Nothing Phone 3a vs 3a Pro: A Quick Comparison

Nothing continues to deliver smartphones that blend distinctive design with solid performance. The company recently unveiled two new models: the Nothing Phone 3a and the more advanced Nothing Phone 3a Pro. Both devices boast impressive specs, but subtle differences make each suited to different user needs.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: What’s the Difference?

In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences across design, performance, camera, battery life, and more—to help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.

Design & Build: Nearly Identical with Minor Tweaks

Both phones feature Nothing’s signature design with a transparent back showcasing internal components and the unique Glyph Interface—an LED lighting system used for notifications, charging animations, and camera lighting support.

Dimensions are nearly identical, measuring 163.5 × 77.5 × 8.4 mm. The Pro model is slightly heavier at 211g versus the standard model’s 201g—mainly due to camera upgrades and enhanced internal components.

Both devices carry an IP64 rating, offering resistance against dust and light splashes, though they’re not fully waterproof. You can safely use them in the rain or dusty conditions, but avoid full submersion.

Display: High-End Visual Experience on Both

The two phones share the same 6.77-inch AMOLED display with support for 1 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+—delivering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. Peak brightness hits 3000 nits, making the screen easily visible in bright sunlight.

The key difference? The Pro model supports Ultra HDR, enhancing contrast and color precision—ideal for users who frequently consume high-quality video content.

Performance & Processor: Same Power, Better Optimization

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor built on a 4nm architecture, coupled with an Adreno 710 GPU. This setup ensures smooth multitasking and solid performance in medium to heavy gaming.

However, the Pro model comes with improved power efficiency, resulting in better thermal management and battery optimization for longer performance under heavy usage.

Storage and RAM configurations are identical for both phones:

• 128GB storage + 8GB RAM
• 256GB storage + 8GB RAM
• 256GB storage + 12GB RAM

Neither model supports microSD cards, so choose the storage option that best fits your needs.

Cameras: The Pro Takes It a Step Further

This is where the most noticeable differences lie. The standard Nothing Phone 3a includes a triple-camera setup:

• 50MP main camera (f/1.9) with OIS
• 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom
• 8MP ultra-wide lens with 120° field of view

The Pro version shares the same main camera but improves on the telephoto lens, offering 3x optical zoom instead of 2x—providing better detail and clarity in zoomed-in shots.

Additionally, the front camera in the Pro model is a 50MP sensor, compared to 32MP in the standard model—translating to sharper selfies, especially in low-light conditions.

Both phones support 4K video recording at 30fps with OIS and EIS stabilization, resulting in smooth and shake-free video footage.

Battery & Charging: Same Capacity, Better Efficiency

Each phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 50W fast charging. You can charge from 0% to 50% in 19 minutes, and reach 100% in about 56 minutes.

The Pro model offers slightly better battery performance, thanks to its more efficient power management—giving it a small edge in day-to-day battery life.

Extra Features: A Few Notable Additions

Both phones support the latest connectivity standards including Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. However, the Pro version supports a broader range of 5G bands, which can offer stronger connectivity in some regions.

They both feature stereo speakers, but the Pro model delivers slightly enhanced audio quality—making it a better choice for media lovers.

Both models also come with an in-display fingerprint sensor and support for Circle to Search, a creative feature for searching content directly through screen gestures.

Price & Availability: Is the Pro Worth the Extra Cost?

The Nothing Phone 3a is priced at approximately €400, while the 3a Pro costs around €450. The €50 premium brings noticeable upgrades in camera capabilities, battery efficiency, and connectivity.

Estimated pricing in select Middle Eastern countries:

• Saudi Arabia: SAR 1,600 for Phone 3a, SAR 1,800 for Phone 3a Pro
• UAE: AED 1,550 for Phone 3a, AED 1,750 for Phone 3a Pro
• Egypt: EGP 21,000 for Phone 3a, EGP 24,000 for Phone 3a Pro
• Iraq: USD 600 for Phone 3a, USD 675 for Phone 3a Pro

Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for a powerful smartphone with a reasonable price tag, the Nothing Phone 3a is an excellent choice. It delivers solid performance, an immersive display, and a unique design experience.

However, if camera performance, slightly better battery life, and extended 5G coverage matter to you, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro justifies its higher price—especially for photography enthusiasts or heavy users.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities. Either way, both phones offer outstanding value in their category and stand out in the mid-range smartphone market.