Nothing Phone 3a & 3a Pro: Accessible Design, Striking Glyph Interface.

By: Jessica Miller

3 Minute read

Category: tech

Nothing Phone 3a/3a Pro Review

The Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, released in February 2024, represent Nothing’s attempt to broaden their appeal with more accessible, mid-range smartphones while retaining the distinctive design language established by the Phone (1) and Phone (2). These phones aim to strike a balance between premium features and affordability.

Design & Build Quality:

Both the 3a and 3a Pro continue Nothing’s transparent design aesthetic, showcasing internal components through a glass back. The Glyph Interface, a series of LED lights on the rear, is present but simplified compared to the Phone (2). The 3a features 3 Glyph elements, while the 3a Pro boasts 5. The phones utilize a flat aluminum frame and are IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance – a step down from the full IP68 water resistance of the Phone (2). Build quality appears solid, though the plastic mid-frame on the standard 3a is a noticeable difference from the Pro’s aluminum.

Display:

The Phone (3a) features a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 (FHD+). The 3a Pro upgrades to a 6.7-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution of 2778 x 1264 (QHD+). Both displays support HDR10+ and boast a peak brightness of 1800 nits. The LTPO panel on the Pro allows for a variable refresh rate, dynamically adjusting between 1Hz and 120Hz to conserve battery life. Both screens are protected by Gorilla Glass 5.

Performance:

The standard Phone (3a) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. The Phone (3a) Pro steps up to the MediaTek Dimensity 7200+ processor, also with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Both phones offer 128GB or 256GB of storage (non-expandable). Performance is generally smooth for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Pro model offers a slight edge in demanding applications and multitasking. Nothing’s Nothing OS 2.2, based on Android 14, provides a clean and relatively bloatware-free experience.

Cameras:

The camera systems are a key differentiator between the two models. The Phone (3a) features a dual-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The Phone (3a) Pro boasts a triple-camera system: a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both phones feature a 16MP front-facing camera. Image quality is generally good, with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. The Pro model’s telephoto lens adds versatility for zoomed-in shots. Video recording is capped at 4K 30fps on both devices.

Battery & Charging:

Both the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery. They support 67W wired charging (Power Delivery 3.0) and 50W wireless charging. Reverse wireless charging is also supported. Battery life is reported to be excellent, easily lasting a full day of moderate use.

Connectivity & Other Features:

Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The phones also include an under-display fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers.

Conclusion:

The Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are compelling mid-range smartphones that offer a unique design and a clean software experience. The standard 3a provides excellent value for money, while the 3a Pro offers a more premium experience with its superior display, camera system, and build quality. Both phones represent a strong step forward for Nothing and are worth considering for those looking for a stylish and capable smartphone that stands out from the crowd. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual priorities and budget.