Early Impressions of the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro: Promising Steps Forward, but Pricing Questions Remain
The Nothing Phone (2a) held a special place as one of my favorite phones of 2024. Its unique design, coupled with a smooth user experience, made it a standout device in a crowded market. Naturally, I’ve been eagerly anticipating its successor, and now, the Nothing Phone (3a) series is finally here. After spending some initial time with the Phone (3a) Pro, I have a mix of positive impressions and lingering questions, particularly regarding the value proposition of the "Pro" model.
The Nothing Phone (3a), as the direct follow-up to the Phone (2a), feels like a well-considered and straightforward evolution. It builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while addressing some of its shortcomings. At a price of $379, it represents a noticeable increase compared to the Phone (2a), but I believe the added features and improvements more than justify the extra cost.
One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of a telephoto lens. While it offers only 2x optical zoom, its presence fills a crucial gap in the Phone (2a)’s camera capabilities. The ability to capture zoomed-in shots with greater clarity and detail significantly enhances the versatility of the Phone (3a)’s camera system.
Beyond the camera, the Phone (3a) boasts a glass back, a welcome departure from the plastic construction of its predecessor. The glass not only elevates the phone’s aesthetics but also contributes to a more premium feel in hand. This is a tangible improvement that adds to the overall user experience.
Under the hood, the Phone (3a) packs a faster chipset, promising smoother performance and improved responsiveness. This translates to snappier app launches, seamless multitasking, and an overall more fluid user experience. For users who demand performance from their smartphones, this upgrade is sure to be appreciated.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (3a) appears to be a solid and well-rounded device that addresses many of the criticisms leveled at the Phone (2a). It’s a phone that I can already tell I’m going to enjoy using. However, the presence of the Phone (3a) Pro introduces a layer of complexity to the equation.
The Phone (3a) Pro, which I’ve been primarily using, takes the Phone (3a) as a base and adds further enhancements. According to Nothing’s launch materials, the key differences between the standard and Pro models lie in the camera department. The Pro boasts a 3x periscope telephoto camera for even greater zoom capabilities, a superior selfie camera for enhanced self-portraits, and generally better camera sensors overall.
While these upgrades are undoubtedly appealing, I find myself questioning the target audience for the Phone (3a) Pro. It’s not dramatically different from the standard Phone (3a), and that’s where my concern stems from.
The pricing structure exacerbates this concern. While the $30 price jump from the Phone (2a) to the Phone (3a) feels justified given the improvements, the $80 difference between the Phone (3a) and the Phone (3a) Pro is a tougher pill to swallow. Similar to the Phone (2a) Plus from last year, I struggle to see how the Pro model convincingly justifies its existence.
That being said, the simultaneous launch of both models does offer a benefit. Consumers can directly compare the two devices and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and priorities. The choice is placed directly in the hands of the customer.
Importantly, neither of these phones are bad. On the contrary, both are very good devices in their own right.
After using the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro as my daily driver for just a few days, it has already proven to be a reliable and capable smartphone. It effectively addresses all of my major complaints from last year’s model. The screen is brighter and more vibrant, the camera offers capable zoom functionality, the performance is noticeably faster, and the software experience remains excellent. The Nothing Phone (2a) was already a standout device, but the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro elevate the experience even further in meaningful ways.
In my initial testing, I’ve discovered a lot to appreciate. The battery life appears to be solid, holding up well during a trade show without struggling to last a full day. On my first full day of usage, with just under 4 hours of screen time, the battery still had approximately 35% remaining. I anticipate that this will improve as the phone learns my usage patterns, but it’s already a promising start.
The camera also seems to be a significant improvement. While it’s not perfect, it represents a noticeable upgrade over the previous generation and performs well for its price point. The "Essential Space" feature, which I understand is intended to streamline the user interface, seems promising, but it will require more extensive testing to fully evaluate its potential.
The hardware has also undergone improvements. The Phone (3a)’s glass back addresses my primary concern with last year’s model. The Phone (3a) Pro feels equally well-built, although the prominent camera bump (and its design) is a matter of personal taste. While I’m not entirely sold on the aesthetics of the camera layout, it aligns with Nothing’s overall design philosophy.
Ultimately, I remain unconvinced by Nothing’s current pricing strategy, and I believe that the standard Phone (3a) offers better value for most users. However, both phones are undoubtedly promising devices that set the stage for an even more impressive Phone (3) launch later this year.
Stay tuned for my comprehensive review, which will delve deeper into all aspects of these devices. In the meantime, please feel free to leave a comment with any questions you may have about either the Nothing Phone (3a) or the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.
