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The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G, launched in India on March 4, 2025, at Mobile World Congress, brings a fresh spin to the mid-range smartphone segment with its signature transparent design, vibrant display, and upgraded cameras. Priced from ₹29,999, it aims to stand out in a crowded market dominated by heavyweights like Realme, iQOO, and Motorola. While its unique aesthetics and clean software are undeniable draws, does it deliver enough to justify its price in India’s fiercely competitive sub-₹30,000 space? After months of real-world use, here’s a deep dive into its design, performance, cameras, battery, and overall value, blending style with substance.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G Design: Bold, Premium, but Divisive
- Dimensions: 163.52 x 77.50 x 8.39 mm, 211g
- Colors: Black, Grey
- Build: Glass back, polycarbonate frame, IP64 dust and splash resistance
- Price: ₹29,999 (8GB/128GB), ₹31,999 (8GB/256GB), ₹33,999 (12GB/256GB)
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro sticks to the brand’s iconic transparent rear panel, a hallmark since its debut, but shakes things up with a bold, circular camera module that sets it apart from the standard Phone 3a. The shift from plastic to a glass back adds a premium touch, and the soft matte polycarbonate frame feels refined, though some may find the 211g weight hefty. The IP64 rating is a step up from previous models but lags behind competitors offering IP68 or IP69. The Glyph Interface, with its customizable LED strips, remains a standout, doubling as a notification indicator, music visualizer, or timer, adding flair to the experience.
The circular camera module, while eye-catching, can be uncomfortable to hold, as it disrupts finger placement for some users. Posts on X echo mixed sentiments, with some praising the futuristic look while others find the design less ergonomic than predecessors like the Phone (2a) Plus. Still, the Grey variant exudes sophistication, and the build quality feels durable, making it a head-turner in a sea of generic slabs.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G Display: Vibrant and Smooth
- Specs: 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2392 pixels
- Features: 3,000 nits peak brightness, 480Hz touch sampling rate, HDR10+, Panda Glass
- Performance: Sharp, vivid, and great for outdoor use
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is a highlight, delivering crisp visuals and poppy colors in “Alive” mode, perfect for anime fans or HDR content on Netflix and YouTube. The “Standard” mode offers more natural tones for those who prefer accuracy. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. The 480Hz touch sampling rate shines in gaming, though it requires Game Mode activation. Stereo speakers complement the display with loud, clear output, enhanced by the Glyph lights for a DJ-like vibe during music playback. The in-display fingerprint sensor, while fast, sits slightly low, which may take some getting used to.
Software: Clean, Quirky, and Future-Proof
- OS: Nothing OS 3.1, Android 15
- Updates: 3 years of OS updates, 6 years of security patches
- Features: Essential Space AI, bloat-free interface, dot matrix font, 18 custom widgets
Nothing OS 3.1, built on Android 15, is a breath of fresh air in a segment often cluttered with bloatware. Its minimalist, monochromatic aesthetic, complete with a dot matrix font, feels artsy yet functional. The Essential Space AI tool organizes screenshots and voice memos, though it’s still a work in progress. With 18 customizable widgets and a clean notification shade, the UI prioritizes user control and consistency. Nothing promises three OS updates and six years of security patches, a solid commitment for a mid-range device, though it trails behind Google’s seven-year support for Pixel phones. The bloat-free experience is a rare treat, making daily navigation a delight.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G Performance: Reliable but Not a Powerhouse
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm, 2.5GHz)
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB (LPDDR4X, UFS 2.2)
- Benchmarks:
- AnTuTu v10: 801,123
- Geekbench 6: 1,173 (single-core), 3,239 (multi-core)
- PCMark Work 3.0: 13,554
- 3DM Wild Life: 3,988
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, paired with up to 12GB of RAM, handles daily tasks like streaming, social media, and multitasking with ease. Compared to its predecessor, it’s 33% faster in CPU tasks, 11% faster in GPU tasks, and 92% better at AI processing, powering features like the TrueLens Engine 3 photo pipeline. Gaming performance is solid—Call of Duty: Mobile runs smoothly at Very High settings with no lag, and the Adreno 800 GPU supports high-frame-rate titles like Genshin Impact. The vapor chamber keeps thermals in check, with minimal throttling even during extended sessions. However, benchmark scores lag behind competitors like the iQOO Neo 10R, which boasts higher AnTuTu (1,491,562) and Geekbench (1,927 single-core, 5,047 multi-core) numbers, making it a better pick for power users.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G Cameras: A Step Up, but Not Perfect
- Rear: 50MP main (Samsung ISOCELL GNJ, OIS, f/1.5), 50MP telephoto (Sony LYTIA 600, 3x optical zoom, OIS, f/2.0), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
- Front: 50MP (f/2.2, 4K 30fps)
- Features: TrueLens Engine 3.0, Portrait Optimizer AI, five presets (Soft Focus, B&W Film, Wide Angle, Lenticular, Close Up)
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s camera system is a notable upgrade over the Phone 3a, particularly with its 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical and 6x in-sensor zoom, a rarity in this price range. The primary 50MP sensor captures sharp, vibrant daylight shots with excellent contrast and dynamic range. The telephoto lens shines in portraits, delivering natural bokeh and accurate skin tones, and doubles as a macro shooter with steady results thanks to OIS. Low-light performance is impressive, with the main and telephoto sensors maintaining detail and balance, though light sources can occasionally blow out.
The 8MP ultrawide, however, is the weak link, producing softer images with less detail compared to the primary and telephoto lenses. The 50MP selfie camera excels in daylight, capturing social media-ready shots with natural tones, though low-light selfies are merely decent. Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps for the main and front cameras, lagging behind competitors offering 4K 60fps. Overall, the camera system is versatile and outperforms budget rivals like the iPhone 16e in zoom and low-light scenarios, but it’s not quite flagship-level.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G Battery: Long-Lasting but Slow to Charge
- Capacity: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 50W wired (no charger included)
- Performance: 29 hours 15 minutes (HD video test), 18 hours 10 minutes (PCMark Work)
The 5,000mAh battery is a strong suit, lasting over a day with moderate to heavy use, including gaming, streaming, and navigation. In testing, it delivered 29 hours of HD video playback and 18 hours in PCMark’s Work battery test, outpacing some rivals. Battery Health technology ensures 90% capacity retention after three years, adding longevity. However, the 50W charging speed is underwhelming compared to competitors like the Realme GT 7T, which offers 100W. Using an 80W GaN charger, the Phone 3a Pro reaches 47% in 30 minutes and takes 80 minutes for a full charge—a bit sluggish for the segment. The lack of a bundled charger is a letdown, though not uncommon.
Verdict: A Unique Choice with Some Trade-Offs
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G is a compelling mid-range contender, blending a standout design, vibrant display, and clean software with solid performance and cameras. Its transparent aesthetic and Glyph Interface make it a conversation starter, while the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and Nothing OS 3.1 ensure a smooth, bloat-free experience. The camera system, particularly the telephoto lens, punches above its weight, and the battery life is reliable for daily use. At ₹29,999-₹33,999, it’s priced competitively, especially against the Motorola Edge 50 Pro (₹31,999) and Vivo V50 (₹29,999).
However, it’s not without flaws. The bulky camera module may not suit everyone, the ultrawide camera underperforms, and the 50W charging speed trails rivals. Performance, while adequate, isn’t class-leading, with devices like the iQOO Neo 10R offering more raw power. The IP64 rating also feels dated next to competitors with better water resistance. In the U.S., limited carrier support and a lack of robust warranty options make it a riskier buy for all but enthusiasts.
For Indian buyers seeking a stylish, well-rounded smartphone with a unique vibe, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a strong pick, especially for those prioritizing design and software. If raw performance or faster charging is your priority, alternatives like the iQOO Neo 10R or Realme GT 7T may be worth a look. Ultimately, the Phone 3a Pro proves Nothing can deliver “something” special, even if it’s not perfect.
Disclaimer: Based on publicly reported information and accounts from June 2025.
Sources: Gadgets 360, GSMArena, The Hindu, TechRadar, Android Police, 91mobiles, Bajaj Finserv, India Today, and posts on X.
