OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£300RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.77 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 50 MP & 8 MP

Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB)
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

90%

7.3

Technical score

10%

9.2

User score

â–²Better than 73% of smartphones
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 83%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

25%

7.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.6

Camera

15%

8.0

Display

15%

6.5

Battery

10%

7.6

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

6.7

Audio

3%

6.6

Design

â–²Better than 70%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 97%
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components:

25%

7.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.6

Camera

15%

8.0

Display

15%

6.5

Battery

10%

7.6

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

6.7

Audio

3%

6.6

Design

7.3
User score
User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.2
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Popularity:
Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 9.5 points, which is higher than 90.1% of smartphones.
9.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.9
Brand name
Nothing
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor which is faster than processors in 65.7% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.5% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.5 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.5 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 50.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 15
Android version
Android 15
This smartphone runs Android version Android 15 which is newer than that found in 70.6% of smartphones and equal to that in 25.1% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 50 MP & 8 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 50 MP & 8 MP which is higher than that of 68.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.8% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.0 & f/2.2
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 & f/2.0 & f/2.2 which is narrower than that of 81.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
50 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 50 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 65.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 16.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1 µm which is larger than in 57.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 20% of smartphones.
2 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.77 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.77 inches which is larger than the screens of 70.8% of smartphones and equal to those of 2.6% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2392 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2392 px which is lower than that of 63.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.2% of smartphones.
Pixel density
387 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 387 ppi which is lower than that of 70.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.5% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
50 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 50 W which is faster than in 63.7% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 0.3% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
163.5 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 163.5 mm which is shorter than 51.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.8% of smartphones.
Width
77.5 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 77.5 mm which is wider than 78.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 1% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.4 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.4 mm which is thicker than 55.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.6% of smartphones.
Weight
201 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 201 g which is heavier than 60.2% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.9% of smartphones.
Device volume
100,408 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 100,408 cm³ which is larger than 67.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Show more

Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 97% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1300 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    1,300 nits vs 660 nits
  • 2,000 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (3000 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    3,000 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 14.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Nothing Phone 3a
    the average smartphone
    Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (9.19 vs 8.000).
    9.19 vs 8
  • 75.2% more popular
    Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (9.53 vs 5.4).
    9.53 vs 5.44
  • 7.9% better value for money
    Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (7.91 vs 7.3).
    7.91 vs 7.34
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • 10.5% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1050 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,050 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 13.1% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (12,199 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    12,199 vs 10,783
  • 23.9% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,167 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,167 vs 942
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.5 GHz & 3x2.4 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.5 GHz & 3x2.4 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 29.4% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (3,278 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    3,278 vs 2,533
  • 4.2% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Essential Space, Smart Drawer, Circle to Search, AI News Reporter, AI-enhanced photography
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Newer Android version
    This smartphone features a newer Android version than the average smartphone (Android 15 vs Android 14). The average version is Android 14.
    Android 15 vs Android 14
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has a multi-lens front camera
    This smartphone features a multi-lens front camera, the average smartphone does not. 18% of smartphones have multiple front lenses.
  • 0.2 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2 binned
    1.0 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (50 MP & 50 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    50 MP & 50 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (32 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    32 MP vs 16 MP
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.4 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.4 vs 5.2
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 2,000 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (3000 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    3,000 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 97% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1300 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    1,300 nits vs 660 nits
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (5000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    5,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • 0.1 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.77 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 379.5 nits higher GSMArena max display brightness
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena max display brightness than the average smartphone (1273 nits vs 893.5 nits). The average max brightness is 893.5 nits.
    1,273 nits vs 893.5 nits
  • 39.9% higher PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark score than the average smartphone (1100 min vs 786 min). The average score is 786 min.
    1,100 min vs 786 min
  • 51.5% faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (50 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    50 W vs 33 W
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Is designed for seniors
    This smartphone is designed specifically for seniors, the average smartphone is not. 17% of smartphones are senior-friendly.
  • 1 year/s newer release date
    This smartphone has a newer release date than the average smartphone (2025 vs 2024). 1.00% of smartphones are released annually.
    March 2025
    2025 vs 2024
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.0 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • 16.7% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (5 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    5 W vs 6 W
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Panda Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Panda Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 2% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (387 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    387 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 16.7% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (5 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    5 W vs 6 W
  • 37.7% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (379 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    379 vs 608
  • 13.2% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (1,064 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    1,064 vs 1,226
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.0 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Panda Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Panda Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 2% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (387 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    387 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Lower screen resolution
    This smartphone has a lower screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2392 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone has a resolution of 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2392 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP64 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP64 vs IP67
  • 1.5 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (77.5 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    77.5 mm vs 76 mm
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    United Kingdom vs China
  • 2.4% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (201 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    201 g vs 196.2 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
20/06/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: Bold Design on a Budget
T
tomsguide.com
04/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone 3a review: Redefining value
N
nothing.community
12/06/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) - Final Review
G
gadgetbytenepal.com
02/02/2026
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review
9
9to5google.com
04/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) makes one of the best phones better
P
phonearena.com
07/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) vs Nothing Phone (2a): On the right path
W
wired.com
04/03/2025
Summary of the review
Review: Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro
T
t3.com
02/02/2026
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) review: not just the bare essentials
C
computerworld.ch
14/03/2025
Summary of the review
Review – Nothing Phone (2a)
(Translated)Show original
D
digitec.ch
04/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: Telephoto Camera for the Mid-Range Smartphone
(Translated)Show original
S
stern.de
07/08/2025
Summary of the review
Decent Mid-Range: Nothing Phone (2a) Review
(Translated)Show original
R
ratgeber.pcgameshardware.de
04/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and (3a) Review: Would you like a deeper look at specific features (such as the new Essential Key or AI functions) or a direct...
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L
lesmobiles.com
01/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a): Price, specs, and technical datasheet
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J
journaldugeek.com
25/04/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: Is the €349 price tag too good to be true?
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lesmobiles.com
16/05/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: Bold Design and Software Experience
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D
digitec.ch
04/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: A telephoto lens for a mid-range smartphone - Digitec
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lesnumeriques.com
08/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: The smartphone that has (almost) everything
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F
frandroid.com
16/04/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: The quiet strength of a fearless smartphone
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I
itdaily.be
23/05/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone (2a) review: unique style or just stubborn?
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T
tweakers.net
17/03/2025
Summary of the review
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro: One hits the mark, the other just misses
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB)

  • Unique and premium transparent design featuring the functional Glyph Interface
  • Vibrant 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness
  • Excellent battery life, often lasting up to two days with moderate use
  • Fast 50W wired charging capability
  • Clean, near-stock Android experience (Nothing OS) with minimal bloatware
  • Impressive stereo speaker quality for its price range
  • Competitive pricing for the features offered

What we don't like about Nothing Phone 3a (12GB + 256GB)

  • Inconsistent performance in high-end gaming and occasional UI stuttering
  • Lack of wireless charging support
  • Mediocre IP64 rating, offering limited water and dust resistance compared to rivals
  • Inconsistent camera processing, specifically with over-saturated colors or high contrast
  • Underwhelming 8MP ultra-wide sensor quality
  • Limited software update commitment (3 years OS / 4-6 years security) compared to some competitors
  • No charging adapter or protective case included in the box

Verdict

The Nothing Phone (3a) 12GB + 256GB is a mid-range Android 15 smartphone, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and features a 6.77-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display with a 3000 nits peak brightness. A standout characteristic is its unique transparent design with a functional Glyph Interface of customizable LED lights on the back. The phone boasts a versatile triple-camera system (50MP main, 50MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and 8MP ultrawide) and a large 5,000mAh battery that supports 50W wired fast charging. Key pros include a clean, bloat-free Nothing OS software experience with a lengthy support policy (3 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches), solid performance for daily tasks, and the rare inclusion of a telephoto lens at its price point. However, cons include the lack of wireless charging, the use of older UFS 2.2 storage technology, an average ultrawide camera sensor, and no power adapter included in the box.

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