Choosing between the Nothing Phone 3 and Nothing Phone 3a depends on how you use your phone daily. Both have a sleek design and 5G support, but the overall performance and feature set vary. The Phone 3 is ideal for users who want extra speed and power, while the Phone 3a is perfect for smooth everyday use.
General
The Nothing Phone 3 is built for those who want a premium phone with a unique look and sturdy build. The Nothing Phone 3a is made for people who want something light, stylish and reliable for daily use without spending too much.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
OS | Nothing OS 3 based on Android 15 | Nothing OS 3 based on Android 14 |
Weight | Around 198 grams | 190 grams |
Design | Transparent back, aluminium sides | Transparent back, plastic frame |
Water resistance | IP54 splash resistant | IP54 splash resistant |
Display
The Nothing Phone 3 gives a clear and smooth screen for watching videos, reading and gaming. The Nothing Phone 3a also has a great display that works well indoors and outdoors, making it ideal for people who scroll or stream often.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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Screen size | 6.7-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
Resolution | Full HD Plus | Full HD Plus |
HDR support | Yes | Yes |
Hardware
The Nothing Phone 3 handles heavy use like multitasking or editing videos with ease. The Nothing Phone 3a is more suited for regular use like calling, social media, watching videos, or using banking and shopping apps.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
RAM | 12GB | 8GB or 12GB |
Storage | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB |
Software
Both phones give a clean Android experience with simple navigation and quick features. The Nothing Phone 3a has an extra button for shortcuts like opening the camera or note app, which can be useful for quick access during busy moments.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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Software version | Nothing OS 3 | Nothing OS 3 |
Update promise | 3 years Android, 4 years security | 3 years Android, 4 years security |
Special feature | Clean UI, fast updates | Essential Key, Quick Notes |
Camera
The Nothing Phone 3 is made for those who enjoy taking pictures in different lighting conditions. The Nothing Phone 3a works better for zoom and portrait shots. Both are good for everyday photos and video calls.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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Main camera | 50MP | 50MP |
Secondary camera | 50MP ultra wide | 50MP telephoto |
Front camera | 32MP | 32MP |
Video recording | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
Battery
The Nothing Phone 3 and the Nothing Phone 3a can last a full day with regular use. They are ideal for people who attend online classes, work from home, or travel often. Charging is quick, so you do not wait long.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
---|
Battery size | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
Charging speed | 50W wired, wireless charging | 45W wired charging |
Charger included | No | No |
Connectivity
The Nothing Phone 3 and Nothing Phone 3a support strong network and fast internet. These are good for people who stream a lot, play games online, or use navigation and calling apps throughout the day.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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5G support | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
NFC | Yes | Yes |
Sensors
Both phones come with all the important sensors that help in gaming, fitness tracking, and daily use. The fingerprint scanner works well, and face unlock is helpful when your hands are not free.
Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Nothing Phone 3a |
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Fingerprint sensor | In display | In display |
Face unlock | Yes | Yes |
Other sensors | Gyroscope, light sensor, proximity sensor | Gyroscope, light sensor, proximity sensor |