Hey, did you make a mistake with the Nothing Phone 3a? Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, and it depends on your priorities and usage habits.
If you’re someone who upgrades their phone every 1-2 years, then yeah, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 might seem like the better pick right now. It launched with a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex processor, which offers solid performance, and its camera setup (50MP Sony LYT-700 with OIS + 8MP ultrawide) is competitive, especially for low-light shots and selfies with its 50MP front camera.
However, if you’re in it for the long haul—say, keeping your phone for 3-4 years or more—the Nothing Phone 3a is still a fantastic choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is a reliable chip, and Qualcomm processors are known for better longevity and optimization with Android updates compared to MediaTek’s Dimensity lineup, which can sometimes lag after a couple of OS upgrades. Nothing also promises 3 years of major Android updates and 6 years of security patches, which is solid for a budget phone. Plus, the Nothing Phone 3a’s triple camera system (50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 8MP) and 32MP selfie camera deliver excellent flexibility and natural-looking shots, especially for wide-angle photography.
Another big win for the Nothing Phone 3a is its software experience. Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, is clean, bloat-free, and feels close to stock Android, which many users love. The unique Glyph Interface also adds a fun, practical touch for notifications and music visualization. On the other hand, while OxygenOS on the Nord CE 5 is smooth, OnePlus has been criticized for limiting custom ROM support, which could be a bummer if you’re into tweaking your device down the line. With the Nothing Phone 3a, the community is more open to custom ROMs, potentially extending the device’s life even beyond official updates.
The Nord CE 5 does have a larger 7100mAh battery and faster 80W charging compared to the 3a’s 5000mAh and 50W, which is a clear advantage if battery life is your top priority. But the Nothing Phone 3a’s battery is still solid for most users, and its optimization ensures good endurance.
At the end of the day, you’ve already got the Nothing Phone 3a, and it’s a stellar device for the price. Selling it now to switch to the Nord CE 5 might not be worth the hassle or cost, especially since the 3a’s software, camera versatility, and long-term support are top-notch. You didn’t make a “mistake”—you chose a phone that shines in design, software, and longevity. Enjoy the Glyph vibes and stick with it! If you’re still on the fence, wait for some real-world reviews of the Nord CE 5 to see if it’s truly worth the switch. What do you value most in your phone—camera, battery, or software? That might help clarify things
