The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro combines striking design with capable mid-range performance at ₹29,999. Its transparent back and Glyph LEDs turn heads, while a bright display and versatile camera system deliver solid functionality, though it faces tough competition and minor flaws.

Design and Display

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features the brand’s iconic transparent back with Glyph LED interface. Available in Black, White, and an India and UK exclusive Blue variant, it stands out visually. The 6.77-inch AMOLED display offers 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits of peak brightness. While similar to the standard Phone (3a), the Pro version has a larger camera module. The plastic frame feels less premium than the glass-backed Realme 14 Pro+, with camera gaps prone to dust.

Operating System

Running Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15, the device offers a clean, bloatware-free interface. The recent update introduced TrueLens Engine 3 for camera improvements and Essential Space AI features, though these need refinement. Nothing promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.

Processor

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 handles everyday tasks smoothly but lacks the gaming prowess of the Realme 14 Pro+’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. It balances efficiency and performance without challenging flagship devices.

Camera

The Phone (3a) Pro features a versatile triple-camera system that outperforms the standard 3a. The 50MP main sensor with OIS captures vibrant daylight photos with impressive detail, while TrueLens Engine 3 enhances low-light performance. The standout 50MP periscope telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, rare at this price, though quality diminishes beyond 6x compared to the Redmi Note 14 Pro+’s more consistent telephoto performance.

The 8MP ultra-wide struggles with edge distortion and dim lighting. Video recording reaches 4K/30fps with effective stabilization on the main camera, while the ultra-wide is limited to 1080p. The 50MP selfie camera delivers natural skin tones and supports 4K video. Despite offering greater versatility than many competitors, the system falls slightly behind the Redmi Note 14 Pro+’s larger sensors, while dust accumulation remains an annoyance.

RAM and Storage

Available with 8GB/12GB RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage, the Pro matches the standard 3a’s configurations. The 12GB variant ensures smooth multitasking, though storage isn’t expandable.

Sound

Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver clear audio with decent bass. No 3.5mm headphone jack means relying on USB-C or Bluetooth with aptX support.

Battery

The 5,000mAh battery provides all-day power with 50W charging reaching 75% in about an hour. No charger is included, and wireless charging is absent, unlike the Realme 14 Pro+.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Distinctive transparent design with Glyph LEDs
• Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display
• Versatile camera system with periscope lens
• Clean Nothing OS 3.1
• Reliable battery performance

Cons

• Less premium plastic frame
• Dust-prone camera design
• Limited gaming capabilities
• No included charger or wireless charging
• Unrefined AI features

Market Buzz

Users praise the device’s design and display quality at ₹29,999. Camera performance receives generally positive feedback despite some low-light inconsistencies. Battery life earns approval, while the absent charger and occasional bugs draw criticism.

Pricing

• 8GB RAM/128GB storage: ₹29,999
• 12GB RAM/256GB storage: ₹32,999

Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers distinctive style and capable performance at a competitive price, though processor limitations and design flaws prevent it from outshining all rivals.