Summary
In essence, the Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro are designed for users seeking a distinctive smartphone experience. They offer a lot, from their eye-catching designs to their capable cameras and clean software. However, potential buyers should be aware of the compromises, particularly in terms of performance and display resolution. For the right user, these phones can be a great fit, offering a unique blend of form and function.
- The unique design and glyph interface are standout features, offering a fresh take on smartphone aesthetics.
- The camera system, especially on the 3A Pro, shows significant improvement, with good performance in various conditions.
- The software experience is clean and intuitive, with regular updates and a user-friendly interface.
- Performance, while not the strongest aspect, is adequate for most tasks, though it may not satisfy heavy users.
- The display, though good, lacks the higher resolution found in some competitors, which might be a consideration for some buyers.
Key Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 7S Gen 3, providing a balance between performance and power efficiency. |
| Display | 6.77” FHD+, 120Hz AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and smooth motion. |
| Camera | 50MP primary sensor, 8MP ultrawide sensor, and on the Pro, a 50MP periscope sensor for 3x optical zoom. |
| Battery | 5000mAh battery with 50W charging, ensuring a full day of use and quick top-ups. |
Design & Build Quality – A Bold Statement
The design of the Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro is undoubtedly their strongest feature. The transparent back, the minimalist aesthetic, and the unique glyph interface all contribute to a device that stands out in a crowded market. In terms of build quality, the glass back and the flat, plastic mid-frame provide a solid feel, though the lack of Gorilla Glass might be a concern for durability.
- Weight: The 3A weighs 202g, while the 3A Pro is slightly heavier at 214g, which might be noticeable for some users.
- Materials: The glass back provides a premium feel, but the plastic frame is a slight compromise.
During my testing, I found the design to be both a blessing and a curse. It’s undeniably attractive and unique, but the slippery back and the aggressive design of the camera module on the 3A Pro can be off-putting for some.
Performance & Speed – Adequate but Not Outstanding
Performance-wise, the Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro are equipped with the 7S Gen 3 processor, which provides adequate performance for most tasks. However, in demanding scenarios or when compared to flagship devices, they might fall short. The LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage contribute to a generally smooth experience, though not the fastest.
- Benchmark: The devices scored around 8 lakhs in AnTuTu, which is respectable but not class-leading.
- Real-world test: Day-to-day tasks, including social media, browsing, and light gaming, were handled with ease.
One of the surprises was the occasional stutter and lag, even with lighter tasks, which might be due to software optimization issues rather than pure hardware limitations.
Battery Life & Charging – A Full Day and Then Some
The 5000mAh battery in both the 3A and 3A Pro is one of the highlights, easily lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. The 50W charging is fast, though not the quickest on the market, and the lack of a charger in the box might be a point of contention for some.
- Capacity: 5000mAh, which is generous and ensures a worry-free day.
- Real usage: With mixed use, I found the battery to comfortably last over a day, often stretching into the second day with lighter use.
Charging the device from 0 to 100% took around 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is decent but not the fastest charging experience available.
Camera Performance – A Significant Leap Forward
The camera on the Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro has seen significant improvements, especially with the 3A Pro’s periscope sensor offering 3x optical zoom. The primary sensor captures good details, and the selfie camera, particularly on the 3A Pro, delivers natural skin tones and good low-light performance.
Camera System Specifications
- Primary camera: 50MP, capable of capturing detailed images with good dynamic range.
- Ultrawide camera: 8MP, useful for landscapes and group shots, though details might not be as crisp as the primary sensor.
- Telephoto camera (3A Pro): 50MP periscope sensor, offering 3x optical zoom and significantly improving the zoom capabilities.
Testing the camera in various conditions, including low light, revealed a notable improvement over previous models, with the 3A Pro’s periscope sensor being a highlight. However, the camera app, while user-friendly, could benefit from more advanced features and better low-light performance in the ultrawide and telephoto lenses.
Software & User Interface – Clean and Intuitive
The Nothing OS, based on Android, offers a clean and intuitive interface, free from bloatware and unnecessary features. The update to Nothing OS 3.1 during my testing period brought further refinements and improvements, showcasing the company’s commitment to software support.
- Operating System: Android, with a clean, near-stock experience that’s easy to navigate.
- Custom UI: Nothing OS, which adds a layer of customization without cluttering the interface.
- Hidden features: The ability to customize the glyph interface and the notification system adds a personal touch.
One of the standout aspects of the software is the regular update cycle, with Nothing promising 3 years of major updates and 6 years of security updates, which is commendable in the Android ecosystem.
Also See: Google Pixel 9a
Display Quality – Good but Not the Best
The 6.77” FHD+ display on both devices is good, with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate that makes for smooth scrolling and motion. However, the resolution could be higher, especially considering the price point, and the bezels are slightly thicker than those on some competitors.
- Display size: 6.77”, which is large and immersive, perfect for watching videos or gaming.
- Resolution: FHD+, which, while good, might not be as sharp as the QHD+ displays found on some flagships.
- Refresh rate: 120Hz, which provides a smooth experience, though the difference might not be as noticeable for casual users.
Viewing angles are good, and the peak brightness of 3000 nits ensures visibility even under direct sunlight, though the HDR10+ support is a welcome addition for content consumption.
Pros
- Unique design that stands out in the market.
- Improved camera performance, especially with the 3A Pro’s periscope sensor.
- Clean and intuitive software experience with regular updates.
- Long-lasting battery life with fast charging.
- Good display quality with a high refresh rate.
Cons
- Performance might not be the strongest, especially in demanding tasks.
- Display resolution could be higher, especially at this price point.
- No charger is included in the box.
- Panda Glass instead of Gorilla Glass might raise durability concerns.
- Camera performance in low light could be better, especially in the ultrawide and telephoto lenses.
Who Should Buy It
- Photography enthusiasts: The improved camera system, especially on the 3A Pro, makes it a good choice for those who value camera performance.
- Design-conscious buyers: The unique design and glyph interface will appeal to those looking for a smartphone that stands out.
- Users seeking a clean software experience: The Nothing OS offers a clutter-free and intuitive interface that will appeal to those who prefer a near-stock Android experience.
Who should avoid it: Heavy gamers or power users might find the performance lacking, and those prioritizing display resolution above all else might find better options elsewhere.
Verdict & Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro are unique offerings in the smartphone market, blending style, capable cameras, and clean software. While they might not excel in every department, they offer a compelling package for the right user. The improvements in the camera and the commitment to software updates are significant positives, making these devices worth considering for those looking for something different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nothing Phone 3A processor powerful enough for gaming?
While the 7S Gen 3 processor is capable, it might not be the best for heavy gaming. You can play less demanding games smoothly, but more intensive titles might see some lag or reduced frame rates.
How does the Nothing Phone 3A camera perform in low light compared to competitors?
The camera performs well in good lighting conditions, but in low light, it can struggle, especially with the ultrawide and telephoto lenses. However, the primary sensor and the selfie camera do a commendable job, and the improvements over previous models are noticeable.
Will the Nothing Phone 3A battery last through a full day of heavy use?
Yes, the 5000mAh battery is more than capable of lasting a full day, even with heavy use. You can easily get a day and a half with moderate use, which is impressive.
Is the Nothing Phone 3A worth upgrading from the previous model?
If you’re due for an upgrade and value the unique design, improved cameras, and clean software experience, then yes. However, if you’re looking for a significant performance boost or a higher-resolution display, you might want to consider other options.
See Full review on YouTube
