Budget-Friendly Phone Evaluation: An Affordable Option for Conscious Spenders – Nothing Phone (3a) Review
Ready to shake things up? Check out the Nothing Phone (3a) or Phone (3a) Pro. These inexpensive Android devices are packed with unique features, like LED lights on the back that chirp like Tamagotchi and a see-through chassis. They also run software with some sass, all while keeping costs under $500.
So, should you jump on this deal or wait for the upcoming Google Pixel 9a with slightly better specs? Well, that depends on what you're after. If you're hankering for a throwback vibe with the sense of being a smartphone outlier, the Nothing Phone (3a)/(3a) Pro might be right up your alley. However, you'll need to enroll in a "beta program" if you're stateside to grab one.
Let's take a closer look at the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro:
These devices from Nothing boast a solid camera system and impressive battery life, making them worth a shot, pun intended. The key differences between the regular and Pro versions include the camera hardware and the Essential Key, a nifty addition to the device.
Pros for both versions:
- Cool LED light show
- Bright, vibrant AMOLED display
- Nothing's signature lighting touches
Cons, including for both versions:
- Zoom capabilities aren't quite there with higher-end devices
- Essential Spaces have room for improvement
We've been a while since we've handled a Nothing device – the last time was the Nothing Phone (2a). It was as eye-catching, but the camera left something to be desired. This year, both versions run on a Qualcomm chip and feature telephoto lenses, which is a nice touch for devices in this budget range.
Both the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro share the signature see-through casing and are the same size. The only difference comes in the camera setup – the regular version sports an oblong rear camera system and houses a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. The Pro variant stands out with its circular backside and a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP periscopic camera with 3x optical zoom.
The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. They offer strong synthetic benchmarking scores and, with 12GB of RAM, ensure a smooth experience as you dive from one app to another. The battery life is substantial for everyday use and promises to last all day without needing a charge.
One notable feature of these devices is the alarm-like chirping they make when notifications come in, which can get rather piercing. But it's all part of the intriguing style Nothing has infused throughout the device, also evident in the AI-focused Essential Space features. This includes the Essential Key, a handy physical button on the right side, which can be customized to take screenshots or record voice notes with AI transcription. It's much like what Google Pixel phones already offer, but the integration into its own button gives it a unique edge.
The camera quality has improved upon the earlier Phone (2a), with images coming out sharper and in line with other mid-range smartphones. The zoom capabilities might not match flagship devices, but the Pro version offers impressive performance, especially when it comes to close-up shots and low-light photography.
In the end, the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are a steal if you're not after the most powerful smartphone on the market. They start at $380 for the regular version and $460 for the Pro, both offering 256GB storage. These phones are for those who seek something different, embracing the unique style that Nothing is known for in the Android world. It's an alternative to Google and Samsung's Gemini AI push.
- The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are packed with unique features, such as LED lights, vibrant AMOLED displays, and the Essential Key.
- The Nothing Phone (3a) runs on a Qualcomm chip and boasts an oblong rear camera system with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP telephoto camera.
- The Pro version, on the other hand, comes with a circular backside and a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP periscopic camera with 3x optical zoom.
- The future might hold doubts, but the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro offered at affordable prices seem to embody a fresh blend of technology, style, and functionality, setting them apart from usual smartphone offerings.
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