Nothing Phone (3a) Review (2025): Specs, Features, Pros & Cons
🔍 Overview & Design
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Launched globally on March 4, 2025, with India availability from March 11. The Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are priced from ₹22,999 and ₹29,999 respectively for India The Verge+15mint+15Bhaskar English+15.
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Available in Black, White, and Blue—and featuring the iconic Glyph LED interface on a translucent glass back, now with 26 individual LED zones, new visualisations, and calendar integration News.com.au+2mint+2mint+2.
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IP64-rated for splash and dust resistance; framed in plastic with a glass back. Dimensions: 163.5 × 77.5 × 8.4 mm, weight ~201 g ElHuffPost+3GSMArena+3mint+3.
⚙️ Technical Specifications
Feature | Specifications |
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Display | 6.77″ flexible AMOLED, 1080×2392 px (~387 ppi), 120 Hz adaptive refresh, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, Panda Glass protection Nothing+8Gadgets 360+8GSMArena+8 |
Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm), Adreno 710 GPU, Hexagon NPU mintGSMArena |
RAM / Storage | 8 GB RAM with 128 GB or 256 GB; also 12 GB RAM (256 GB storage) variant on 3a Pro mintGSMArena |
Main Camera | 50 MP wide (OIS + EIS), 50 MP telephoto (2× optical, 30× digital), 8 MP ultra-wide; 4K video support, gyro stabilization mintGadgets 360GSMArena |
Selfie Camera | 32 MP (f/2.2), 1080p@30fps video mintGSMArena |
Battery & Charging | 5,000 mAh battery, 50 W wired charging (50% in ~19 min, 100% in ~56 min), 7.5 W reverse charging mintGSMArena |
Software | Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1; Essential Key for shortcuts, Essential Space AI hub; 3 years OS or Android updates, 6 years security patches mintThe VergeWikipedia |
Other Features | Stereo speakers, NFC, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, in-display fingerprint, IP64 rating, Circle to Search GSMArenaGadgets 360 |
🚀 Performance & User Experience
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The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip delivers smooth multitasking, fluid UI, and efficient battery usage. Gaming performance stays cool thanks to updated vapor‑chamber cooling on the Pro model Nothing+12mint+12GSMArena+12.
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Display offers vivid color reproduction and smooth animations, with no curved edges to distort visuals. Lacks HDR10+ certification, but brightness levels handle outdoor viewing excellently Etoren+8Gadgets 360+8Digit+8.
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Essential Space serves as an AI-powered productivity hub—organizing voice notes, screenshots, and ideas via the Essential Key punch button and Google Calendar integration The Economic Times+6The Verge+6News.com.au+6.
📷 Camera & Battery
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The dual-camera setup on the Phone (3a) delivers sharp daytime images, accurate color, and improved low-light capture, although image consistency across lenses can be varied eBay+15Digit+15Bhaskar English+15.
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Battery life offers up to 12–15 hours of screen-on time, enough for full-day use in heavy usage scenarios. Fast charging from empty to full takes under 60 minutes, though the charger is sold separately Digit.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
Pros
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Distinctive design with Glyph LED visual cues and translucent back
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Large 120 Hz AMOLED display with high brightness
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Powerful mid‑range chipset (Snapdragon 7s Gen 3) with AI support
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Triple‑camera system including 2× optical zoom and OIS
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Long-term OS & security update promise (3 years OS, 6 years security)
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Essential Key & Essential Space elevate productivity and customization
Cons
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Plastic frame not premium; only IP64 certification
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No HDR10+ certification on display
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Camera processing needs improvements in low light and consistency
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Charger not included in box; wireless charging unavailable
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No micro‑SD expansion; base storage may feel limiting to power users
💰 Pricing & Value (India)
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Phone (3a):
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₹22,999 for 8 GB + 128 GB (₹19,999 launch-day offer)
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₹24,999 for 8 GB + 256 GB Nothing+12Bhaskar English+12News.com.au+12Gadgets 360+2GSMArena+2Wikipedia+2Gadgets 360+13mint+13GSMArena+13Cinco Días+1ElHuffPost+1amazon.com+7Gadgets 360+7Nothing+7
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Phone (3a) Pro:
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₹29,999 for 8 GB + 128 GB
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₹31,999 for 8 GB + 256 GB
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₹33,999 for 12 GB + 256 GB eBay+15mint+15@mathrubhumi+15@mathrubhumi+2Bhaskar English+291mobiles+2
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Also available globally from ~$379 for 8+128GB, and ~$459 for the Pro variant The VergeCinco Días.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Nothing Phone (3a) establishes itself as one of the most compelling mid-range smartphones of 2025, especially for buyers who value distinctive design, smooth software, and camera flexibility without breaking the bank.
You’ll love it if you want: a stylish mid-ranger with long-term updates, AI tools, and a solid camera kit.
It may not be ideal if you expect: flagship-grade materials, ultra-fast charging, or best-in-class photography in every situation.