Since the launch of the CMF Phone 1 and Nothing Phone (2a) last year, Nothing returns with a new and better phone series that infuses AI at its core and levels up imaging with an optical zoom to its camera mix.
This refreshingly distinctive all-rounder is an upgrade to its predecessor with upgraded materials, evolved styling, and the unmistakable Nothing Glyph interface — all you’ll need for a better Nothing phone.
Here’s a closer look at the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro.
Design
Both Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro have been upgraded with powerful triple cameras and glass panels.
Phone (3a) extends the camera module that was introduced on the Phone (2a), creating a row of three cameras, while the Phone (3a) Pro expands the camera surround into a full circle, adding the space needed for a flagship-grade periscope zoom without losing its trademark exposed aesthetic.
The Phone (3a) Series upgrades its IP rating to IP64, swapping the back panel from polycarbonate to glass, ensuring that it is able to withstand water sprays from any direction while staying protected by high tempered glass across both sides.
Display
At 6.77 inches, the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro’s displays are Nothing’s largest and brightest display that offer an immersive and brilliant viewing experience.
Featuring Full HD+ resolution, visuals will look crisp with 387 pixels in every inch of screen, and with a fluid 120Hz refresh rate and 480hz touch sampling rate, you’ll be able to get a smooth and responsive user interface.
Hate when you’re unable to adjust brightness easily when you’re out in the sun? The Nothing Phone (3a) Series shines in this aspect with auto brightness that climbs up to 1,300 nits by itself to let you continue using your phone even under a scorching sun.
Camera
The Nothing Phone (3a) Series introduces two new camera systems for both the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro.
Even though both models feature 50MP primary cameras and identical ultra-wide cameras, Phone (3a) Pro’s 50MP sensor captures more light at a pixel level; taking in more light before overexposing, capturing greater dynamic range with 34% less noise and class-leading clarity as compared to similar-sized sensors.
In the Phone (3a) you’ll find a telephoto camera that uses a powerful 50MP sensor combined with a fast f/2.0 aperture for detailed shots at its 50mm equivalent focal length.
The 2x optical reach lays the foundation for a quality zoom while the high resolution enables up to 4x lossless in-sensor zoom. It also taps on AI clarity-enhancing algorithms to clean up results when you need to zoom in further.
If you’re one of those who lets the camera eat before you do, Phone (3a)’s telephoto camera will come in handy as it is able to focus as close as 25cm, creating a locked-in, dynamic alternative perspective for your shot.
On the Phone (3a) Pro, you’ll find similar cameras to the Phone (3a) alongside a 50MP front camera, as well as a powerful periscope zoom, which combines a large 1/1.95-inch Sony LYTIA 600 sensor with a 70mm equivalent focal length and a fast f/2.55 aperture.
Together with optical image stabilisation, Phone (3a) Pro’s periscope camera can capture quality photos across lighting conditions, no matter the time of day, while the optical 3x zoom offers a portrait-perfect focal length.
The high-resolution 50MP sensor helps to deliver lossless in-sensor zooming at up to 6x (double that of the Phone (3a)) and can go up to 60x zoom and beyond with AI clarity-enhancing algorithms.
When it comes to telemacro captures, the Phone (3a) Pro doesn’t hold back; providing you with the ability to focus as close as 15cm from a subject to capture whatever clear shot you need.
In addition to each phone’s camera system, both models are equipped with TrueLens Engine 3.0 to produce professional grade, true-to-life photography; Ultra XDR to create a tonally perfect image; and Video for you to record in crisp, clean 4K resolution.
Performance
Built with the new Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the Phone (3a) Series is able to launch apps without delay, switch fast between apps, game faster with more stable frame rates, and last longer.
Even photos get a boost from the new chipset, with Qualcomm’s AI engine that helps to speed up AI processes to recognise subjects and objects instantly, focus in a snap, tone map scenes faster, and apply complex processing so that you never miss your shot again.
Nothing OS 3.1
Made with Android 15 at its core, the Nothing OS 3.1 optimises performance and levels up multi-tasking with advanced behaviour-learning algorithms, which works in the background to boost read and write speeds through managing system files when the phone is charging and unused.
Using the Phone (3a) Series, you are able to get a new level of personalisation such as using a monochromatic theme, hiding app labels on your Home Screen, and customising the lock screen so that everything you need is at your fingertips.
The new OS also unlocks Essential Space, a new AI-powered hub for your notes, ideas and inspirations. This AI feature essentially acts like your smart assistant on your phone, helping you to log and recall content by capturing, processing and keeping the information available for you just like a second memory.
All you’ll need to do is press the Essential Key to capture and send content to Essential Space.
Battery & Charging
Both the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are home to a large 5,000mAh battery — the highest capacity of any Nothing phone to date that delivers up to two days of use on a full charge.
With 50W fast charging, the Phone (3a) Series delivers a full day’s power in under 20 minutes, and together with the Nothing OS 3.1 Battery Health technology, you’ll be able to get smart and custom charging modes which takes control of the charging speed for even greater battery longevity.
