The Ultimate Nothing Phone 3a Pro Review: A Mid-Range Marvel That Punches Above Its Weight

When it comes to smartphones, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find devices that truly stand out from the crowd. Most phones follow the same design principles, offering similar features at comparable price points.

But then there’s Nothing, a brand that continues to march to the beat of its own drum with unique design aesthetics and a fresh approach to the smartphone experience.

I’ve spent the past month using the Nothing Phone 3a Pro as my daily driver, and I’m genuinely impressed by what this mid-range marvel brings to the table. At just $459, this phone delivers features and an experience that rivals devices costing hundreds more.

What makes it special isn’t just the transparent back panel or the eye-catching Glyph interface, but the thoughtful combination of hardware and software that creates a truly distinct user experience.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll dig deep into what makes the Nothing Phone 3a Pro tick, examining its design, display, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, and that unique Nothing OS experience. If you’re considering a new mid-range smartphone that stands out from the pack, you’ll want to keep reading.

Nothing Phone 3A Pro Specs

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick rundown of what the Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers:

Design: Standing Out in a Sea of Sameness

The moment I unboxed the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, I was reminded why this brand has gained such a devoted following. In a world where most phones look virtually identical, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro proudly embraces its unique identity.

The now-signature transparent back panel gives you a glimpse into the phone’s innards, showcasing micro screws, cable ribbons, and other components that are typically hidden from view.

What I particularly love is how Nothing has refined this design language. The Phone 3a Pro features a large circular camera housing that immediately sets it apart from its predecessor, the Phone 2a. This design choice not only looks distinctive but also signals the camera upgrade this model received.

The frame is made from 100% recycled aluminum, which feels sturdy in the hand despite the phone’s mid-range price point. At 211g, it has a solid, premium feel that belies its cost.

The flat sides make it comfortable to hold, though I’d recommend picking up a case for additional grip — luckily, there are plenty of options available.

Check out this perfect clear case for the Nothing Phone 3a Pro on Amazon

But the real star of the design show is the Glyph Interface — a series of LED light strips on the back of the phone that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. These light strips can be used for notifications, charging indicators, and even as a fill light for photography.

I’ve found myself actually placing my phone face down more often just to enjoy the Glyph notifications, which have consistently been conversation starters whenever they light up in public.

The Phone 3a Pro is available in just two colors: black and gray. While I wish there were more color options, the minimalist palette actually complements the transparent design aesthetic quite well. My black unit looks particularly sleek, with the Glyph Interface providing just enough visual flair.

Display: Bright, Smooth, and Satisfying

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro features a gorgeous 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2392 x 1080 pixels. This is a significant upgrade over previous Nothing models, boasting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits (though in my testing, it typically maxed out around 1,300 nits in high brightness mode).

What impressed me most was the 120Hz refresh rate, which makes everything from scrolling through social media to navigating the interface feel buttery smooth. The adaptive refresh rate does a good job of maintaining fluidity while preserving battery life, dropping down to 30Hz when appropriate.

The display’s color accuracy is excellent as well. In my testing, it covered over 111% of the sRGB color gamut in Standard mode and 153.7% in the more vibrant “Alive” mode. For those who prefer color accuracy, the Standard mode delivers a Delta-E color accuracy score of 0.2 (where lower is better), which is impressive for a phone at this price point.

HDR content looks particularly striking on this display, with deep blacks and vibrant highlights that make streaming content a joy. While watching videos on YouTube and Netflix, I noticed the panel’s excellent contrast and color reproduction, making it a perfect companion for media consumption on the go.

The bezels are slightly larger than what you’d find on flagship phones, but they’re uniform and unobtrusive. The selfie camera is housed in a center-aligned hole-punch cutout that doesn’t detract from the viewing experience.

Protect that gorgeous display with this tempered glass screen protector from Amazon

Nothing Phone 3A Pro Camera

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro arrives with an impressive triple camera system that is rare to find at this price point:

• Main Camera: 50MP f/1.9 with OIS
• Telephoto Camera: 50MP f/2.6 with 3x optical zoom and OIS
• Ultrawide Camera: 8MP f/2.2
• Front Camera: 50MP f/2.2

What sets this camera system apart from other mid-range contenders is the inclusion of a proper telephoto lens with optical image stabilization. Most phones in this price bracket rely on digital zoom, which often results in lower quality images. After extensive testing, I can confidently say the telephoto performance is a standout feature, delivering sharp, detailed shots at 3x zoom.

Main Camera Performance

The 50MP main sensor captures images with excellent detail and natural colors. In good lighting, photos show vibrant colors without looking over-processed. Dynamic range is impressive, with the camera handling high-contrast scenes well.

In low light, the main camera performs admirably, producing shots with good detail and reasonable noise control. Night mode enhances visibility while maintaining a natural look. I found that shots taken in dim restaurants or during sunset retained impressive clarity and color accuracy.

Telephoto Magic

The telephoto lens is where the Nothing Phone 3a Pro really shines compared to competitors. The 3x optical zoom allows for detailed close-ups without loss of quality, and the optical image stabilization helps maintain sharpness even with slight hand movements.

An interesting feature is the camera’s ability to use the telephoto lens for macro photography, offering either 3x or 6x macro zooming. This produces dramatically better close-up shots than the typical ultrawide-based macro solutions found in other phones.

Ultrawide Capabilities

The 8MP ultrawide camera is admittedly the weakest link in the camera system, but it still produces usable shots with decent color consistency with the main camera. There’s some expected distortion and loss of detail around the edges, but for landscape shots and group photos, it performs adequately.

Selfie Excellence

The 50MP front-facing camera is a significant improvement over previous Nothing phones. Selfies show excellent detail and natural skin tones, though I noticed the camera tends to apply a bit more saturation than I’d prefer. Portrait mode creates pleasing background blur with good edge detection around hair and glasses.

Video Performance

Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps rather than the 4K 60fps that has become standard on many phones. Despite this limitation, video quality is solid with good stabilization and accurate colors. Audio recording could be better, as it tends to sound a bit thin compared to flagship devices.

Overall, for a phone at this price point, the camera system is remarkably versatile and capable, rivaling phones that cost hundreds more. The inclusion of a proper telephoto lens with OIS is a particular highlight and sets the Nothing Phone 3a Pro apart from other mid-range contenders.

Grab the Nothing Phone 3a Pro with its amazing camera system on Amazon

Performance: Smooth for Daily Use, With Some Limitations

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor paired with a generous 12GB of RAM. This combination delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, social media, and video streaming.

In benchmark tests, the phone scores around 1,166 in single-core and 3,275 in multi-core on Geekbench 6. These numbers are certainly not flagship-level, lagging behind devices like the iPhone 16e and Pixel 8a. However, in real-world usage, the performance feels quite responsive, especially thanks to the 120Hz display that creates an impression of speed and fluidity.

Where the limitations become apparent is in more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. While casual games run fine, more graphically intensive titles show lower frame rates even with the phone’s Game Mode enabled. The 3DMark Wild Life test results (4,192 points at 25.1 fps) confirm this middle-of-the-road gaming performance.

Video processing is another area where the mid-range chipset shows its limitations. Transcoding a 4K video clip in Adobe Premiere Rush took 1 minute and 45 seconds, significantly longer than flagship devices. If you’re a heavy mobile gamer or frequently edit videos on your phone, you might want to consider a more powerful device.

That said, the generous 12GB of RAM ensures excellent multitasking capabilities. Apps stay in memory longer, and switching between them is swift and smooth. Nothing has done a good job optimizing their software for this hardware, as the phone rarely exhibits lag or stuttering during normal usage.

The 256GB of storage is particularly impressive at this price point, offering twice the base storage of competitors like the iPhone 16e and Pixel 8a. This means more room for apps, photos, videos, and games without having to worry about running out of space.

Nothing Phone 3A Pro Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is an area where the Nothing Phone 3a Pro truly excels. The 5,000mAh battery consistently delivered over 14 hours of mixed use in my testing, easily getting me through full days with plenty to spare. In standardized battery tests, it achieved an average of 14 hours and 33 minutes, which comfortably beats competitors like the iPhone 16e (12:41) and Pixel 8a (11:21).

Even on days with heavier usage involving photography, GPS navigation, and streaming video, I rarely found myself reaching for a charger before bedtime. The efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, combined with Nothing’s optimization of Android, seems to manage power consumption well.

When it does come time to charge, the 50W wired charging capability is impressively quick. In my tests, the phone reached:

• 39% charge in just 15 minutes
• 70% charge in 30 minutes
• Full charge in about 56 minutes

The only missing feature in the charging department is wireless charging. This is one of the few concessions to the mid-range price point, and while I miss the convenience of simply putting the phone down on a charging pad, the fast wired charging largely makes up for it.

Pair your Nothing Phone 3a Pro with this powerful 65W fast charger

Software Experience: Nothing OS 3.1 Stands Out

One of the most compelling aspects of the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is its software experience. Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, offers a refreshingly clean and unique take on the Android ecosystem.

The most immediately noticeable aspect is the distinctive dot-matrix style visual language that permeates throughout the interface. App icons, widgets, and system elements embrace this aesthetic, creating a cohesive look that stands apart from other Android skins.

The monochromatic widgets and distinctive animations add further character to the experience.

Nothing has wisely avoided bloatware, keeping the software experience clean and focused. The few pre-installed apps are genuinely useful rather than promotional, which is always appreciated.

Glyph Interface Integration

The software seamlessly integrates with the phone’s unique Glyph Interface. You can customize the LED patterns for different notifications, and they provide visual feedback for various actions.

The “Flip to Glyph” feature is particularly useful – when enabled, placing the phone face down activates silent mode but allows the Glyph lights to notify you of incoming calls and messages.

The Glyph Interface can also be used to:

• Display charging progress
• Work as a countdown timer with visual feedback
• Show the progress of your Uber ride
• Provide visual alerts for Google Calendar events

While the customization options are extensive, I do wish more third-party apps supported the Glyph Progress feature.

Essential Space and Key

New to Nothing OS 3.1 is the Essential Space and Key feature. The dedicated physical button on the right side of the phone can be used to capture screenshots, which are then processed by AI and organized in the Essential Space hub. The idea is to create a centralized location for reminders and tasks.

In practice, I found this feature somewhat hit-or-miss. The concept is interesting, but it requires active engagement (taking screenshots and voice memos) rather than proactively organizing information. It’s a promising start to Nothing’s AI features, but there’s room for improvement.

Software Support

Nothing promises 3 years of major Android updates and an impressive 6 years of security updates for the Phone 3a Pro. This commitment to long-term support is excellent for a mid-range device and ensures your investment will remain secure and up-to-date for years to come.

Connectivity and Special Features: The Fine Print

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers good connectivity options with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC support. The phone features an under-display fingerprint sensor that works quickly and reliably. Face unlock is also available, though it’s not as secure as the fingerprint method.

One important consideration for US buyers is that the phone is only available through Nothing’s US Beta Program. This means limited carrier compatibility, so you’ll want to check if your carrier is supported before purchasing.

The phone supports most 5G bands but lacks mmWave 5G support, which may be a factor depending on your location and carrier.

The device features stereo speakers that produce clear sound with decent volume, though they lack the depth and bass response of more premium phones. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, but the USB-C port supports audio output.

The IP64 rating provides protection against dust and water splashes, but not full water immersion. This should be adequate for everyday use, but you’ll want to keep the phone away from pools and bathtubs.

Add extra protection with this shockproof case for your Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Nothing Phone 3A Pro Price

When evaluating the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, the value proposition is perhaps its most compelling feature. At $459, you get:

• A distinctive design with the unique Glyph Interface
• A gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display
• A versatile triple camera system with true optical zoom
• 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage
• All-day battery life with fast charging
• Clean, distinctive software with long-term support

This combination of features typically commands a much higher price tag. Competitors like the iPhone 16e ($599) and Pixel 8a ($499) offer less storage, smaller displays, and in many cases, less versatile camera systems at higher prices.

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro makes very few compromises for its price point, with the main limitations being the lack of wireless charging, the mid-tier processor, and the limited availability in the US market.

Comparison: How It Stacks Up

Pros and Cons: The Final Tally

Pros:

• Distinctive design with Glyph Interface
• Excellent value for the price
• Large, bright 120Hz AMOLED display
• Versatile camera system with true 3x optical zoom
• Generous 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
• Exceptional battery life and fast charging
• Clean, unique software experience
• 6 years of security updates

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• Mid-tier processor limits gaming and video editing performance
• Limited US carrier compatibility
• No IP68 water resistance (only IP64)
• Essential Space AI features need refinement

Our Score: 9/10

After extensive testing and daily use, I’m giving the Nothing Phone 3a Pro a score of 9/10. It excels in almost every category that matters to most users, with its few shortcomings being reasonable compromises at this price point.

Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Get the Nothing Phone 3a Pro?

This phone is perfect for:

1. Budget-conscious users who want premium features without the premium price
2. Photography enthusiasts who value versatile camera capabilities, especially telephoto
3. Design-focused individuals who want a phone that stands out from the crowd
4. All-day users who need reliable battery life without constant recharging
5. Android purists who appreciate a clean, bloat-free software experience

Consider alternatives if:

1. You’re a serious mobile gamer who needs top-tier performance
2. You rely heavily on wireless charging
3. Your carrier isn’t compatible with Nothing’s US Beta Program
4. You need full water resistance for adventurous activities
5. You prefer mainstream brand support and widespread service options

Ready to experience something different? Buy the Nothing Phone 3a Pro on Amazon today!

Accessories Worth Considering

To get the most out of your Nothing Phone 3a Pro, I recommend these accessories:

1. TUDIA Clear Case – Shows off the unique design while providing protection
2. Tempered Glass Screen Protector – Essential protection for that gorgeous display
3. Anker 65W Fast Charger – Get the most from the 50W charging capability
4. Shockproof Protective Case – For extra durability if you’re prone to drops

Conclusion: A New Mid-Range Benchmark

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro represents a significant achievement in the mid-range smartphone market. It successfully challenges the notion that you need to spend $700+ to get a truly distinctive, feature-rich phone experience.

What makes this phone special isn’t just its competitive price point or individual specifications – it’s the holistic experience that Nothing has crafted.

From the moment you unbox it and see the transparent back with the Glyph Interface, to experiencing the clean, dot-matrix-styled Nothing OS, to capturing impressive zoom photos with the telephoto camera, the Phone 3a Pro consistently delivers experiences that feel premium and unique.

While it’s not perfect – the processor could be more powerful, wireless charging would be welcome, and US availability is limited – these compromises are reasonable considering the price. For most users, the strengths of this phone far outweigh its limitations.

After my time with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, I’m convinced it represents one of the best values in smartphones today. It’s a device that proves you don’t need to follow the crowd or empty your wallet to get a truly satisfying smartphone experience. If you’re in the market for a mid-range phone that feels anything but mid-range, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro should be at the top of your list.

Click here to purchase the Nothing Phone 3a Pro on Amazon and experience this mid-range marvel for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nothing Phone 3a Pro waterproof?

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro has an IP64 rating, which means it’s protected against dust and water splashes, but not full immersion. It can handle rain and accidental splashes, but don’t take it swimming.

Does the Nothing Phone 3a Pro work in the USA?

Yes, but with limitations. It’s only available through Nothing’s US Beta Program, and carrier compatibility may vary. The phone supports most 5G bands but lacks mmWave support. Check with your specific carrier before purchasing.

How long will the Nothing Phone 3a Pro receive updates?

Nothing promises 3 years of major Android updates (up to Android 18) and 6 years of security updates, which is excellent long-term support for a mid-range device.

Is the Nothing Phone 3a Pro good for gaming?

It’s adequate for casual gaming, but the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor isn’t ideal for demanding titles at high settings. If gaming is your primary focus, you might want to consider a device with a more powerful processor.

Does the Nothing Phone 3a Pro support eSIM?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM functionality, though you can only use a maximum of two active connections at once.

How does the camera compare to flagship phones?

The camera system is impressive for a mid-range phone, particularly the telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While it can’t quite match the computational photography prowess of the latest flagships, it comes surprisingly close in good lighting conditions and offers versatility that many phones in this price range lack.

What accessories come in the box?

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro comes with a USB-C cable and documentation, but no charger or earphones. I recommend purchasing a compatible fast charger separately to take advantage of the 50W charging capability.

Is nothing 3a pro better than pixel?

The Nothing Phone (3a Pro) may offer a more unique design and cleaner UI, but Google Pixel phones outperform it in camera quality, software updates, and AI features—making Pixels better overall for most users.

What are the disadvantages of Nothing Phone?

The Nothing Phone may suffer from limited availability, average camera performance, lack of wireless charging (in some models), and inconsistent software updates, making it less appealing to users seeking premium flagship features.

What is the difference between Nothing 3a and nothing 3a pro?

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro typically features a faster processor, higher RAM, and improved camera specs compared to the 3a. Both share a similar design, but the Pro model offers enhanced performance and storage options for power users.

This review contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. This helps support my blog at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I genuinely believe in and have personally researched or used.