Review of the Nothing Phone (3a): A cool phone for people who want to save money

Nothing Phone (3a) is a stylish, budget-friendly Android with unique design and solid features.

: The Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro challenge the monotonous smartphone market with a unique design featuring a see-through chassis and customizable LED lights. Both models are priced below $500 and are notable for solid camera improvements and decent battery life, although they lack high-end zoom capabilities. Running on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, they offer a smooth experience boosted by RAM options and distinct software features like the Essential Key. Despite lower specs than the upcoming Pixel 9a, they cater to those wanting a cool, unconventional device without compromising significantly on capabilities.

The Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are two Android smartphones designed for those seeking an escape from the usual offerings of the mainstream market. Both phones sport a see-through chassis with light-up LEDs reminiscent of a Tamagotchi, offering a refreshing twist to conventional smartphone aesthetics. Priced at $380 for the Nothing Phone (3a) and $460 for the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, they present an affordable option for consumers. As Florence Ion mentioned, "they are two affordable Android devices, with light-up LEDs on the back and a see-through chassis."

Both models boast essential but vibrant AMOLED displays at 6.7 inches, with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, ensuring a visually satisfying user experience. The distinguishing factor, however, lies in their camera systems, where the Pro model offers a 3x optical zoom compared to the 2x optical zoom of the standard model. As Florence Ion notes, "the quality of the... cameras has improved," making them comparable to other mid-range options like the Google Pixel 8a.

Under the hood, both devices run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip. Features like 12GB of RAM and the option to expand with a RAM Booster to 20GB ensure smooth operation. Additionally, the devices include modern biometric security measures, such as Face Unlock and an in-screen Fingerprint Unlock. Florence Ion highlights their performance, noting, "the... numbers rank above most devices with this same specification set."

A defining software feature is the Essential Space, featuring the Essential Key—a button dedicated to capturing screenshots and voice notes. With the AI-driven software running on Android 15, Nothing offers chirping notification sounds and interactive alerts, adding character to their devices. However, these features may become part of a paid plan, as noted by the author.

Ultimately, the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro cater to a niche audience wanting something different. They manage to strike a balance between unique design and functionality without significant compromises, appealing to those nostalgic for the days when owning an Android meant standing out from the crowd.

Sources: Gizmodo, Florence Ion, Qualcomm, Android

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