Overview of the Nothing Phone 3a
The Nothing Phone 3a is a solid budget Android phone catering to those seeking a large, responsive screen and long-lasting battery life. Positioned as a precursor to the anticipated flagship Nothing Phone 3, the 3a stands out as Nothing’s latest offering in the budget smartphone segment. It excels in providing a sizeable 120hz display, impressive battery performance, and decent cameras at an affordable price point. However, a week of testing revealed some drawbacks such as inconsistent performance, a modest IP64 rating, and limited update support that prevent it from achieving true excellence.
Design and Features
On the front, the Nothing Phone 3a boasts a 6.77″ AMOLED display offering up to 120hz at FHD+ resolution, delivering sharp visuals and responsiveness suitable for its price range. The back of the phone showcases Nothing’s signature industrial design with a transparent glass panel and unique glyph interface. The glyphs on the back serve various functions like displaying notifications, timers, or even acting as a flashlight, although their utility may vary depending on user preferences.
Essential Key and Essential Space
Introducing an Essential Key akin to the iPhone 16’s Action Button, the Nothing Phone 3a features an AI-centric hub named Essential Space. This key facilitates tasks like voice notes, with the Essential Space efficiently organizing notes with automatic transcription. The phone’s user-friendly approach to AI integration enhances productivity and convenience for users.
Box Contents and Security
Inside the box, you’ll find the phone and a USB-C cable, missing a charging brick which is a common trend in modern smartphones. The Nothing Phone 3a’s mediocre IP64 rating offers limited protection against water splashes, suggesting caution in submersion scenarios.
Software Experience
The Nothing Phone 3a runs on Nothing OS 3.1, a reskinned Android 15 interface that resembles Google Pixel devices. While offering unique customization options, the software’s integration with the phone’s glyph system adds a distinctive touch. However, the device’s update policy falls short compared to industry standards, with only 3 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates.
Gaming Performance
Equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the Nothing Phone 3a ensures decent performance for everyday use, despite occasional stutters during intensive tasks. In gaming tests, the phone delivers results akin to flagship devices from a few years ago, making it suitable for casual gaming experiences with minor adjustments to settings.
Battery Life and Charging
The Nothing Phone 3a impresses with its 5,000mAh battery capacity, offering prolonged usage for various activities. Fast charging capabilities enable quick recharges, although the absence of wireless charging may be disappointing for some users.
Camera Capabilities
The Nothing Phone 3a’s camera setup, although not groundbreaking, delivers satisfactory results comparable to midrange smartphones. Featuring multiple lenses and modes, the phone captures decent photos and videos suitable for casual use. Upgrade options like the 3a Pro offer enhanced camera features for a slightly higher price.