Nothing has once again launched out two stylish and intriguing mid-range phones , the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro . While they of course share a lot in common, some key differences might sway you one way or the other.
The base Phone (3a) seems like a great buy with a capable camera setup, unique design and solid specs. The Pro version, however, brings some notable upgrades but also a heftier price tag.
So which one will prove to be the better choice? Let’s break down the three biggest differences and see what they mean for you.
Nothing Phone (3a) vs Phone (3a) Pro: Cameras
The biggest upgrade on the Phone (3a) Pro is its camera system.
While the standard Phone (3a) has a respectable triple-camera setup with a 50Mp main, 50Mp 2x telephoto, and 8Mp ultrawide, the Pro version swaps out the 2x telephoto for a much more powerful 50Mp 3x periscope telephoto lens.
Luke Baker
For casual users, the camera setup on the Phone (3a) is perfectly fine, offering solid image quality in good lighting and some versatility with its lenses. However, if you’re into zoom photography or want to capture finer details from a distance, the 3x optical zoom on the Pro is a major advantage.
Additionally, the Pro has a superior front camera, jumping from a 32Mp sensor to a 50Mp one, which means better selfies and improved detail.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
That said, unless you’re frequently using zoom photography or you’re big on selfies, the extra cost of the Pro might not be worth it. The standard Phone (3a) still holds up well for most daily snaps.
Nothing Phone (3a) vs Phone (3a) Pro: Design & Build
The Phone (3a) sticks to a more familiar design language, with a plastic frame and transparent back that resembles its predecessor, the Phone (2a) . The Pro, on the other hand, takes a bold leap with a massive, protruding camera bump that dominates the top half of the device.
While some might love the futuristic look, the added bulk makes it far less attractive and practical. It’s awkward in trouser pockets, for example, and also makes the phone wobble when placed flat on a table.
Luke Baker
At 211g, the Pro is noticeably heavier than the standard Phone (3a), which weighs 201g. This might not seem like a huge difference on paper, but in hand, the extra weight is quite noticeable.
When it comes to colour choices, the standard Phone (3a) is available in a more vibrant blue option, in addition to black and white. The Pro, however, sticks to just black and grey, which may disappoint users looking for a more eye-catching finish.
If you prefer a sleeker, more comfortable-to-hold phone, the standard Phone (3a) is the better choice. But the Pro could be worth considering if you’re willing to put up with the added bulk for the improved camera.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nothing Phone (3a) vs Phone (3a) Pro: Battery & Charging
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, which is a solid capacity for a mid-range device. However, battery life depends on more than just capacity.
In daily use, both phones offer excellent longevity, often lasting up to two days on a single charge with moderate use.
Luke Baker
Despite both phones supporting 50W wired charging, the Pro model actually lacks behind. The Phone (3a) reaches around 70% in half an hour, while the Pro gets to only 47%in the same time.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Neither model includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to purchase a compatible 50W charger separately if you don’t already have one. Wireless charging is absent on both models, which is expected at this price range.
Nothing Phone (3a) vs Phone (3a) Pro: Other differences
In terms of storage and RAM options, the Pro offers 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as standard, whereas the base Phone (3a) starts at 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, though a 12GB/256GB variant is also available.
There’s little in the way of other differences as both phones have the same 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz screen, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, IP64 rating and other minor specs.
Nothing Phone (3a) vs Phone (3a) Pro: Price & Availability
The Phone (3a) starts at £329 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the higher-spec variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs £379.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Phone (3a) Pro comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as standard and is priced at £449.
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
If you buy these phones outright, you’ll need to pair them with a SIM contract. Be sure to check out our guide to the best SIM-only deals or see the best options in the UK below:
Verdict
For most people, the Phone (3a) is the better deal and we think it’s the better phone overall with all things considered.
It looks great, performs well, and has a solid camera setup without the extra bulk and cost of the Pro.
Unless you specifically want the better telephoto camera or higher-res selfie camera, there’s little reason to spend more on the Pro, especially with its massive and somewhat ugly camera bump.
See more options in our best mid-range phone guide .
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.
Recent stories by Artur Tomala:
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