Nothing Phone (3a) Pro 256 GB Review: A Bold Leap Forward in Mid-Range Innovation
In a market brimming with smartphones vying for attention, Nothing has carved a niche with its minimalist ethos and transparent design language. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, the latest addition to its lineup, arrives as a compelling contender in the mid-to-high-tier segment. Boasting a 50 MP periscope camera, a 6.77" FHD+ flexible AMOLED display, and 50W fast charging, this device promises to blend cutting-edge tech with the brand’s signature simplicity. Let’s dive into whether it lives up to the hype.
Design & Display: Sleek Aesthetics Meet Immersive Visuals
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro retains the brand’s hallmark transparent back panel, offering a glimpse into its inner workings—a design choice that continues to turn heads. The matte black finish of the review unit exudes sophistication, while the aluminum frame adds a premium touch without feeling overly slippery. At 8.2mm thick and 195g, it strikes a comfortable balance between sturdiness and portability, though it’s slightly heavier than some rivals.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the 6.77-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED display . With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, the screen delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making it ideal for streaming HDR content or gaming. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, adapting seamlessly between tasks to conserve battery. Brightness peaks at 1,200 nits, making outdoor visibility impressive—a rarity in this price bracket. The curved edges of the flexible AMOLED panel add a touch of elegance, though they’re more about aesthetics than functionality.
Camera Performance: Zooming into the Future
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 50 MP periscope camera , a standout feature that sets this phone apart. The periscope lens uses a prism to achieve 5x optical zoom , which combines with digital enhancement to offer up to 60x ultra zoom . While the jump to 60x does introduce some noise and softness, the optical foundation ensures clarity at lower zoom levels. Landscapes and portraits benefit from the large sensor’s dynamic range, capturing intricate details even in challenging lighting.
The 50 MP front camera is equally impressive, delivering sharp selfies with natural skin tones. Portrait mode edges are well-defined, and the AI-powered beautification strikes a balance between enhancement and authenticity. Low-light performance is commendable, though aggressive noise reduction can occasionally smudge finer textures.
Video recording at 4K/60fps is smooth, with effective stabilization, though the lack of 8K support might deter aspiring filmmakers. The periscope’s versatility shines in scenarios where switching lenses isn’t practical—think wildlife shots or candid street photography.
Performance & Software: Smooth Sailing with Nothing OS
Powering the Phone (3a) Pro is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination handles multitasking and graphically intensive apps with ease, though it’s not the absolute top-tier silicon seen in flagship devices. Everyday use—social media, productivity apps, and casual gaming—is lag-free, though hardcore gamers might notice minor throttling during extended sessions.
Nothing OS 3.0 (based on Android 14) continues to impress with its clean, uncluttered interface. The Glyph interface, with its LED patterns for notifications, adds a unique flair, though customization options are limited compared to rival skins. Integration with Nothing’s ecosystem (like the Ear (2) headphones) is seamless, enhancing the overall user experience.
Battery & Charging: Quick Refuels, All-Day Stamina
The 4,700mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use. A 30-minute Netflix binge drains just 15%, while intensive tasks like gaming consume around 20% per hour. The 50W wired charging is a boon, juicing the phone from 0 to 100% in 45 minutes —no wireless charging, but the speed makes up for it. A 33W charger is included in the box, though using a higher-wattage adapter (sold separately) shaves off a few extra minutes.
Additional Features: Premium Touches
The Phone (3a) Pro includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering rich audio for media consumption. An in-display fingerprint scanner offers quick unlocks, though facial recognition is notably absent. The device lacks an IP rating, but splash resistance is sufficient for accidental spills. Connectivity is robust, with 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring future-proof performance.
Verdict: A Worthy Challenger with Minor Compromises
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a triumph of thoughtful design and capable performance. Its periscope camera system and stunning display make it a standout choice for content creators and multimedia buffs. While the absence of wireless charging and an IP rating might irk some, the phone’s strengths—paired with its £649 price tag—make it a compelling alternative to pricier flagships.
Who’s it for? Tech-savvy users seeking a balance of style and substance, photographers who prioritize zoom versatility, and fans of minimalist design.
Final Score: 8.5/10
A bold step forward for Nothing, blending innovation with affordability—just don’t expect perfection.
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