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There is nothing that beats standard smartphone designs with clean software and good hardware. The Nothing Phone 2a brought that to the 2024 cheap phone level, and the Nothing Phone 3a is a refined version of that with better build, AI, and improved optics. Here’s a full comparison to help you decide which mid-range smartphone to buy.
Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 2a - Specifications Overview
Feature |
Nothing Phone 3a |
Nothing Phone 2a |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) |
| RAM & Storage | 8/12GB + 128/256GB (UFS 2.2) | 8/12GB + 128/256GB (UFS 2.2) |
| Display | 6.77" AMOLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits peak | 6.7" AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits peak |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP Main (OIS) + 50MP 2x Telephoto + 8MP Ultrawide | 50MP Main (OIS) + 50MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 50W wired (no charger in box) | 5,000mAh, 45W wired |
| Build | Glass back, polycarbonate frame, IP64 | Plastic back, aluminum frame, IP54 |
| Software | Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15), 3+6 years support | Nothing OS 2.5 (Android 14), 3+4 years support |
| Glyph Interface | Yes | Yes (with fewer LEDs) |
| AI Features | Essential Space, Essential Key | None |
| Launch Price (India) | ₹24,999 | ₹23,999 |
Design & Build
Nothing Phone 3a:
• Glass back, upgraded from plastic on 2a.
• IP64 water/dust resistant with better splash resistance.
• More refined, transparent design with less visual clutter.
• Keeps Glyph design with LED elements.
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Nothing Phone 2a:
• Plastic back with a transparent look.
• Lighter in hand but more prone to scratches.
• Simplified glyph design reduced to 3 strips of LED lights.
• IP54 water and dust resistant with basic splash resistance.
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→ Verdict: Phone 3a feels premium, will be more durable, and looks more consistent with the design.
Display Quality
Both have 120Hz AMOLED displays but 3a has:
• Bigger screen (6.77" vs.. 6.7")
• Higher peak brightness (3000 nits vs.. 1300 nits) when outdoors
Neither has HDR10,, which would be a disappointment for heavy media users.
→ Verdict: 3a has a betterer screen for outdoor use.
Performance and Gaming
Benchmark |
Phone 3a (SD 7s Gen 3) |
Phone 2a (Dimensity 7200 Pro) |
| AnTuTu v10 | ~804,000 | ~688,000 |
| Geekbench 6 (Single/Multi) | 1158 / 3255 | 1100 / 2448 |
| GFXBench T-Rex | 60 fps | 57 fps |
• 3a has better thermal and multitasking
• 2a is good enough for daily usage but lags in gaming and app launching.
→ Verdict: 3a wins in speed and efficiency under load.
Camera Capabilities
Nothing 3a:
• Triple camera: 50 50 MPmain, OIS), 50 50 MP2x telephoto), 8 MPP ultra-wide
• AI-based camera presets and filter sharing (.cube files)
• Creative widgets for quick access to custom camera modes
Nothing 2a:
• Dual camera: 50 MPP (main, OIS) and 50 MPP ultra-wide
• No telephoto lens but usable 2x digital zoom
• Good in the daytime, but HDR is not reliable in all conditions.
→ Verdict: 3a has more versatility, better zoom,, and better camera controls.
Software Break-up
Feature |
Phone 3a |
Phone 2a |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 14 |
| UI | Nothing OS 3.1 | Nothing OS 2.5 |
| Update Promise | 3 years OS + 6 years security | 3 years OS + 4 years security |
| Unique Tools | Essential Space, Inter Font, Enhanced Lock Screen Widgets | Glyph functions, monochrome UI, AI wallpapers |
| Bloatware | None | None |
-
The Phone 3a has the Essential Key, a physical button that takes you to Essential Space, an AI-driven recall and note-taking experience.
-
The Phone 2a has a more minimal aesthetic and pretty visuals (Glyph timer, progress bar, music visualization).
→ Verdict: The Phone 3a has more mature software and is ready for a marathon.
Battery and Charging
Both phones have a 5,000 mAh battery. The Phone 3a has slightly better battery use due to its software, approximately 28 hours of mixed-use.
Charging Speed:
-
Phone 3a - 50W. Phone 3a takes approximately 86 minutes for a full charge (no charger included).
-
Phone 2a - 45 W. Phone 2a takes approximately 59 minutes for a full charge (charger included).
→ Verdict: Phone 2a charges faster, but Phone 3a lasts longer.
Which needed to be purchased?
Criteria |
Recommendation |
| Premium Design & Durability | Phone 3a |
| Clean, Smart Software | Phone 3a |
| Creative Camera Controls | Phone 3a |
| Fast Charging on Budget | Phone 2a |
| Unique Visual UI (Glyph-first) | Phone 2a |
| Value under ₹25,000 | Phone 2a (if on offer) |
If you want an AI-driven smartphone that is thoughtfully designed with a great Android experience, then Nothing's Phone 3a is one of the best in class. The phone's software, glass build, AI features, and flexible triple camera system make the Phone 3a a notable experience unique to that smartphone.
Phone 2a will remain a smart choice for those who want a unique visual departure with the Glyph, fast charging, and daily utility at a reasonable price.
Disclaimer: The information regarding the gadgets/devices listed in the table and article has been sourced from various secondary sources. For detailed product specifications, please refer to the brand sources.