In the previous review of Nothing Phone 3a Pro, I hinted that the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro share a strikingly similar spec sheet, with only a few key differences. Today, I’ll focus on those differences and explore how the Nothing Phone 3a holds up on its own. If you’re wondering whether you should go for the Pro model or save some money with the standard version, this review will help you make that decision.
Design: Familiar Yet Slightly Different
The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro both feature the brand’s iconic transparent rear body with the Glyph Interface. The biggest design distinction is in the camera module—while the 3a Pro comes with a full circular module, the Nothing Phone 3a retains a more compact layout with a standard triple-camera alignment.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro (left) and Phone 3a (right)
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
The materials remain premium, with a glass back panel replacing the polycarbonate used in previous models. IP64 water and dust resistance is standard across both devices, meaning they can withstand light splashes but not full submersion. The Essential Key, an AI-powered button for quick access to Essential Space, is present in both variants, allowing users to organise notes and capture ideas effortlessly.
Where Nothing Phone 3a Differs the Most
The biggest difference between the Nothing Phone 3a and the 3a Pro lies in their camera systems. While both phones come with a 50 MP Samsung primary sensor (f/1.88) with OIS & EIS, their secondary camera setup is where the real distinction appears.
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The Nothing Phone 3a features a 50 MP Samsung telephoto lens (f/2.0) with 2x optical zoom and 4x in-sensor zoom extending to 30x, whereas the 3a Pro houses a 50 MP Sony periscope telephoto lens (f/2.55) with 3x optical zoom and an in-sensor zoom of up to 6x, extending to 60x ultra zoom with AI enhancements. This periscope lens on the 3a Pro is a game-changer, offering greater clarity, stability, and detail when zooming in on distant objects.
Nothing Phone 3a camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
For those passionate about mobile photography, the periscope lens on the 3a Pro produces sharper images even at high zoom levels, thanks to optical image stabilisation (OIS) and computational AI-based processing. The Nothing Phone 3a, on the other hand, relies on digital zoom beyond 4x, which leads to a gradual loss in image quality when zoomed further.
Nothing Phone 3a camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
Additionally, the Nothing Phone 3a lacks the 60x AI-assisted ultra-zoom mode available in the Pro variant. This means that while both phones capture great details at standard and mid-range zoom levels, users who frequently photograph subjects from a distance will notice a significant advantage in the 3a Pro’s periscope lens.
Nothing Phone 3a camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
Another key difference is in the front camera. The Nothing Phone 3a features a 32 MP Samsung sensor (f/2.2), while the 3a Pro comes with a 50 MP sensor. This higher megapixel count on the Pro model leads to sharper selfies, better skin tone accuracy, and enhanced details, especially in low-light conditions. The 3a Pro also supports 4K recording at 30fps on the front camera, whereas the Nothing Phone (3a) is limited to 1080p video recording.
When it comes to portrait photography, both phones perform well, thanks to Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3.0 and Portrait Optimizer AI, but the 3a Pro has an edge due to its periscope lens’ ability to create a more natural bokeh effect. Night photography on both phones is excellent, but again, the 3a Pro’s larger periscope sensor allows for better light intake, resulting in reduced noise and more detail in night mode shots.
Nothing Phone 3a camera sample
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
If macro photography is your thing, the 3a Pro has an advantage with its periscope telemacro feature, allowing for close-up shots as near as 15cm, compared to 25cm on the Nothing Phone (3a). This makes the Pro version a better option for capturing fine details.
Where Nothing Phone 3a Remains the Same
Beyond the camera differences, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro remain identical in almost every other aspect. Both devices feature the same 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering a smooth and immersive viewing experience. Brightness levels and colour accuracy are also identical, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility and HDR playback performance.
In terms of performance, battery, and software, both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB UFS 2.2 storage. Battery life is also consistent across both models, with a 5,000 mAh cell supporting 50 W fast charging. The Nothing OS 3.1 software experience is also identical, ensuring users get the same bloat-free, AI-enhanced, and minimalist interface on both phones.
Verdict
The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro are nearly identical in performance, display, software, and battery life. The major differences are in the camera department, where the 3a Pro pulls ahead with its periscope zoom lens, superior selfie camera, and better night photography capabilities.
If you’re a casual user who doesn’t rely heavily on telephoto zoom or high-end selfie photography, the Nothing Phone 3a offers almost the same experience as the 3a Pro at a lower price. However, if you’re someone who loves capturing distant objects, takes a lot of selfies, or enjoys experimenting with photography, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the better investment.
For those choosing between the two, the decision ultimately comes down to photography needs. If zooming power and camera quality are a priority, go for the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. If not, the Nothing Phone 3a delivers everything else at a more affordable price point. Nothing Phone 3a starts at ₹24,999.
Published – March 17, 2025 01:20 pm IST