Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are Official

Nothing has unveiled its latest mid-range offerings, the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. These devices aim to disrupt the market by blending cutting-edge features with a distinctive design philosophy. This article delves into the specifications, unique features, and market positioning of these new entrants.

Design and Display

Both the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro showcase a 6.77-inch OLED display, protected by Panda Glass. The screens support a 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit color depth, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. The design maintains Nothing’s signature aesthetic, featuring the Glyph interface on the back a series of LED lights that provide visual notifications and contribute to the phone’s unique look. The Phone (3a) Pro is available in Grey and Black, while the standard Phone (3a) offers additional color options, including Black, White, and Blue, with the latter not available in the US.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, both models are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. Memory configurations vary by region:

• Phone (3a) Pro: Available in 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, and 12GB/256GB variants.
• Phone (3a): Offers 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB options globally, with an additional 8GB/256GB variant exclusive to India.

This hardware setup ensures efficient performance for daily tasks and multitasking needs.

Camera Capabilities

A significant differentiator between the two models lies in their camera systems:

• Phone (3a) Pro:
  • Main Camera: 50MP sensor (1/1.56″) with f/1.88 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
  • Telephoto Camera: 50MP periscope lens (1/1.95″) with 3x optical zoom, extendable up to 6x using the TrueLens 3.0 engine and AI enhancements.
  • Ultrawide Camera: 8MP sensor.
  • Front Camera: 50MP sensor (1/2.76″) with f/2.2 aperture.

• Phone (3a):
  • Main Camera: 50MP sensor with f/1.88 aperture and OIS.
  • Telephoto Camera: 50MP lens with 2x optical zoom.
  • Ultrawide Camera: 8MP sensor.
  • Front Camera: 32MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture.

These configurations cater to photography enthusiasts, offering versatility across various shooting scenarios.

Battery and Charging

Both devices house a 5,000 mAh battery supporting up to 50W wired charging. According to Nothing, users can achieve a 50% charge in just 19 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime and extended usage throughout the day.

Software and Features

The phones run on NothingOS 3.1, based on Android 15, with a commitment to three major OS updates and six years of security patches. An intriguing addition is the Essential Key, a programmable button located beneath the power button, designed to streamline tasks and enhance user productivity by integrating seamlessly with the Essential Space—a new AI-driven feature for note-taking and task management.

Pricing

Nothing has strategically priced these models to appeal to mid-range consumers:

• Phone (3a) Pro:
  • Global: £449 / $459 / €459 / INR 33,999 for the 12GB/256GB variant.
  • India: Additional options at INR 29,999 (8GB/128GB) and INR 31,999 (8GB/256GB).
• Phone (3a):
  • Global: £329 / €329 / INR 24,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant; £379 / $379 / €379 for the 12GB/256GB variant.
  • India: An extra 8GB/256GB variant priced at INR 26,999.

Pre-orders for the Phone (3a) commence on March 4 via Nothing’s official web store, while the Phone (3a) Pro will be available for pre-order starting March 11.

Reviews

Early reviews have lauded the devices for their design and performance:

• Wired: Praised the well-rounded performance and affordability but noted connectivity issues with certain US carriers and the absence of wireless charging and an IP68 rating.
• Los40: Highlighted the Phone (3a) Pro’s innovative design, versatile camera system, and competitive pricing, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-range segment.
• Indian Express: Emphasized that the new models cater to consumers seeking alternatives to mainstream offerings, blending nostalgia with modern features.

Conclusion

The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro exemplify the company’s commitment to delivering innovative design and robust performance in the mid-range smartphone market. With their distinctive aesthetics, versatile camera systems, and competitive pricing, these devices are poised to attract consumers seeking a blend of style and functionality. As they become available, their reception will further illuminate Nothing’s impact on the smartphone industry.

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