90
Trusted Reviews
“The Nothing Phone 3a is a phone that has made me think – when a device this affordable is so good, is there any need to spend more?”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 19mo ago
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Lower Mid-RangeAndroidBest value
Nothing Phone 3a
$379 · Glyph design / everyday value · 1y 7m old
82
Review
Radar
Image credit: Nothing Phone 3a official product image
Editor's Verdict
Our Take
SS
Let's cut to the chase: the Nothing Phone 3a, at $379, is a calculated disruption. Nothing has managed to bottle that elusive magic: delivering a genuinely premium feel and robust performance without demanding you remortgage the house. The design alone is a breath of fresh air in this price bracket, and frankly, many far more expensive phones could learn a thing or two from its refined aesthetic. You're getting a fluid 120Hz OLED display that pops, a capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 that handles daily tasks and even a bit of gaming with aplomb, and battery life that will see you through the day and then some. This isn't a phone chasing specs for the sake of it; it's a device that prioritizes user experience and delivers it with surprising polish.
Now, for the pragmatists among you, and I know you're out there. While the 3a is undeniably compelling, it's not without its caveats. The PCMag review flags an important compatibility issue with US 5G networks, which is a significant consideration if you're in that market. Furthermore, it's not a "feature monster" in the way some might expect from brands that throw every conceivable spec at the wall. But here's the real verdict: if you're looking for an excellent, well-built, and surprisingly fast smartphone that punches well above its weight class and you can live with the potential US 5G limitation, the Nothing Phone 3a makes a very strong case for simply being the smartest buy in the lower mid-range. Don't overspend if this is what you're after.
Sanjiv Sathiah · Managing Editor
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Most positive review signal
“The Nothing Phone 3a is a phone that has made me think – when a device this affordable is so good, is there any need to spend more?”
Trusted Reviews · 90
Most cautious review signal
“Still, we believe that due to its unique looks and UX, the Nothing Phone (3a) has tons of character.”
GSMArena · 78
Tech publication reviews
86
84
Digital TrendsRead review ↗
“The Nothing Phone 3a is Nothing's best phone yet and it offers excellent battery life, a unique experience and an abundance of style.”
Publisher score: 84/100 · 19mo ago
84
Stuff
“By closely sticking to what made its predecessor such a success, the Nothing Phone 3a delivers a superb all-round experience for affordable money.”
Publisher score: 84/100
82
Tom's GuideRead review ↗
“The Nothing Phone 3a lives up to the promise of an affordable phone that delivers impressive features, especially when you look at its colorful screen, consistent camera performance and eye-catching design.”
Publisher score: 82/100
80
Wired
“Nothing's latest budget phones prove that you don't need to spend $600 to get a powerful, feature-packed phone.”
Publisher score: 8/10 · 19mo ago
80
Android CentralRead review ↗
“Nothing is upsetting the mid-range segment once again with top-tier design and must-have features.”
Publisher score: 80/100 · 19mo ago
80
PCMag
“The Nothing Phone (3a) is one of the best-looking phones under $400 and offers excellent performance and battery life, but it isn't fully compatible with US 5G networks.”
Publisher score: 80/100 · 15mo ago
80
“The base Phone (3a) still takes good photos and otherwise serves up Nothing's unique high-quality smartphone experience at a compelling price.”
Publisher score: 80/100 · 18mo ago
79
NotebookcheckRead review ↗
“The Nothing Phone (3a) is by no means a feature monster, but it is one of the best smartphones currently available in the price range of up to $400.”
Publisher score: 79/100 · 18mo ago
78
GSMArenaRead review ↗
“Still, we believe that due to its unique looks and UX, the Nothing Phone (3a) has tons of character.”
Publisher score: 78/100 · 18mo ago
Additional review coverage
Tom's GuideCoverage
Nothing Phone 3a review: Redefining value
“The Nothing Phone 3a lives up to the promise of an affordable phone that delivers impressive features, especially when you look at its colorful screen, consistent camera performance and eye-catching design.”
Source page · 2mo ago
StuffCoverage
Nothing Phone 3a review: this is the one you want
“By closely sticking to what made its predecessor such a success, the Nothing Phone 3a delivers a superb all-round experience for affordable money.”
Source page · 2mo ago
PCMagCoverage
Nothing Phone (3a) Review: Bold Design on a Budget
“The Nothing Phone (3a) is one of the best-looking phones under $400 and offers excellent performance and battery life, but it isn't fully compatible with US 5G networks.”
Source page · 15mo ago
Digital Camera WorldCoverage
Nothing Phone 3a review
“A smart buy for budget-conscious users wanting style and substance.”
Source page · 17mo ago
T3Coverage
Nothing Phone (3a) review: Not just the bare essentials
“The base Phone (3a) still takes good photos and otherwise serves up Nothing's unique high-quality smartphone experience at a compelling price.”
Source page · 18mo ago
NotebookcheckCoverage
Nothing Phone 3a review
“The Nothing Phone (3a) is by no means a feature monster, but it is one of the best smartphones currently available in the price range of up to $400.”
Source page · 18mo ago
Android AuthorityCoverage
Nothing Phone 3a review
“I really like both the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro.”
Source page · 18mo ago
9to5GoogleCoverage
Nothing Phone 3a review
“The Nothing Phone (3a) series delivers an absolutely stellar pair of smartphones, perhaps some of the best in the industry, but the Phone (3a) is the only one you should probably buy.”
Source page · 18mo ago
82
Nothing Phone 3a