London-based technology brand Nothing has officially announced its latest smartphones, delivering a fresh take on design, performance, and AI-powered functionality at an affordable price. The Phone (3a) Series, which includes the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, builds on the success of last year’s Phone (2a) with notable upgrades in hardware, software, and artificial intelligence, making them a compelling choice for Android users looking for a flagship-level experience without the premium price tag.

A Display Built for Speed and Clarity

Both the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. A key upgrade is the 480Hz touch sampling rate, which doubles the responsiveness of previous models and can reach 1,000Hz in Gaming Mode, making interactions incredibly precise. Outdoor visibility is also significantly improved, with the phones boasting 1,300 nits of sustained brightness and peaking at 3,000 nits when playing HDR content, ensuring vibrant and clear visuals even under direct sunlight.

Performance and Battery Life: More Power, Less Consumption

Under the hood, both models run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, a processor optimized in collaboration with Nothing to extend battery life while delivering top-tier performance. According to Nothing, the chipset consumes 8% less power, translating to an additional 30 minutes of battery life compared to similar devices. Coupled with an Adreno 800 Series GPU, the Phone (3a) Series achieves an 11% graphics performance boost over its predecessor.

Battery life is another highlight, with both devices housing a 5,000mAh battery, offering up to two days of usage on a full charge. Fast charging support enables 50% charge in under 20 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging phones in its category.

A Redesigned Premium Look

Nothing has always set itself apart with bold and transparent designs, and the Phone (3a) Series continues that tradition. This time, the company has opted for glass panels instead of polycarbonate (plastic) on the back, giving the devices a more premium feel while enhancing durability. The shift to glass has also led to an IP64 rating, making the phones more water-resistant and completely dustproof.

One of the most striking design choices is the Phone (3a) Pro’s large circular camera bump, which immediately stands out. While most smartphone manufacturers strive to make their camera modules smaller and less obtrusive, Nothing embraces the opposite philosophy—making a bold statement that prioritizes function over form.

Cameras: Next-Level Zoom and AI Enhancements

Both models feature a 50MP main camera, but the Phone (3a) Pro takes things further with a periscope zoom lens that delivers flagship-grade telephoto capabilities. The periscope lens, paired with a Sony LYTI 600 sensor, offers 70mm focal length equivalent, better low-light performance, and 43% faster autofocus.

The standard Phone (3a) is no slouch either, featuring a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and AI-powered 30x ultra zoom. Additionally, both phones come with an upgraded selfie camera that can record in 4K, with the Phone (3a) boasting a 32MP sensor and the Phone (3a) Pro featuring a 50MP sensor for even crisper selfies.

Introducing Essential Space: AI That Remembers

A major new addition to the Phone (3a) Series is Essential Space, Nothing’s AI-powered hub designed to function as a “second memory” for users. This feature allows users to capture and store information, notes, and ideas, making it easier to recall important details later. One standout feature is the ability to save screenshots with added voice notes, ensuring users can revisit content with additional context.

While Essential Space is still in early access, Nothing is actively developing new capabilities, aiming to provide a more intelligent and intuitive experience for its users.

Pricing and Availability

The Nothing Phone (3a) is available for pre-order today, starting at £329 GBP / $379 USD. The Phone (3a) Pro will be available for pre-order on March 11, with pricing starting at £449 GBP / $459 USD. Both devices can be purchased directly from Nothing’s official website.

With its premium design, high-performance specs, and innovative AI integration, the Phone (3a) Series is shaping up to be one of the best value smartphones of 2025. Whether you’re a power user or just looking for an everyday device with flagship-like features, Nothing’s latest offering delivers big on every front.