Nothing Phone (3a)
- Marcella Frattari
- Sep 9
- 15 min read
SMARTPHONE TIER: MID TIER
Battery Capacity mAh: 5000
Nothing Phone (3a): Efficient, Enduring, and Distinctly Different
SMARTPHONE BATTERY PERFORMANCE
Based on Price: Mid Tier (€200-€499)
Mid Tier Ranking #3
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Video Review - Soon Available
The Nothing Phone (3a) is a refreshingly distinctive mid-range smartphone that leans heavily on design and user experience, while still packing just enough performance and features to make it stand out in a very crowded segment. Positioned as the spiritual successor to the Phone (2a), the 3a doesn’t attempt to be revolutionary but instead smooths out the rough edges of its predecessor. With a brighter display, refined build quality, an additional telephoto camera, and a new approach to AI integration, the Phone (3a) feels like a thoughtful evolution that prioritises usability, aesthetics, and everyday dependability.
The design remains the clearest differentiator. Nothing’s transparent philosophy continues here, now with a glass back instead of the polycarbonate panel found on the 2a. The look is cleaner, more premium, and less prone to smudges. The signature Glyph lighting has been simplified compared to the flagship line, but it still delivers a fun, futuristic aesthetic that doubles as functional notifications. At 201 grams and 8.3mm thick, the device feels substantial without being unwieldy, while the new IP64 rating provides added peace of mind against dust and splashes. The frame is still polycarbonate, but its matte finish offers both durability and grip, making the phone comfortable for daily use. Available in Black, White, and a bold Blue option, the Phone (3a) has more personality than the typical glass-slab mid-ranger.
The display also receives meaningful upgrades. The 6.77-inch AMOLED panel retains its FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, but brightness levels have been significantly boosted. With peaks of up to 3,000 nits (around 1,200 in realistic outdoor use), the 3a’s screen is far easier to view in direct sunlight compared to its predecessor. Colours remain punchy without being overdone, and the option to toggle between more saturated or natural profiles adds flexibility. While it lacks LTPO technology for fully dynamic refresh rate scaling, scrolling and animations are consistently smooth. HDR10+ support is present for streaming, though Dolby Vision is still missing. Overall, the display comfortably competes with and often outshines other phones in this price bracket.
Performance comes via Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. This combination ensures a smooth experience in everyday scenarios such as messaging, browsing, and multitasking. Compared to the Dimensity 7200 in the Phone (2a), the Snapdragon chip doesn’t deliver dramatic raw performance gains, but it does bring better energy efficiency and steadier thermals under load. Gaming is acceptable for casual titles, though more demanding 3D games will require lowered settings to run smoothly. Still, for most users, the overall experience is fluid and responsive, with no glaring bottlenecks.
Software remains one of Nothing’s biggest strengths. Running Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1, the interface feels polished, cohesive, and refreshingly free of unnecessary bloat. The design language embraces bold typography, clean widgets, and subtle animations that give the phone a unique character compared to other Android skins. A key addition this year is the Essential Key, a new hardware button placed below the power button, which integrates directly with Essential Space, an AI-driven hub for captures, reminders, and quick notes. A single press takes a screenshot, a long press records a voice note (automatically transcribed), and a double-tap brings up stored items. While still a young feature set, it demonstrates Nothing’s intent to integrate AI into meaningful, practical tools rather than just flashy gimmicks. The company promises three years of OS updates and six years of security patches, solid, though shy of the seven-year support now offered by Google and Samsung.
The camera system is where the Phone (3a) delivers its most noticeable hardware upgrade. It now features a triple-lens setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a new 50MP 2× telephoto lens with EIS, and an 8MP ultrawide. The main camera captures vibrant, detailed shots in good lighting with reliable dynamic range, though colours can skew slightly saturated. Low-light performance is aided by OIS, producing usable results but still introducing visible noise in darker areas. The telephoto lens is the star of the show, rare at this price point, providing natural portrait shots and usable zoom up to 4× in daylight. However, it struggles in low-light conditions where noise quickly creeps in. The ultrawide is serviceable for casual use but lags behind in sharpness and colour accuracy. On the video front, 4K/30fps is supported on the main sensor, with stabilisation improved compared to the 2a. The 32MP selfie camera also performs well, producing bright, detailed self-portraits in good light, though it softens details in dimmer scenarios.
Battery life continues to impress. With a 5,000mAh cell, the Phone (3a) consistently achieves two days of mixed use, aided by the efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Independent testing shows around 56 hours of active use, putting it ahead of many rivals in the same tier. Charging is handled via 50W wired charging, bringing the phone to 50% in around 20 minutes and fully recharging in under an hour. Wireless charging is absent, reserved for Nothing’s flagship models; and, like most modern phones, no charger is included in the box. Still, endurance remains one of the 3a’s strongest assets, especially considering its efficiency rating places it among the best in its class.
Audio is delivered through stereo speakers, with the earpiece doubling as a secondary driver. Output is loud, balanced enough for casual media, and slightly richer than on the 2a. Haptics are tight and responsive, complementing the Glyph interface’s playful design cues. An under-display fingerprint scanner provides fast and reliable biometric security, while connectivity is well-rounded with 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.4 all onboard.
Ultimately, the Nothing Phone (3a) succeeds by being a mid-range phone that doesn’t feel boring. It doesn’t chase raw specifications or unnecessary gimmicks, but instead refines the essentials with a brighter screen, more versatile cameras, and a software experience that feels carefully crafted. While compromises remain, notably the average ultrawide camera, lack of wireless charging, and shorter software support than its rivals, the Phone (3a) brings personality, design flair, and a sense of polish that few competitors in its segment can match. For users who value a distinctive smartphone that looks and feels different while still delivering dependable day-to-day performance, the Nothing Phone (3a) is a compelling and well-rounded choice.
Pros | Cons |
Distinctive transparent design with glass back and Glyph lighting |
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Sharp 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate |
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Peak brightness up to 3,000 nits for strong outdoor visibility |
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Promised 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches |
ViserMark Labels for the Nothing Phone (3a)
Please take a look at the following information about the battery performance of the Nothing Phone (3a) :
Battery Life: The Nothing Phone (3a) stands out in the mid-range space with an endurance of around 56 hours of active use, which translates to a solid two days of real-world use for most people. Whether you’re streaming, scrolling through social media, navigating with GPS, or mixing in some gaming, the 5,000mAh cell holds up well. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, paired with Nothing’s clean OS, ensures efficient power distribution without big spikes in drain. In short, it’s the kind of phone you don’t have to babysit with a charger every night.
Battery Charging: On paper, the Nothing Phone (3a) supports 50W wired charging (USB PD 3.0), with claims of a full charge in under an hour. In testing, a full charge took around 1 hour and 50 minutes using a compatible fast charger. This makes it fine for overnight charging or planned top-ups but far from the rapid charging speeds offered by some rivals. Adding to that, Nothing doesn’t include a charger in the box, so buyers will need to source their own to take advantage of the maximum charging rate.
Battery Performance & Efficiency: Independent testing puts the Phone (3a)’s annual energy consumption at just 2.9 kWh, matching some of the most efficient mid-range devices available. Its 1.5 “leaves” efficiency rating highlights how well-optimised the balance is between power draw and performance. In daily use, this translates to dependable, consistent stamina, even if you’re leaning on the brighter display outdoors or dipping into camera-heavy usage, the battery rarely shows sudden drops. For users who prioritise long-lasting, efficient power, the Nothing Phone (3a) delivers one of the best-rounded experiences in its class.
Specification Overview - Released Date: March 2025
Body & Build:
Dimensions: 163.52 × 77.5 × 8.35 mm
Weight: 201 g
Materials: Glass back, plastic frame
Durability: IP64 (dust-tight and splash-resistant)
Display:
Size: 6.77-inch AMOLED
Resolution: 2392 × 1080, ~388 ppi, 20:9
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (non-adaptive)
Brightness: 3000 nits peak, real-world ~1200 nits at 20% APL
HDR Support: HDR10+ supported
Protection: Panda Glass
Operating System:
OS: Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1
Software Support: Up to 3 major Android upgrades (brand policy)
Chipset & Performance:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU: Octa-core (1×2.5 GHz Cortex-A720 + 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A720 + 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU: Adreno 710
Memory & Storage:
Configurations: 8 GB / 128 GB, 12 GB / 256 GB
Expandable: No microSD slot
Connectivity & Features:
SIM: Dual Nano-SIM
5G: Supported (Sub-6 GHz)
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band
Bluetooth: 5.4
NFC: Supported (region-dependent)
USB: Type-C
Biometrics: Optical in-display fingerprint sensor
Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Audio:
Speakers: Stereo speakers (phones use earpiece + bottom-fired)
Headphone Jack: None
Camera System:
Rear Cameras:
50 MP main (f/1.9, 1/1.57", OIS)
50 MP 2× telephoto (f/2.0)
8 MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
Front Camera: 32 MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording:
Rear up to 4K@30fps, front 1080p@30fps
Colours Available: White and Black.
Performance - HOW WE TEST
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Smartphone Battery Performance - FULL TEST RESULTS AND REVIEW
ViserMark has put the Nothing Phone (3a) through our testing protocol, based on real smartphone usage from 100% battery level down to power off. This includes daily activities, such as calls, web, video and music streaming, gaming, social networks, picture and video capture, and standby. All activities are executed in a defined order and timeline.
These test results, show how the Nothing Phone (3a) performed and the scores achieved.
1. Battery Performance
The Nothing Phone (3a) achieved a battery performance score of 51/100, putting it on par with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (50) and comfortably above the mid-tier average of 44.52. While the difference between the 3a and CMF 2 Pro is marginal, both devices rank among the more efficient mid-range smartphones available. By contrast, the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G trails significantly behind at 28, underscoring the 3a’s stronger optimisation and real-world reliability.
Charging is handled via 50W wired power delivery (USB PD 3.0), with Nothing advertising a full charge in under an hour. In testing, however, a complete refill took closer to 1 hour and 50 minutes with a compatible fast charger, making it adequate but not class-leading. As expected, no charger is included in the box, which may frustrate some buyers who prefer a complete setup out of the gate. There’s also no support for wireless or reverse charging, keeping the 3a aligned with typical mid-range compromises.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (3a) combines dependable two-day stamina with measured efficiency, making it a compelling choice for users who value endurance without sacrificing day-to-day responsiveness. While charging speeds could be sharper, its overall energy-to-performance optimisation ensures it holds its ground as one of the stronger mid-range options in 2025.
2. Battery Life
In ViserMark’s battery life testing, the Nothing Phone (3a) achieved 56 hours of active usage, translating to about two full days of typical use. This result positions it among the best in the mid-range category, essentially on par with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (55 hours) and comfortably ahead of the mid-tier average of around 46 hours. By contrast, devices such as the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G (33 hours) fall well short, highlighting the 3a’s efficient optimisation.
This performance reflects the strong integration of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset with Nothing OS 3.2, which together deliver not only smooth task handling but also effective background power management. The result is consistent stamina that holds up well across varied usage patterns, from streaming and browsing to gaming and camera work.
For users who prioritise reliable day-to-day endurance, the Nothing Phone (3a) provides genuine peace of mind, easily lasting through demanding schedules without forcing mid-day top-ups. Its robust battery life makes it one of the most practical mid-range smartphones currently available.
The Nothing Phone (3a) generally consumes more power than the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G in categories such as social media, outgoing calls, YouTube, and camera use, indicating a heavier energy demand during communication and media-heavy tasks. This suggests the 3a isn’t always the most finely tuned for prolonged screen-on or network-intensive sessions.
Interestingly, in gaming, the Nothing Phone (3a) is the more efficient device, drawing less current than the Xperia. This may point to better optimisation in GPU load handling and thermal management under sustained graphical stress.
For downloads/uploads, web browsing, and media playback, the two phones remain closely matched, with only small differences that are unlikely to translate into major real-world endurance gaps.
Despite identical 5,000 mAh batteries, the 3a ultimately delivers longer overall stamina in ViserMark’s testing, reflecting more effective system-level optimisation rather than sheer capacity.
When comparing the Nothing Phone (3a) with the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro, the data highlights how two devices from the same brand, both positioned in the mid-tier and packing 5,000mAh batteries, can deliver noticeably different efficiency profiles.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro shows higher power consumption in areas like social media, outgoing calls, downloads/uploads, web browsing, media playback, and gaming, which suggests its tuning prioritises responsiveness and raw activity handling, even at the cost of endurance. By contrast, the Nothing Phone (3a) is more frugal across these categories, giving it a clear advantage for users who spend much of their time online, messaging, or multitasking throughout the day.
By contrast, the Nothing Phone (3a) proves more efficient across those same categories, giving it the advantage for users who spend much of their time online, streaming music, or multitasking.
However, the balance shifts with camera use and YouTube, where the Phone (3a) consumes more power than the CMF Phone 2 Pro, highlighting areas where Nothing’s mid-tier refinement could still improve.
The Nothing Phone (3a) is more efficient than the CMF Phone 2 Pro in most day-to-day tasks, though heavier drain appears in camera and YouTube use. Overall, it’s a dependable all-rounder for battery life, offering reliable stamina for everyday users.
When comparing battery efficiency across the Nothing Phone (3a), Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro, Sony Xperia 10 V 5G, and the mid-tier average, clear differences emerge in how each device manages power across real-world tasks.
The Nothing Phone (3a) is generally efficient across most categories but stands out for its higher drain in camera use and YouTube, where it consumes more than both the Sony and the CMF.
The Sony Xperia 10 V 5G is the weakest in gaming and media playback, where it draws more current than rivals despite having the same 5,000mAh battery. This explains why its real-world endurance lags behind.
The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro consumes more overall than the other two devices across most daily tasks. Its only relative advantages come in camera use (less drain than both the 3a and Xperia) and YouTube (less drain than the 3a, though still higher than mid-tier averages).
Among the three, the Nothing Phone (3a) is the most balanced day-to-day performer, efficient in most workloads but held back by heavier drain in camera and video streaming. The Sony Xperia 10 V 5G struggles in gaming and media playback, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the most power-hungry overall, only showing restraint in camera and YouTube use.
In ViserMark’s battery efficiency evaluation, the Nothing Phone (3a) achieved a 1.5-leaf rating, matching the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro at the top of the mid-tier bracket and standing clearly above the category average of 1.09 leaves. In contrast, the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G trailed far behind at just 0.5 leaves, underlining its weaker optimisation despite identical battery capacity.
The Phone (3a)’s strong score reflects well-balanced hardware–software tuning, with Nothing OS and the Dimensity 7-series platform working together to reduce unnecessary drain. This efficiency allows the device to deliver dependable endurance without relying solely on raw battery size.
Unlike rivals that compensate for poor optimisation with aggressive standby savings or oversized batteries, the Nothing Phone (3a) demonstrates genuine consistency in its power management. It ensures smooth performance and reliable battery life, positioning it as one of the most efficient mid-range devices available in 2025.
According to ViserMark’s annual energy testing, the Nothing Phone (3a) records an impressively low consumption of just 2.9 kWh per year, placing it among the most efficient smartphones in its class. It matches the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro and sits well below the mid-tier average of 3.59 kWh, while the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G consumes significantly more at 4.9 kWh annually.
This result underscores the Phone (3a)’s well-optimised hardware–software balance, ensuring that power is used effectively whether during active use or in standby. By keeping unnecessary drain to a minimum, it delivers both consistent endurance and reduced long-term energy costs.
For users conscious of efficiency and sustainability, the Nothing Phone (3a) not only ensures dependable day-to-day battery life but also represents a more environmentally considerate choice in the mid-range segment.
Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone (3a) ?
The Nothing Phone (3a) is a strong pick for users who want a mid-range smartphone that combines distinctive design, dependable performance, and excellent battery life without feeling generic. It’s especially appealing for those who value clean software and long-lasting endurance over raw specs or gimmicks.
With its transparent glass back, Glyph lighting, and refined build, the Phone (3a) stands out in a crowded segment as one of the few mid-rangers with a true design identity. Its brighter AMOLED display, two-day battery stamina, and balanced Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 performance make it a reliable daily driver for students, professionals, and casual users alike.
The addition of a 50MP telephoto camera, rare at this price point, makes it a solid choice for anyone who enjoys portrait photography or wants more versatility than the standard main + ultrawide combo. Combined with Nothing OS 3.1’s clean, bloat-free interface and the new Essential Key + AI integration, the Phone (3a) also appeals to those looking for a polished, fuss-free software experience.
However, it may not fully satisfy heavy gamers or camera purists, as demanding 3D titles require lowered settings and the ultrawide camera remains weak compared to rivals. The lack of wireless charging and only three years of OS updates also limit its future-proofing compared to longer-supported alternatives.
In short, the Nothing Phone (3a) is for users who want a stylish, efficient, and dependable mid-range phone that looks and feels different, delivers reliable two-day stamina, and offers just enough extra features, like telephoto zoom and a brighter display, to keep it from blending into the crowd.
ViserMark VERDICT
Using the Nothing Phone (3a) is a reminder that mid-range smartphones don’t have to be bland or forgettable. From its transparent glass back and Glyph lighting to its refined build, it offers personality alongside practicality.
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is a highlight, with excellent brightness for outdoor use and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate that makes navigation smooth and enjoyable. Paired with Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15, the experience feels clean, bloat-free, and polished, striking a balance between minimalism and everyday usability.
Battery life is a standout strength. The 5,000mAh cell consistently delivers around two days of real-world use, with ViserMark measuring 56 hours of active usage. While charging is capped at 50W wired, real-world testing showed it takes closer to 1h 50m for a full refill, which is adequate but less impressive than rivals that genuinely hit faster speeds. As expected, no charger is included in the box.
Performance, powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, is more than sufficient for daily tasks like social media, browsing, messaging, and multitasking. It’s not a powerhouse for heavy gaming, but for most users, it runs smoothly without significant slowdowns. The addition of a 50MP telephoto lens is a rare mid-range perk, giving users more flexibility in photography, even if the ultrawide remains a weak point.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (3a) succeeds in delivering a dependable, efficient, and stylish daily driver. It doesn’t overpromise or chase gimmicks but instead focuses on solid fundamentals, excellent endurance, a bright display, clean software, and unique design, making it one of the most balanced and enjoyable mid-range smartphones of 2025.
VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)
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Background
Founded in October 2020 by Carl Pei, co‑founder of OnePlus, Nothing Technology Limited (stylised as NOTHING) is a London‑based consumer electronics company with a mission: to make technology “fun again” through distinctive design, transparent aesthetics, and clean software experiences.
In August 2023, Nothing introduced the CMF by Nothing sub‑brand (CMF stands for Color, Material, Finish) to broaden its accessible design-led product lineup. This brand is behind the CMF Phone 1, CMF Watch Pro, and eventually the CMF Phone 2 Pro, launched in April 2025 as an entry‑level smartphone with premium styling and long‑term software support.
Written by
Marcella Frattari is the Communication Marketing and Lead Generation Manager at SmartViser, playing a key role in shaping the company's communication and marketing strategies. With a background in journalism and a passion for digital communication, Marcella focuses on improving SmartViser's overall online presence and engagement. Her dedication to clear, effective communication and creative content makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Press Contact
Marcella Frattari: Contact@visermark.com
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