Hey everyone! 👋 I’m Ajeesh Ajayakhosh, a passionate mobile photographer and Snapdragon Insider from Kerala, India. Over the past 14 days, I’ve put the Nothing Phone (3a) through its paces—not just as a daily driver, but as a camera-first device to see how far its imaging capabilities can go.
As someone who thrives on pushing mobile cameras to their limits, I was eager to test whether Nothing’s latest offering can deliver pro-level shots, dynamic range, and low-light performance—or if it falls short in real-world scenarios. From street photography to portrait mode, night shots, and even creative long exposures, I’ve explored every corner of its camera system.
So, is the Nothing Phone (3a) a hidden gem for mobile photographers, or just another mid-ranger with good specs but mediocre results? Let’s break it down—no hype, just honest insights from two weeks of hands-on shooting. Ready? **Let’s dive in!** 🔍📲
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: Design
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stays true to the brand’s bold aesthetic with its signature transparent back, Glyph LED accents, and a striking circular camera module—though the large bump might be divisive. The matte frame and premium feel are offset slightly by a plasticky back, and while the IP64 rating is decent, a higher water resistance would’ve been welcome. The new Essential Key, though awkwardly placed near the power button at first, becomes intuitive over time, adding a unique twist to the otherwise clean, standout design. Overall, it’s a visually distinct phone that refuses to blend in, even if the camera bump is a bit too prominent.
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: Display
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features a 6.77-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and responsive touch interactions. While not the sharpest in its class, the panel offers excellent 3000-nit peak brightness, ensuring clear visibility even in bright sunlight. Colors are vibrant, and the in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable. For its price range, the display strikes a solid balance between performance and efficiency—bright, fluid, and more than capable for daily use.
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro delivers smooth day-to-day performance, handling multitasking and moderate gaming with ease. While it lacks flagship-level raw power, the chipset ensures snappy app launches and responsive navigation. Long-term performance will hinge on software optimization, but for now, it strikes a solid balance between efficiency and capability—ideal for users who prioritize reliability over extreme performance.
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review:Battery and Charging
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro packs a reliable 5,000mAh battery that comfortably powers through a full day, even with moderate to heavy use, typically leaving 20-40% by bedtime. While it won’t stretch into a second day, overnight charging eliminates any concerns. The 50W wired charging delivers speedy top-ups, though the absence of wireless charging is a notable omission—somewhat disappointing but not unexpected at this price point. Overall, battery endurance is strong, and while wireless charging would’ve been nice, its exclusion doesn’t significantly detract from an otherwise solid power package. (Considering the fact that this is supposed to be a “Pro” phone, I would have liked to see wireless charging)
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: Camera
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s triple-camera system impressed me with its versatility—the 50MP OIS main sensor delivers crisp, vibrant shots, while the 50MP periscope telephoto (3x optical, 6x lossless) and 8MP ultrawide (120°) offer creative flexibility. As a photographer, I pushed its limits: daylight shots exhibit strong dynamic range and detail, and the telemacro mode (using the periscope lens) captures surprisingly refined close-ups, albeit from a slightly farther distance. Portrait mode nails natural skin tones but struggles with inconsistent edge detection, sometimes leaving backgrounds oddly mixed between blurred and sharp. While the 6x zoom holds up well, digital zoom beyond that deteriorates quickly. Low-light performance is decent but lacks the computational polish of pricier flagships. One gripe: occasional lag in ultrawide and portrait modes, likely due to the UFS 2.2 storage bottleneck.For its price, though, this camera setup is unusually ambitious—bridging the gap between budget and premium with unique features like telemacro and lossless zoom, even if color science and processing aren’t quite flagship-grade. A standout for creative shooting in the mid-range segment.
Sharing Some Favourite shots below
Nothing OS 3.1: Software
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro runs on Nothing OS, offering a refreshingly clean, bloatware-free Android experience with minimalist monochrome aesthetics and intuitive navigation. Helpful additions like Smart App Drawer and well-designed widgets enhance usability without overwhelming customization. The standout Essential Space feature—accessible via the dedicated Essential Key—provides quick organization for voice memos (with transcription) and screenshots, though its daily utility may vary.
While the three years of OS updates and security patches are decent, they fall short of competitors offering longer support. Overall, it’s a streamlined, user-friendly software package that stays true to Nothing’s design ethos.
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro delivers exceptional value, packing flagship-level features like a versatile triple-camera system (complete with a rare periscope telephoto lens) into a mid-range price. Its striking transparent design, clean Nothing OS experience, and solid performance make it stand out in a crowded market. While the UFS 2.2 storage and limited software support hold it back from perfection, there’s simply no better option at this price—especially for those who prioritize camera flexibility, unique aesthetics, and bloat-free software. If you’re after a well-rounded, budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t cut corners where it counts, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is easily the best choice right now.
Rating: 4.⅗ ★
Pros:
✔️ Outstanding camera versatility (telephoto + telemacro)
✔️ Eye-catching, premium design with Glyph Interface
✔️ Clean, bloatware-free software experience
✔️ Strong battery life with 50W fast charging
Cons:
❌ UFS 2.2 storage limits speed
❌ No wireless charging
❌ Only 3 years of OS updates
❌ No charger and Case in the box
Who’s it for?
📸 Mobile photographers on a budget
💡 Fans of unique, head-turning design
⚡ Users who want near-flagship features without the cost
The best mid-ranger you can buy today—if you can live with a few compromises. 🚀
