On March 4, 2025, Nothing Technology Limited unveiled its latest mid-range smartphones, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro, following the success of its predecessor, the Phone 2a. With notable improvements in design and functionality, these models aim to appeal to consumers seeking high-quality smartphones without breaking the bank.
The Nothing Phone 3a has been released as part of the company's continued commitment to innovation within the budget segment. Retailing at prices starting from 329 Euros for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and going up to 379 Euros for the 256GB version, the Phone 3a promises significant upgrades over its predecessor, including enhanced camera capabilities and the introduction of new software features like the Essential Space.
Meanwhile, the more advanced Phone 3a Pro is priced at 459 Euros, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The Pro version distinguishes itself with its high-performance specifications, including the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, which has been benchmarked showing solid performance scores of 1,117.6 for single-core and 3,289.3 for multi-core tasks, making it competitive among smartphones under 500 Euros.
One of the most significant enhancements across both models is undoubtedly the camera system. The Phone 3a matches its predecessor with good baseline features but adds telephoto capabilities with its third camera lens, allowing for two times optical zoom. Conversely, the Pro model takes the photography experience to another level, featuring dual 50-megapixel sensors (main and tele) and offering three times optical zoom and up to 60 times digital zoom, positioning it strongly against competing models such as Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro.
“Das Nothing Phone (3a) Pro bietet ein 6,77 Zoll großes AMOLED-Display mit einer Auflösung von 2.392 x 1.080 Pixeln. Reine von der Auflösung her wäre das Display damit etwas weniger hochauflösend als das des Nothing Phone (2a) Plus,” reported by Netzwelt. The display supports adaptive refresh rates scaling from 30 to 120 Hertz, catering to both casual users and gamers. The glass back design not only complements the aesthetic but also improves durability, shifting from the plastic back used previously, much to the plea of users who identified this as one of the 2a’s shortcomings.
Both models also integrate the Glyph Interface, consisting of 26 individually addressable zones, providing visual notifications and alerts. This interface will delight those who seek to personalize their smartphone interaction. Users can customize their device settings smoothly with built-in features such as the Glyph Composer, allowing individual sound notifications attached to visual notifications.
The new Essential Space feature is particularly noteworthy; this function integrates AI capabilities, providing users with unique tools for enhancing their productivity. With the push of the Essential Space key, users can store screenshots, notes, and memos conveniently, incorporating the AI’s ability to summarize webpage content or elaborate on the notes taken — making it easier for users to sort and retrieve information. A representative from Nothing stated, "Die neuen Modelle haben einen speziellen Knopf, der Zugriff auf das hauseigene KI-System ermöglicht," highlighting the innovative direction the company aims for.
The 5,000mAh battery continues to enable substantial usage, seeing video playback times exceeding 24 hours. Charging is incredibly quick as well, boasting 50 Watt wired charging, achieving complete battery fill-up within just 62 minutes. Although, like its predecessor, the Phone 3a Pro lacks wireless charging — something consumers have noted. "Das hat uns nicht gefallen,“ some users commented, indicating it as a potential area for improvement.
What’s also valuable is Nothing has adapted to secure several OS and security updates for the long term. Users will benefit from three major Android updates alongside six years of security patches, valid up until 2031, which ensures longevity for the devices.
With the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro now available for pre-order starting March 11, 2025, potential buyers are encouraged to take advantage of early offers which may include free bonus items with certain retailers, adding additional incentive to early adopters. This proactive approach could be particularly appealing for individuals curious about modern smartphone innovations but hesitant to invest heavily. Those who value unique design coupled with promising performance should certainly keep these models on their radar.
Overall, the Nothing Phone 3a series signifies Noting's striving success within the market, aiming to capture both design-conscious consumers and technologically savvy users alike. The improvements and unique features provide compelling reasons for potential adopters to explore these latest iterations.