Nothing has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro as part of its mid-range smartphone lineup. These new models were showcased at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held recently in Barcelona, and they mark significant improvements over their predecessors, combining innovation with affordability.
With prices starting from €329 for the Nothing Phone (3a) and €459 for the Pro variant, the company aims to disrupt the smartphone market once again. Both devices boast impressive specifications and promising new features.
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (3a) series is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, guaranteeing enhanced performance and improved energy efficiency compared to the previous MediaTek architecture. This switch signifies Nothing's commitment to meet gamers' and tech enthusiasts' demands for more power, claiming up to 33% performance enhancements over earlier models. Users can expect smoother gameplay and faster application launches thanks to this new chipset.
Both models feature a vibrant 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz adaptive refresh rates, providing maximum brightness of up to 3000 Nits. While the resolution slightly decreased to 2392 x 1080 pixels, the screen's sharpness remains rewarding, with excellent color representation and brightness suitable for outdoor usage.
When it relates to camera capabilities, both models present competitive options. The Nothing Phone (3a) is fitted with a triple camera system comprising:
- A 50 MP primary camera with autofocus and optical stabilization (OIS)
- A second 50 MP telephoto lens supporting 2x optical zoom
- An 8 MP ultra-wide camera
Meanwhile, the Phone (3a) Pro enhances the camera experience with:
- A similar 50 MP main camera
- A powerful 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, featuring f/2.55 aperture
- An 8 MP ultra-wide camera
- A 50 MP front camera capable of 4K video recordings
This substantial upgrade, especially with the periscope lens on the Pro model, allows for impressive photography, even under challenging lighting conditions.
Both phones feature the innovative "Essential Key," which integrates various AI functionalities. This button allows quick screenshots, directs notes to the Essential Space app, and supports voice command inputs. Though currently limited to English functionality, users can expect more advanced features as updates are rolled out.
Design-wise, the new models retain the distinctive transparent back of the previous lineup but transition to durable Panda Glass for increased resilience compared to plastic materials. This shift grants the devices IP64 water and dust resistance, enhancing durability for everyday use.
Battery life has remained consistent with previous iterations, featuring powerful 5000 mAh batteries. Real-world testing shows both devices averaging around 16 hours of runtime, with quick charging capability via 50W charging speeds—although, interestingly, the Phone (3a) edged out its Pro sibling during performance tests, lasting longer during video and gaming scenarios.
What’s also notable is Nothing’s conscious approach to using environmentally friendly materials. The newer models reportedly boast the lowest CO₂ footprint among Nothing devices, incorporating recycled materials within the phone’s components.
The Nothing Phone (3a) is available for pre-order starting today, set to hit retail on March 11, 2025. The Pro version is due for pre-order on the same day and will officially launch on March 25, 2025. Retail partners such as MediaMarkt, Saturn, and Amazon will offer these devices alongside potential bundle deals for early customers.
This strategic rollout emphasizes Nothing's vision to bridge the gap between high-end specifications and mid-range pricing, catering to tech enthusiasts who appreciate quality without breaking the bank. Both models reinforce Nothing's strong position within the smartphone market, confirming its potential to repeat the commercial success seen with the Nothing Phone (2a), which impressively garnered over one million sales.
With the engaging blend of advanced specifications and thoughtful designs, the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are poised to make waves upon their official release, establishing themselves as notable contenders within the mid-range category.