The OPPO F29 Pro 5G launched in India last week, marking a significant entry in the competitive smartphone market. Released alongside the OPPO F29 on March 20, 2025, this device is set to challenge the recently unveiled Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, which has also gained attention for its unique design and features.
One of the most notable aspects of the OPPO F29 Pro 5G is its pricing, which offers a more economical option compared to its rivals. The device is available in three configurations: the 8GB + 128GB model costs Rs 27,999, the 8GB + 256GB variant is priced at Rs 29,999, and the 12GB + 256GB version is available for Rs 31,999. In contrast, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro starts at Rs 29,999 for the same 8GB + 128GB configuration and goes up to Rs 33,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model. This makes the OPPO F29 Pro 5G cheaper by Rs 2,000 across the board.
In terms of design, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G features a fibreglass back with an ultra-shock-resistant diamond frame, complemented by a circular camera module with rounded corners. It boasts military-grade durability with MIL-STD 810H certification and is resistant to 18 everyday liquids, making it ideal for users in extreme outdoor conditions. The device is available in two colors: Marble White and Granite Black.
On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is distinguished by its transparent design, which includes a premium glass back and an aluminium frame. This model features a unique glyph light interface along with three LED light strips and a large camera module that adds to its aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to display technology, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In comparison, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features a slightly larger 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, but it offers an impressive peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, protected by Panda Glass. This makes the Nothing Phone's display brighter, appealing to users who prioritize visual quality.
Performance-wise, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy SoC paired with a Mali G615 MC2 GPU, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC with an Adreno 720 GPU. Both devices come with LPDDR4X RAM, but the OPPO F29 Pro uses faster UFS 3.1 storage compared to the UFS 2.2 storage in the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro. This difference could lead to quicker app launches and smoother multitasking on the OPPO device.
Camera capabilities are another critical area of comparison. The OPPO F29 Pro 5G features a 50MP OIS main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by a 2MP monochrome camera, allowing for up to 4K video recording at 30 fps. In contrast, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro presents a more versatile camera setup with a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide snapper, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera that supports 3x optical zoom and 60x ultra zoom. The front camera on the OPPO F29 Pro is a 16MP unit, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro boasts a 50MP front camera, making it a strong contender for selfie enthusiasts.
Battery life is another advantage for the OPPO F29 Pro 5G, which comes with a robust 6,000mAh battery that supports 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging. This contrasts with the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, which has a 5,000mAh battery and supports 50W wired charging, along with 7.5W reverse wired charging. The inclusion of an adapter in the OPPO package is an added benefit, saving users from additional costs.
Software-wise, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G runs on Android 15 with ColorOS 15, featuring a 2 + 3 update policy. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro operates on Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1, which promises a longer 3 + 6 update policy, ensuring that users will receive updates for a more extended period.
In terms of AI features, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G offers a wide array of tools such as AI Summary, AI Rewrite, and AI Image Assistant, potentially providing users with more functionality in everyday tasks. Conversely, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro includes features like Smart Drawer and AI Engine, which cater to user customization and efficiency.
Ultimately, the choice between the OPPO F29 Pro 5G and the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro will largely depend on user preferences. The OPPO F29 Pro 5G is tailored for those who need a durable, high-performance device suitable for outdoor conditions, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro appeals to users looking for a unique design and advanced camera capabilities.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, both devices represent the latest in technology and design, catering to different segments of consumers. With their competitive pricing and robust features, they are set to make a significant impact in the mid-range smartphone landscape.
