Nothing Phone 3a Pro Review: Worth the Hype?

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro emerges as a notable contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a blend of innovative design and robust features. Priced at £449, this device aims to provide premium experiences without the flagship price tag. This comprehensive review delves into its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, software, battery life, and overall value proposition.

Design and Build

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro showcases a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from competitors. Its transparent, light-up design reveals the internal components, offering a unique visual appeal. The device features a glass back and front, complemented by high-quality plastic sides, ensuring durability without compromising on style. However, the prominent camera cluster protrudes significantly, which may affect the device’s balance when placed on flat surfaces. Despite this, the phone maintains a premium feel, weighing 211 grams and measuring 163.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm.

Display

Equipped with a 6.77-inch OLED display, the Phone 3a Pro delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. With a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels (~387 ppi density), the display offers crisp visuals suitable for media consumption and gaming. The inclusion of Panda Glass provides added protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro houses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications. While it may not rival flagship processors in raw power, it handles daily tasks and most games with ease. Internal storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, though the absence of expandable storage via microSD may be a consideration for users requiring additional space.

Camera System

A standout feature of the Phone 3a Pro is its camera setup:

• Main Camera: 50MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, offering optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). This lens captures detailed images with accurate colors in well-lit conditions.
• Telephoto Lens: 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 60x digital zoom. The inclusion of OIS enhances stability, making it a rare feature in this price segment.
• Ultrawide Lens: 8MP sensor with a 120° field of view, suitable for capturing expansive landscapes.
• Front Camera: 50MP front-facing camera capable of recording ultra-clear 4K video, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls.

While the camera system excels in good lighting, low-light performance is inconsistent, with occasional noise and reduced detail. The macro capabilities, particularly with the telephoto lens, allow for impressive close-up shots, capturing fine details from as close as 15cm.

Software and Features

Running on Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1, the Phone 3a Pro offers a clean and intuitive user experience. The interface emphasizes minimalism, with dot-matrix design elements adding a unique touch. A notable addition is the ‘Essential Space’ app, an AI-powered notebook that organizes screenshots, text, and voice notes, providing summaries and actionable insights. However, the dedicated ‘Essential Key’ button lacks customization options, limiting its functionality to the Essential Space app.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a 5000 mAh battery, delivering impressive endurance. Users can expect up to three days of usage under moderate conditions, with screen-on time exceeding seven hours. The Phone 3a Pro supports 50W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in approximately 19 minutes and a full charge in 56 minutes. However, it lacks wireless charging capabilities, which may be a drawback for some users.

Audio and Connectivity

The stereo speakers provide clear audio output, though they may lack depth and bass compared to higher-end models. Connectivity options include 5G support, eSIM functionality, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and comprehensive GPS services. The device also features an optical under-display fingerprint sensor, praised for its accuracy and speed.

Durability

With an IP64 rating, the Phone 3a Pro is protected against dust and splashes, enhancing its durability for everyday use. The robust build quality, combined with the use of high-quality materials, ensures the device can withstand daily wear and tear.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro stands out in the mid-range segment by offering features typically reserved for premium devices. Its unique design, capable camera system with real zoom capabilities, long-lasting battery, and smooth performance make it a compelling choice for consumers seeking value without compromising on quality. While there are areas for improvement, such as low-light camera performance and the lack of wireless charging, the overall package presents excellent value for its price point.