The new Phone (3a) Lite has been my main device for the past few days, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much of the Nothing experience it brings to such an affordable price point. It’s not perfect — I do feel the cameras fall a bit short compared to its siblings — but as a complete package, it’s one of the best entry-level phones I’ve used lately.
Design: Familiar but fresh
At first glance, it’s unmistakably a Nothing phone — transparent elements, clean lines, and that balanced mix of matte and gloss finishes. But there’s something a bit more understated here.
The all-glass design, IP54 rating, and aluminium internal frame make it feel far more premium than you’d expect from a €250 device. It’s comfortable to hold, solidly built, and definitely stands out next to the usual plastic competition.
Display: Bright and surprisingly immersive
The screen is where this phone punches above its weight.
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant colours and great contrast, with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate that keeps everything feeling fluid.
But the real standout is brightness — up to 3000 nits peak. Even outdoors, it’s easy to read, and the symmetrical bezels give it a clean, modern look. Watching content here doesn’t feel “Lite” at all.
Performance: Reliable for everyday use
Under the hood, it’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro, paired with 8 GB of RAM (expandable up to 16 GB with RAM Booster).
It handles daily tasks smoothly — social apps, browsing, and light editing — without breaking a sweat.
I wouldn’t call it a gaming phone, but it manages casual titles without heat issues, thanks to the liquid cooling system. For everyday users, it’s more than capable.
Cameras: Solid, but not its strongest point
This is where I feel the “Lite” name makes the most sense. The 50 MP Samsung GN9 main sensor (1/1.57”) produces good colour and decent detail, but it’s missing that little bit of extra range and depth that I loved in the Phone (3a) or (3a) Pro.
Still, for quick social shots, it performs well — and the TrueLens Engine 4.0 processing helps balance tones nicely.
I’ve shared comparison photos (x1 and zoom) vs the Phone (3) so you can see how they differ.
The 16 MP front camera is also solid for video calls and casual selfies.
Battery: No complaints here
With a 5000 mAh battery and 33 W fast charging, battery life has been excellent — easily lasting more than a full day.
It charges to 50% in about 20 minutes, and the reverse wired charging (5W) is a neat bonus for topping up accessories.
Glyph Light: Simple and nostalgic
The Glyph Light on the Phone (3a) Lite feels like a throwback — in a good way.
It’s smaller and simpler than on the higher models, but still functional: you get Flip to Glyph, camera countdowns, and custom light patterns for calls and notifications.
I’ll admit — I’ve gotten used to the more advanced interface on the Phone (3), so it feels strange going back to this simplified system. But for new users, it’s going to be a fun and unique experience that immediately sets this phone apart.
Software: Clean, organised and future-proof
The phone runs Nothing OS 3.5, based on Android 15, and includes AI-driven features like Essential Key and Essential Space — great for organising notes, recordings, and ideas automatically.
Nothing also promises 3 years of major Android updates and 6 years of security patches, which is excellent for this price range.
Final thoughts
The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is proof that entry-level doesn’t have to mean boring.
It keeps the brand’s signature identity — thoughtful design, clean software, and a sense of personality — while making it accessible to more people.
If you’re looking for a well-balanced phone with character, this is a great choice.
Still, if you can stretch your budget a little further, the Phone (3a) or (3a) Pro give you a noticeable upgrade, especially in camera performance.
🖤 These are just my first impressions after three days of real use.
I’ll be sharing my full review next week, including in-depth camera tests, battery analysis, and more real-world comparisons.
Stay tuned!
