All about Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro
In 2025, the smartphone market is more competitive than ever, especially among the budget and midrange segments. With the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro, two phones that look to shake up the status quo without breaking the bank, Nothing is once again filling that need.
These devices, which were introduced in March 2025, carry on Nothing’s audacious design language while introducing remarkable performance and AI features into a price range that is typically dominated by compromises. These phones, which start at only about $379 for the 3a and $459 for the 3a Pro, offer flagship-like features in a package that feels anything but affordable.
If you’re looking for the best budget phone in 2025, this duo absolutely deserves your attention.
Quick Take: Why Nothing 3a/Pro Stands Out
- Best Design: Transparent back, Glyph lights, standout blue variant
- Best Budget Value: Flagship features at budget pricing
- Top Battery Performer: 5,000mAh with 50W fast charging
- Cleanest Software Experience: Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15
- Midrange Camera Champ: 50MP main shooter with Pro-exclusive periscope lens
The Best Budget Phone Right Now
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro aren’t just affordable — they’re feature-rich in ways that make you forget the price. Here’s a quick look at the core specs:
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3a | Nothing Phone 3a Pro |
| Display | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| RAM & Storage | 8/12GB + 128/256GB | 8/12GB + 128/256GB |
| OS | Android 15, Nothing OS 3.1 | Android 15, Nothing OS 3.1 |
| Cameras | 50MP main, 2x telephoto | 50MP main, 3x periscope |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 50MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh + 50W wired charging | 5,000mAh + 50W wired charging |
| IP Rating | IP64 | IP64 |
| Pricing | $379 | $459 |
| Extras | Glyph Interface, Panda Glass | Glyph Interface, Panda Glass |
Price and Value: A Strong Contender in 2025
Starting at $379 for the 3a and $459 for the 3a Pro, these phones undercut rivals like the Galaxy A55 and iPhone 16e while delivering a surprisingly premium package.
Both models come with a Panda Glass-protected front and back, IP64 water resistance, and Nothing’s signature transparent design — a look that continues to turn heads. The 3a Pro even adds a larger camera plateau that’s ergonomically functional if visually polarizing.
For the price, you’re getting flagship-like design, a super-bright AMOLED display, and features that usually cost hundreds more.
AI and Software: Minimalism Meets Smarts
Running on Nothing OS 3.1, both phones offer a clean and fluid experience that feels faster than the spec sheet suggests.
The standout here is the new AI Button, exclusive to the 3a series. It opens “Essential Space,” a productivity suite that allows:
- Screenshot capture + instant summarization
- Voice notes that transcribe and convert to reminders
- Smart contextual shortcuts
What’s refreshing is that Nothing’s AI implementation doesn’t feel forced. It’s genuinely useful — especially if you’re tired of AI for AI’s sake.
And because it’s built on Android 15, you’re getting the latest Google features like Circle to Search and seamless UI animations.
Camera Performance: Better Than Expected
Both phones sport a 50MP main camera with OIS and excellent daylight performance. The real difference is in the secondary lenses:
- Phone 3a Pro: 3x periscope telephoto lens with great macro and zoom
- Phone 3a: 2x telephoto — solid but not as versatile
The Pro’s larger sensor and better image processing make it one of the best camera phones under $500. While low-light performance can’t match $1,000+ flagships, these hold up very well against the Pixel 9a and Galaxy A55.
The ultrawide (8MP) is the weakest link — okay for group shots, but detail suffers in poor lighting.
Battery & Charging: No Complaints Here
With a 5,000mAh battery and 50W fast charging, you’re looking at nearly 14 hours of active use on a single charge. In real-world usage, both phones comfortably last a full day and then some.
Charging from 0 to 50% takes under 20 minutes, while a full charge happens in less than an hour.
Wireless charging is missing, which might disappoint some — but at this price point, it’s an understandable omission.
Overall Performance: Smooth Operator
Powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, both models aren’t flagship-fast, but they’re no slouch either.
- Apps load quickly
- Multitasking feels smooth with 12GB RAM variants
- Gaming is decent for casual to mid-tier titles (Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact on medium settings)
That said, under heavier GPU workloads, you might see minor stutters — especially if you’re pushing graphic-intensive games.
Still, this is one of the best-performing phones in its price range, and thermal management is excellent.
Design & Glyph Interface: Still Unique
Nothing’s design DNA is unmistakable. The transparent back, exposed screws, and Glyph Interface — it all works together to make these phones feel different from the sea of glass slabs out there.
Even better, Nothing has refined the Glyph Interface. You can now customize the lights more granularly (26 zones), and they double as camera fill lights and notification indicators.
The new blue color? It’s stunning. Seriously — if looks matter to you, these phones punch way above their price class.
Pros & Corns
Pros
- Excellent AMOLED display with 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Futuristic design and Glyph Interface
- Fast and clean Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15
- Strong battery life with super-fast 50W charging
- Good camera setup (Pro version especially)
- Useful AI features without feeling gimmicky
Corns
- No wireless charging
- GPU stutters under heavy load
- Ultrawide camera is average
- No microSD slot
Verdict: Should You Buy the Nothing Phone 3a or 3a Pro?
If you’re shopping for a budget phone in 2025, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro are must-consider options. They’re not just good budget phones — they’re great phones, period.
The 3a is the better pick if you’re trying to keep costs low and don’t need the periscope lens or the upgraded selfie camera. The 3a Pro, meanwhile, offers a more complete experience that even power users can appreciate.
We’ve tested plenty of midrange phones this year, and few have left a stronger impression than these.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for our full comparisons with the Google Pixel 9a, iPhone 16e, and Galaxy A55.
