Nothing phone 3a vs 3a Pro: Which one to buy? Key specs, differences and price

The Nothing Phone 3a starts at Rs 24,999 for 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, rising to Rs 26,999 for 256GB. The Pro model begins at Rs 29,999 (8GB+128GB), with higher variants priced up to Rs 33,999 (12GB+256GB).

The Rs 5,000 gap between base models hinges on camera upgrades, design, and extra features are where the choosing needs to be done:

Design and Durability

Both phones share a transparent back with Glyph lighting and a glass build. The 3a sports a pill-shaped camera module with a red accent, while the Pro’s bold L-shaped design stands out. However, the Pro’s larger camera bump makes it slightly harder to slide into pockets. Only the Pro offers eSIM support, and both have IP64 water resistance.

Display and Performance

Identical 6.77-inch AMOLED screens feature a 30-120Hz refresh rate, 3,000nits brightness, and gaming-friendly 1,000Hz touch sampling. Both run on Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chips, but the Pro adds a 12GB RAM option for heavy multitaskers.

Camera: Where the Pro Shines

The Pro’s 50MP main sensor (1/1.56-inch) slightly edges out the 3a’s (1/1.57-inch) in low light. Its standout feature is the 3x optical zoom periscope lens (vs. 2x on the 3a), enabling sharper distant shots and macro photography.

The Pro also boasts a 50MP selfie camera (vs. 32MP) and 4K video recording, while the 3a caps at 1080p.

Battery, Software, and Extras

Both pack 5,000mAh batteries with 50W fast charging (charger sold separately). They run Nothing OS 3.1, offering 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches, AI tools like Gemini Advanced, and a dedicated button for the ‘Essential Space’ productivity hub.

Verdict

Choose the Phone 3a for its lower price, minimalist design, and solid camera performance. Opt for the 3a Pro if you prioritize photography flexibility (3x zoom, 4K video), sharper selfies, and future-proofing with 12GB RAM. The Rs 5,000 premium buys niche upgrades, which are worth it for enthusiasts, but not essential for casual users.