The Nothing Phone 2a made a significant impact in the smartphone market with its remarkable features in 2024; a fast display, robust battery life, and eye-catching design for just $349. However, instead of simply upgrading the 2a, Nothing has taken it a step further by launching not just one but two new models: the Phone 3a and the more advanced 3a Pro.

Unveiling the Phone 3a Pro, this mid-range marvel sets itself apart with a unique periscope telephoto camera—something not commonly found in its price segment. Priced at $459, it delivers a nearly flagship-level camera experience that many photographers would appreciate. Meanwhile, the standard 3a stands out as a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on key features.

Carrier Compatibility Issues

Before diving deeper into the features, there are critical points regarding carrier compatibility. In the U.S., the Nothing 3a series is available through a beta program that notably offers only 14 days of after-sale support. If any issues arise post-purchase, customers may find themselves out of luck. Nonetheless, Nothing promises three years of Android updates and six years of security patches, alongside corrective updates, providing reassurance for software longevity.

It's important to note that the devices won’t support all 5G bands from major U.S. carriers. Basic connectivity is available, but the high-speed mmWave spectrum will not be supported. Users on AT&T and Verizon will need to enroll their phone's IMEI for 5G access, which can be a slight hurdle.

Stunning Design

The 3a and 3a Pro exhibit a premium design reminiscent of higher-end devices, featuring a glass back that feels high-quality and secure in hand, akin to Apple’s design ethos. The ceramic-like coating gives it a luxurious touch while also enhancing grip. Improved waterproofing (IP64 rating) brings reassurance for water-prone environments, although other mid-range options might boast better resistance.

An intriguing addition is the Essential Key located just below the power button, intended for quick access to features—albeit feeling less robust than other physical buttons. The aesthetics of both devices are strikingly unique, with available color options tailored to different markets, though potential buyers should note that not all colors are available universally.

Display Excellence

Both the 3a and 3a Pro come with an impressive 6.77-inch AMOLED display, protected by Panda Glass and capable of reaching a peak brightness of 1,300 nits—ensuring visibility even under the blazing sun. The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate enhances user experience, making everything feel smooth and responsive. However, the choice of an optical in-display fingerprint sensor may be a slight downgrade compared to the preferred ultrasonic varieties, although it still proves functional.

Impressive Camera Capabilities

In terms of photography, the 3a and 3a Pro do not disappoint. The standard 3a houses a 50MP primary sensor and an innovative telephoto lens boasting 2x optical zoom—an impressive feature for a phone priced at $379. Meanwhile, the 3a Pro elevates the experience further with its enhancing periscope camera enabling 3x optical zoom and good macro capability. Image processing quality is commendable, although low-light performance can occasionally falter.

Selfies are catered for through a 32MP front camera on the 3a and a 50MP on the Pro, adding versatility for social media enthusiasts looking for standout self-portraits—albeit lacking autofocus, which might frustrate some users.

Performance Stats

Both phones harness the power of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, promising a substantial upgrade in speed over previous models. Benchmark results indicate efficient performance, even while multitasking through social media and apps. However, users may notice limitations during intensive gaming sessions, as frame drops may occur, particularly with demanding games.

Long-lasting Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery is impressive, with the 3a lasting over 19 hours during video playback testing. Fast charging at 50W ensures quick power-ups—ideal for those constantly on-the-go, despite lacking wireless charging capabilities.

Software Experience

Launching with Android 15, the Nothing OS feels intuitive and minimalistic, avoiding bloatware while providing useful customization. Users can look forward to three years of promised updates, aligning the 3a series as a solid long-term investment. The Essential Key adds unique functionalities such as voice memo recording and screenshot management.

Final Thoughts

The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro offer remarkable value at $379 and $459, respectively. Their blend of unique design, camera capabilities, and solid performance sets them apart from competition in the mid-range segment. However, potential buyers should weigh the limitations in warranty and carrier support against the offered features.

For those who are hesitant about the risks associated with the limited support, established alternatives like the Pixel 9a or Galaxy S24 FE, which provide longer warranty periods and robust carrier support, may be the safer choice. Ultimately, the Nothing 3a series proudly stands as forward-thinking contenders aiming to disrupt the smartphone landscape.