Hello Nothing Family,
Hoping you are fine and doing great here in this engaging community.
Disclaimer: This review unit was sent by @nothingindia as part of their community review program. All opinions shared below are entirely based on my personal usage and hands-on experience.
First Impressions: A Phone That Stands Out
When I first unboxed the Nothing Phone (3a), one thing was instantly clear—this is not your average sub-₹25K smartphone. The transparent back, those minimal yet iconic Glyph lights, and the whole futuristic vibe make it a head-turner. I’ve had people genuinely ask me, “Which phone is that?”
And it’s not just for show. The Glyph lights actually serve a purpose—lighting up for calls, notifications, alarms, and more. Once you get used to them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.
Display & Design: Visually Rewarding
The 120Hz AMOLED display is a joy to use. Scrolling feels like butter, animations are smooth, and binge-watching content is an absolute treat. The colors are vibrant and punchy, and brightness levels are good enough for outdoor use. Pair this with the unique design and it’s easily one of the most premium-feeling phones in this price range.
Performance: Smooth Sailing All Around
Under the hood, the Phone (3a) doesn’t disappoint. Powered by a Snapdragon chipset, it handled everything I threw at it with ease—from browsing and multitasking to gaming sessions on BGMI and Genshin Impact. Frame drops were barely noticeable, and the thermal performance was solid too.
If you’re someone who wants solid day-to-day usage with the occasional heavy task or gaming, this phone nails it.
Camera: Better Than Expected
This is where the Phone (3a) really surprised me. The main camera clicks sharp, natural-looking photos, and the portrait mode—especially with edge detection—feels quite polished. Even the telephoto lens produces usable zoom shots, which is rare in this segment.
The in-built photo editor is a nice touch too. I didn’t feel the need to jump to Snapseed or Lightroom for most of my casual edits.
Only small nitpick: Edited images in the gallery aren’t grouped next to the originals, which can be a bit annoying when comparing shots.
Video: Almost Perfect
I shot multiple clips in 4K, and the results were clear, well-exposed, and color-accurate. Even while zooming in during video, the footage retained quality. That said, there’s no ultra-wide support in 4K recording, which would’ve been a nice addition.
Still, the built-in video editor was good enough to help me create quick reels without needing to export to a third-party app.
Audio & Sound: Loud and Balanced
Whether I was streaming music, gaming, or watching a movie, the stereo speakers performed beyond my expectations. They’re loud, crisp, and deliver a good stereo effect. For a phone at this price, the audio experience is definitely a strong point.
Battery: Dependable Everyday
Battery life was rock solid. Even on heavy-use days—GPS, camera, calls, editing—I ended with over 20% left. And fast charging makes top-ups quick and hassle-free.
Software: Minimal but Smart
Nothing OS continues to be one of the cleanest Android experiences out there. No unnecessary bloat, no unwanted notifications—just a smooth, simple interface.
One cool trick I enjoyed: the AI wallpaper tool. It lets you generate custom wallpapers that are actually usable and artistic. A small but thoughtful touch that adds personality to the phone.
Essential Key: A Mixed Bag
There’s a new feature called the “Essential Key,” which is meant for quick actions like taking screenshots or adding notes. It works well—but the placement just below the power button means I accidentally press it more often than I’d like. With a slight repositioning, this could become super useful.
Is It Worth It?
In my opinion—yes, absolutely.
For under ₹25,000, you’re getting:
An eye-catching, premium design
A responsive 120Hz AMOLED screen
Clean software with unique touches like Glyphs and AI tools
Great camera performance
Reliable day-long battery life
Smooth gaming and everyday use
It doesn’t just tick boxes—it creates new ones.
Final Verdict
If you’re tired of all smartphones looking and feeling the same, the Nothing Phone (3a) brings something refreshingly different to the table. It’s not just about aesthetics—there’s thoughtful functionality under the hood too. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or a mobile photography enthusiast, this device covers all bases.
This phone feels like a solid leap forward for mid-range Androids—and honestly, I’ve loved using it.
