In 2025, the Nothing brand has again caught the spotlight with two exciting devices: the Nothing Phone 3 and its affordable sibling, the Nothing Phone 3a. Both smartphones follow the brand’s signature transparent design philosophy and clean Android experience, but they target different audiences. The Phone 3 is a full-fledged flagship while the 3a offers premium aesthetics at a more affordable price point. To help buyers decide, here’s a complete detailed comparison of design, display, performance, cameras, battery, and value.
Design and Build Quality
The Nothing Phone 3 features a premium aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an upgraded Glyph Interface 2.0. The LED lights now offer more advanced patterns for notifications, charging progress, and music syncing, making the device both functional and futuristic. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 3a also carries the transparent design identity but uses a polycarbonate back instead of aluminum. While this makes it lighter and more affordable, it feels less premium than its flagship sibling. The Glyph lights are toned down but still maintain the brand’s unique appeal.
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone 3 comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED LTPO display, offering QHD+ resolution, HDR10+ support, adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of up to 2000 nits. It is ideal for gamers, streamers, and professionals who want the sharpest visuals. The Nothing Phone 3a, meanwhile, sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support, though brightness is limited to 1400 nits. While still impressive, the 3a cannot match the sheer brilliance and clarity of the flagship panel.
Performance and Hardware
At its core, the Nothing Phone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. This makes it a beast for heavy gaming, video editing, AI tasks, and intensive multitasking. The Nothing Phone 3a runs on the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, with configurations up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It offers smooth everyday performance and can handle light to moderate gaming but falls behind when pushed to extreme use cases.
Camera Setup and Quality
For photography enthusiasts, the Nothing Phone 3 provides a dual 50MP setup (wide and ultra-wide) with optical image stabilization and advanced low-light performance. The front camera is a 32MP shooter capable of recording in 4K, while the rear camera supports up to 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps. The Nothing Phone 3a also has a dual-camera system but with a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Its 16MP front camera handles selfies well but is limited to 4K video at 30fps. Clearly, the flagship offers a superior photography and videography experience.
Battery and Charging
The Nothing Phone 3 is fitted with a 5000mAh battery and supports 80W wired fast charging and 45W wireless charging, ensuring a full charge in about 30 minutes. It is perfect for users who demand both longevity and quick refueling. The Nothing Phone 3a houses a 4800mAh battery with 45W wired charging. While reliable, it lacks wireless charging and slower charging speeds make it less convenient for heavy users.
Software Experience
Both devices run on Nothing OS 3.0 based on Android 15. The software remains clean, bloat-free, and optimized for smooth performance. The OS also supports 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches. While both deliver the same software experience, the flagship takes advantage of extra Glyph features, providing a little more personalization.
Price and Value Proposition
Pricing is one of the most significant differences. The Nothing Phone 3 is priced from around ₹59,999 in India, reflecting its flagship features. The Nothing Phone 3a, however, is expected to cost around ₹34,999, making it much more accessible to budget-conscious buyers. While the Phone 3 delivers superior performance, display, and camera capabilities, the 3a provides excellent value for users who prioritize design and reliable daily use without spending flagship-level money.
Comparison Table – Nothing Phone 3 vs Nothing Phone 3a
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum frame, Glyph 2.0, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Polycarbonate, toned-down Glyph |
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+, 2000 nits, 120Hz LTPO | 6.55-inch AMOLED FHD+, 1400 nits, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 16GB RAM, 512GB | Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 50MP with OIS | 50MP + 8MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @30fps, 4K @60fps | 4K @30fps |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4800mAh |
| Charging | 80W wired, 45W wireless | 45W wired |
| Price (Approx) | ₹59,999 | ₹34,999 |
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 3 vs Nothing Phone 3a comparison highlights two very different devices aimed at different markets. The Phone 3 is a flagship powerhouse, designed for gamers, photographers, and performance enthusiasts who want the best hardware and premium build quality. The Phone 3a, however, brings the same transparent design language and clean software experience to a wider audience at a much lower cost. For those who want a flagship-level experience, the Phone 3 is the clear winner. But if you are looking for a stylish, reliable daily driver without breaking the bank, the Phone 3a is an excellent option in 2025.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Nothing Phone 3 and 3a?
The Phone 3 offers a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, better cameras, wireless charging, and premium build, while the 3a is more affordable with toned-down specs.
Does the Nothing Phone 3a still have the Glyph Interface?
Yes, but the Glyph lights are simpler compared to the Phone 3’s advanced Glyph 2.0 system.
Which device is better for gaming?
The Nothing Phone 3, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and higher RAM options, is more suitable for gaming and multitasking.
Is the Nothing Phone 3a worth it in 2025?
Yes, it provides a great balance of design, software, and performance at a lower price point, making it perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
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