Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: A detailed comparison to know what you get on spending Rs 5,000 extra

Nothing has launched its Phone 3a series featuring the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, both offering advanced specifications and unique designs. Key differences include enhanced camera capabilities and higher water resistance on the Pro model. The lineup aims to provide an optimized user experience with competitive pricing and long-term software support.
Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: A detailed comparison to know what you get on spending Rs 5,000 extra
Nothing has officially launched its much-anticipated Phone 3a series after weeks of teasers. The latest lineup includes two models: the Nothing Phone 3a and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. While both smartphones share a similar design language and core specifications, there are distinct differences that set them apart in terms of price, camera capabilities, and additional features.
With a competitive pricing structure and upgraded internals, the Nothing Phone 3a series aims to offer an optimized user experience while staying true to the brand’s unique aesthetic. This comprehensive guide will explore the specifications, pricing, design, display, performance, battery life, and camera capabilities of both models, helping consumers make an informed decision.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Quick comparison between display, storage, and other specifications


Feature
Nothing Phone 3a
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Display
6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED, 120Hz
6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED, 120Hz
Peak Brightness
3,000 nits
3,000 nits
Chipset
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
RAM & Storage
8GB + 128GB/256GB
8GB/12GB + 128GB/256GB
IP Rating
IP64
IP68
eSIM Support
No
Yes
Primary Camera
50MP Samsung GNJ
50MP Samsung GNJ
Telephoto Camera
50MP (2x optical, 30x digital)
50MP periscope (3x optical, 60x digital)
Ultra-wide Camera
8MP
8MP
Front Camera
32MP
50MP
Battery
5,000mAh, 50W fast charging
5,000mAh, 50W fast charging
Software Support
6 years
6 years

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Price in India and colour options


The pricing structure for the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro varies based on RAM and storage configurations:
Nothing Phone 3a:
8GB + 128GB – Rs 24,9998GB + 256GB – Rs 26,999Color options: Black, Blue, White
Nothing Phone 3a Pro:
8GB + 128GB – Rs 29,9998GB + 256GB – Rs 31,99912GB + 256GB – Rs 33,999Color options: Black, Grey
A Rs 2,000 bank discount offer is available during the launch period, bringing the effective starting price of the Phone 3a to Rs 22,999 and the Phone 3a Pro to Rs 27,999.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Design and build quality


While both models belong to the same series, their design elements differentiate them significantly:
  • Nothing Phone 3a features a pill-shaped camera module with a distinct red-accented square on its transparent back panel.
  • Nothing Phone 3a Pro introduces a unique L-shaped camera module, giving it a bold look.

Both phones maintain the brand’s signature Glyph lighting system, allowing users to personalize notifications. Additionally, both models feature a premium glass back, ensuring a high-end feel. However, the Phone 3a comes with an IP64 rating, providing dust and splash resistance, while the Phone 3a Pro has an IP68 rating, making it more resistant to water exposure.
One key advantage of the Phone 3a Pro is its eSIM support, which the standard Phone 3a lacks.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Display comparison


Both Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro come with an identical 6.77-inch LTPS AMOLED display featuring:
  • Dynamic refresh rate (30Hz - 120Hz)
  • Peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it easily visible under sunlight
  • 1,000Hz touch sampling rate in gaming mode
  • 2,160Hz PWM frequency for reduced eye strain
  • Panda Glass protection

These upgrades make the display significantly better than last year’s model, which had a peak brightness of only 1,300 nits.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: RAM, storage, and chipset


Both the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, offering a 33% performance boost over the previous MediaTek-based models. The new chipset also enhances AI processing capabilities.
  • Both models start with 8GB of RAM, but the Pro version also comes with a 12GB RAM option.
  • Storage options include 128GB and 256GB configurations for both devices.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Software & AI features


The Nothing Phone 3a series runs on Nothing OS 3.1, which introduces several AI-powered features:
  • Essential Space: A dedicated hub for storing notes, screenshots, and voice recordings.
  • Circle to Search: AI-powered search functionality.
  • Gemini Advanced AI: Smart assistant integration.
  • Flip to Record: A quick-access feature for instant recording.
  • Smart Collections: Automatic categorization of content.

Nothing has also committed to six years of software and security updates, setting a benchmark in the Rs 30,000 price segment.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Battery life and charging


Both devices pack a 5,000mAh battery with 50W fast charging support, which is an improvement over the 45W charging speeds of the previous models. However, Nothing does not include a charger in the box, so users will need to purchase one separately.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Camera comparison


While both devices offer high-quality camera systems, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro provides enhanced zooming capabilities and larger sensors for improved low-light performance.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro Camera Setup:
  • Primary Camera: 50MP Samsung sensor (1/1.56-inch, f/1.88 aperture) with OIS & EIS
  • Telephoto Camera: 50MP Sony periscope lens (1/1.95-inch, f/2.0 aperture) with 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and 60x digital zoom
  • Ultra-wide Camera: 8MP sensor (f/2.2 aperture)
  • Front Camera: 50MP selfie shooter

Nothing Phone 3a Camera Setup:
  • Primary Camera: 50MP Samsung sensor (1/1.57-inch, f/1.88 aperture) with OIS & EIS
  • Telephoto Camera: 50MP Sony sensor (1/2.74-inch, f/2.0 aperture) with 2x optical zoom, 4x in-sensor zoom, and 30x digital zoom
  • Ultra-wide Camera: 8MP sensor (f/2.2 aperture)
  • Front Camera: 32MP selfie shooter

The larger sensors on the Pro model improve low-light photography and autofocus, particularly with Samsung GNJ and Sony LTY-600 sensors.

Related FAQs


1. What is the key difference between the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro?
The Phone 3a Pro offers better camera capabilities, higher water resistance (IP68 vs IP64), eSIM support, and a 50MP selfie camera compared to the 32MP front camera on the Phone 3a.
2. Does the Nothing Phone 3a series come with a charger in the box?
No, users will have to purchase a compatible 50W charger separately.
3. How long will Nothing provide software updates for the Phone 3a series?
Nothing has promised six years of software and security updates for both models.
4. What is the peak brightness of the Nothing Phone 3a series display?
Both models feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 3,000 nits peak brightness.
5. Does the Nothing Phone 3a Pro support wireless charging?
No, wireless charging is not supported on either model.
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