Nothing, the London-based tech company led by Carl Pei, has quickly built a reputation for its bold design language and value-for-money devices. In 2025, it introduced the Nothing Phone 3, a premium mid-range device, and the Nothing Phone 3a, a toned-down variant aimed at budget-conscious buyers. Both phones carry the brand’s signature transparent design and Glyph lighting but differ significantly in performance, cameras, and pricing.
This article presents a Nothing Phone 3 detailed comparison with 3a model, covering specs, design, performance, camera quality, and overall value for money.
Design Comparison
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Nothing Phone 3: Stays true to the company’s unique identity with a transparent back, customizable Glyph interface, and premium aluminum frame. It features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, slim bezels, and a more polished finish.
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Nothing Phone 3a: Retains the transparent design language but uses a polycarbonate frame instead of aluminum to reduce cost. The Glyph interface is simplified with fewer light strips, appealing to users who love the look but want affordability.
Verdict: Both share Nothing’s iconic aesthetics, but the Phone 3 feels more premium in hand.
Display Comparison
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Nothing Phone 3: 6.7-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and peak brightness of 1,800 nits. Ideal for gamers and multimedia lovers.
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Nothing Phone 3a: 6.5-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, but brightness capped at 1,200 nits and no HDR10+ certification.
Verdict: The Phone 3 has a brighter and more vibrant panel, while the 3a offers good quality for its price point.
Performance Comparison
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Nothing Phone 3: Powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, paired with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. Delivers flagship-like performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
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Nothing Phone 3a: Runs on Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Suitable for daily tasks and casual gaming but not as powerful as the Phone 3.
Verdict: For performance-focused buyers, the Phone 3 is the clear winner.
Camera Comparison – Specs & Differences
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Nothing Phone 3: Triple camera setup with a 50MP OIS primary sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens. Front camera is 32MP with 4K video support. Camera features include Night Mode, Pro Mode, and AI-enhanced HDR.
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Nothing Phone 3a: Dual camera system with a 50MP primary sensor and 8MP ultra-wide lens. Front camera is 16MP with 1080p video support. Lacks telephoto zoom and advanced AI features.
Verdict: The camera differences are significant. The Phone 3 offers versatile shooting with telephoto and better video quality, while the 3a is more suited for casual photography.
Battery & Charging Comparison
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Nothing Phone 3: 5,000 mAh battery with 65W fast charging and 30W wireless charging. Can charge 0–50% in about 20 minutes.
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Nothing Phone 3a: 4,800 mAh battery with 33W wired charging, no wireless option. Slower charging but still practical for daily use.
Verdict: Phone 3 is ideal for power users, while 3a balances affordability with decent backup.
Software & Updates
Both phones run on Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15. They come with clean UI, minimal bloatware, and three years of guaranteed Android updates along with four years of security patches.
Verdict: No major difference in software experience, both are equally polished.
Price & Value for Money
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Nothing Phone 3: Priced around ₹48,000–₹55,000 depending on the variant. Positioned as a premium mid-ranger.
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Nothing Phone 3a: Starts around ₹28,000–₹32,000, making it far more affordable while retaining the Nothing identity.
Verdict: Phone 3 is for buyers who want flagship features, while 3a is for budget-conscious users who want style and decent performance.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, HDR10+, 1800 nits | 6.5-inch AMOLED, 1200 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| Cameras | 50MP + 50MP + 12MP, 32MP front | 50MP + 8MP, 16MP front |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 65W wired, 30W wireless | 4800 mAh, 33W wired |
| Design | Premium aluminum, full Glyph | Polycarbonate, simplified Glyph |
| Price | ₹48,000–₹55,000 | ₹28,000–₹32,000 |
Final Thoughts
When comparing the Nothing Phone 3 vs Nothing Phone 3a, it’s clear that both serve different audiences. The Phone 3 is aimed at performance-driven users who want powerful specs, better cameras, and premium features. The Phone 3a, on the other hand, caters to budget users who still want the unique Nothing design and decent specs without breaking the bank.
For power users and photography enthusiasts, the Phone 3 is the better choice. For students, casual users, and budget-conscious buyers, the 3a offers excellent value for money.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Nothing Phone 3 and 3a?
The Phone 3 has a flagship processor, better cameras, and wireless charging, while the 3a is a budget-friendly version with toned-down specs.
Does the Nothing Phone 3a have the Glyph interface?
Yes, but it is simplified with fewer LED light strips compared to the full Glyph system on the Phone 3.
Which phone is better for gaming, Phone 3 or Phone 3a?
The Phone 3, with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, is much better for gaming and heavy tasks.
Is wireless charging available on the Nothing Phone 3a?
No, wireless charging is limited to the Phone 3.
Which phone offers better cameras?
The Phone 3 offers a triple-camera setup with telephoto and higher-quality video recording, while the 3a is limited to dual cameras.