The Nothing Phone (3a) Series is characterised by clean, geometric shapes, flat surfaces and straight sides, all giving a sense of sophistication in comparison to its predecessor. An eclectic mix of influences drawn from Japanese iconography, playful elements alongside industrial designs from the 60s and 70s.
Nothing continues to push the boundaries of smartphone design with the release of the Phone (3a) Pro. The device builds on the brand’s signature transparent aesthetic from its predecessor while introducing subtle yet significant refinements. The latest model brings a more boxy form factor, an upgraded triple-camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens, and a brighter AMOLED display. Additionally, the introduction of the Essential Key and its AI-powered Essential Space app marks Nothing’s latest attempt to merge hardware with software-driven productivity. But does it offer enough to stand out in a competitive mid-range market? Read this Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review to find out.
While its distinctive design may not appeal to everyone, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out with a bright display, solid performance, clean software, and decent battery life. The Essential Space feature is a promising addition, though it could use refinements, much like the periscope telephoto camera, which falls short of complementing an otherwise impressive camera system.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro has seen minor design changes compared to its predecessor. The latest smartphone from the OEM is boxier and wider than ever. Notably, it features a large, chunky circular camera module that contrasts with the rest of the design, almost giving the illusion that it can be detached—but you can’t! Although the Phone (2a) Plus was better in this regard, integrating the camera module more seamlessly, it is worth noting that the smartphone lacked a periscope lens, which the Phone (3a) Pro features.
The Phone (3a) Pro features a triple-camera system uniquely integrated into its circular module. However, the two rings at the top of the circle might feel visually unbalanced, potentially triggering OCD in some individuals who like things in a certain order. The handset is heavier than its predecessor but doesn’t feel hefty while holding the device for prolonged usage. Additionally, the company has introduced new patterns beneath the transparent back panel while keeping the Glyph interface lights unchanged, still positioned alongside the camera module.
| Smartphone | Thickness | Weight | IP rating |
| Nothing Phone (3a) Pro | 8.35mm | 201 grams | IP64 |
| Realme 14 Pro+ | 8mm | 194 grams | IP69 |
| Redmi Note 14 Pro+ | 8.85mm | 210.8 grams | IP68 |
| Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | 8.5mm | 190 grams | IP54 |
The Phone (3a) Pro features flatter corners rather than curved ones, offering a secure grip and enhancing durability. While it isn’t as sturdy as other smartphones within the segment, the handset can now survive dust and minor water splashes with its IP64 rating. What’s more, the company has introduced a physical button called the Essential Key on the right spine. Although easily distinguishable from the other buttons, it lacks the premium look and feel of the power and volume controls of the device. More about this key is in the following section.
For now, you should know the Phone (3a) Pro boasts a USB Type-C port on the bottom edge for charging and data transfer, stereo speakers, and an in-display fingerprint scanner for security. The scanner is fast and accurate, but its placement—slightly below the natural resting position of the thumb—could have been better.
| Smartphone | Display size | Peak brightness |
| Nothing Phone (3a) Pro | 6.77-inch AMOLED | 3,000 nits |
| Realme 14 Pro+ | 6.8-inch AMOLED | 1,500 nits |
| Redmi Note 14 Pro+ | 6.67-inch AMOLED | 3,000 nits |
| Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | 6.7-inch AMOLED | 1,300 nits |
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro sports a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Besides the higher brightness level, which helps with outside visibility, the smartphone’s viewing experience remains on par with the previous generation. It is a 10-bit colour panel, which ensures rich and natural colours with seamless gradient transitions.
However, the lack of HDR support is a missed opportunity, limiting the phone’s full potential for high-dynamic-range content. Streaming platforms like Netflix are restricted to FHD resolution, further capping the viewing experience.
The ‘Essential Key’ provides quick access to Nothing’s new app, Essential Space. While its placement on the right spine keeps it within the thumb’s reach, it may be inconvenient for users who often mount their phones on a stand for vlogging. A single press captures and sends content to the app, a long press records a voice note, and a double tap instantly takes you to your saved content. Inspired by Google’s Pixel Screenshots app, Essential Space allows users to easily find their social media screengrabs or other important images that might otherwise get lost in the Gallery. Beyond screenshots, Essential Space also lets users record voice memos with a long press—either on their own or linked to a screenshot—helping them remember important details or follow up on specific tasks.
Nothing is leveraging the power of AI on the Essential Space feature. Currently, in early access for Phone (3a) series users, this AI-powered functionality analyses screenshots and voice memos to generate contextual insights and transcripts, making it easier to retrieve and understand stored files. Moreover, using Essential Key within the camera app sends the image directly to the Essential Space app, where they are scanned and presented with extra context. Users can also attach a voice note as a reminder alongside an image, making it even easier to recall important moments.
Think of the Essential Space app as an enhanced version of your Notes apps, with the ability to read images and audio files. The app is mostly user-friendly, presenting all content in an easy-to-navigate card format. However, distinguishing between cards can sometimes feel overwhelming. A highlighted border or clearer visual separation would improve readability and make identification easier. Furthermore, the Essential Space feature has some bugs—for instance, it may continue analysing results indefinitely until the user manually taps on them.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view, and a 50MP periscope-style telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. For selfies and video calling, the handset relies on a 50MP snapper in the punch-hole setup. Nothing has introduced five different presents on the smartphone, namely Soft Focus, B&W Film, Wide Angle, Lenticular, and Close Up. Furthermore, there is an option to create and import new presets within the camera app. Both front and rear cameras are capable of recording 4k videos at 30fps.
This configuration aligns well with contemporary smartphones in its price range, delivering solid performance across various shooting conditions. The camera system excels in fast autofocus and quick shutter speeds, ensuring a smooth experience for casual users. Images are vibrant, with enhanced colours and decent detail retention. While the primary, ultrawide, and selfie cameras outperform some competitors, the Phone (3a) Pro’s periscope camera falls short. It produces images with muted colours, underwhelming detail, and a limited dynamic range. Additionally, its edge detection for portraits could use improvement.
Read on to find out how the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro cameras hold up against competitors such as the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and Realme 14 Pro+, as well as its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
Operating System: Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15
Design: Transparent glass back, aluminum frame, Glyph Interface (3 LED zones), 211g, 8.39mm thick
Connectivity: 5G (Sub-6GHz), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, eSIM support, dual SIM optionDurability: IP64 dust and splash resistance
Additional Features: Essential Key (AI shortcut button), in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers
Colors: Grey, BlackPrice: $459 / £449 / ₹29,999 (approx.)
Software Support: 3 years of Android updates, 4-6 years of security patches (varies by source)
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro retails for $459 in the U.S., £449 in the UK, and approximately ₹29,999 in India. Prices may vary slightly depending on region and retailer promotions.
Yes, it supports 5G (Sub-6GHz bands). However, in the U.S., full 5G compatibility requires carrier whitelisting (e.g., AT&T or Verizon), as it’s only available through Nothing’s beta program.
Glyph Interface is a set of three LED strips on the transparent back that light up for notifications, calls, or charging status. It’s customizable via Nothing OS and adds a unique visual flair to the phone.
It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a 4nm mid-range chipset. It handles daily tasks and light gaming smoothly but isn’t as powerful as higher-end chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
No, it does not support wireless charging. It offers 50W wired fast charging, fully charging its 5000mAh battery in under an hour.
It has an IP64 rating, meaning it’s resistant to dust and splashes but not fully waterproof. It can handle light rain but shouldn’t be submerged in water.
Yes, for its price ($459), it offers a premium design, vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, unique features like the Glyph Interface, and a solid camera setup. It’s ideal for those prioritizing style and value over flagship-level performance or U.S. carrier compatibility.
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