 LED light strips on the back (notifications, camera fill light, 26 addressable zones).
• Display: 6.77" AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1300 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak), 1080x2392px resolution, 19.93:9 aspect ratio, 387ppi; Ultra HDR image support.
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm): Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520); Adreno 710 (940 MHz).
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM.
• OS/Software: Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.1.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 50 MP, f/2.0, 50mm, 1/2.74", 0.64µm, PDAF (25cm - ∞), 2x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120-degree, 1/4.0", 1.12µm.
• Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/3.44".
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; 50W wired, 50% in 19 min, 100% in 56 min.
• Connectivity: 5G; Wi-Fi 6; BT 5.4; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers; Circle to Search.

Nothing also introduced the new Essential Key and the Essential Interface in this pair of devices. The Essential Space is an AI-driven feature designed to organize content like screenshots and voice memos, accessible via the aforementioned dedicated button.

With a starting price of $379/€379, the Nothing Phone (3a) aims to deliver a premium experience without breaking the bank. Follow along on the next few pages to see if this is really the case.

Unboxing

The Nothing Phone (3a) comes in a minimalist yet unconventional packaging design. Instead of the standard two-piece box, Nothing opts for a book-style flap on its cardboard packaging, topped with an additional cardboard sleeve. The inner box features an elegant embossed design, showcasing the brand's attention to detail. Every part of the packaging, including the inner cradle that holds the phone, is made entirely of recyclable cardboard.

Unfortunately, the Nothing Phone (3a) doesn't come with an extensive retail package. Inside the box, you'll find only a branded USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a SIM ejector tool - there is no bundled charger or case.