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A Bold Design (Even for Nothing)
There’s no drastic change in style: Nothing stays true to its roots with a transparent back and the iconic Glyph LED system, those light-up lines that activate for notifications. However, this time, the London-based brand is tweaking the shapes, particularly with the rear camera module on the Pro version, which sports a rather unique circular design.
It’s not groundbreaking, but there are a few details worth noting. The standard model, the Phone 3a, features a look reminiscent of the Google Pixel, with a horizontal camera block. Meanwhile, the Phone 3a Pro tries something different with a more scattered arrangement of sensors around a circle. Aesthetic bonus: the standard model will come in black and white, while the Pro will offer shades of black and gray.
Under the Hood: Solid Specs, No Surprises
Performance-wise, both models are equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, paired with a 5,000 mAh battery. Nothing spectacular on paper, but the battery life should hold up well. And good news for the impatient: fast charging can get you to 50% in just 19 minutes and a full charge in under an hour (56 minutes, to be precise).
The displays, identical on both models, feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED LTPS panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate and an impressive maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. You’ll have no excuse for missing a message in bright sunlight.
The Real Differences? It’s All About the Cameras
The photography capabilities really set the two models apart. Both phones share a trio of sensors on the back: a main 50 MP sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide, and a 50 MP telephoto lens. However, the Pro model goes a bit further with a 3x optical zoom (compared to 2x on the standard model) and a 60x digital zoom versus 30x. Selfie enthusiasts will also notice a difference: 32 MP on the standard 3a, versus 50 MP on the Pro.
A Crowded Market
Nothing is entering a market that’s already quite crowded. With competitors like Google’s Pixel 9a, Apple’s iPhone 16e, and Samsung’s Galaxy A56, the competition is fierce. But if Nothing keeps the price close to the $349 of the Phone 2a, these improvements might just help it stand out.