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Nothing Phone 3a vs OnePlus Nord: Is This the Best Smartphone Under 30000 in India?
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian smartphone market, few brands have managed to create a cult following as quickly as Nothing. Led by Carl Pei, the London-based tech disruptor is back with its latest mid-range marvel: the Nothing Phone 3a. At Gadget Info, we understand that Indian consumers seek the perfect blend of “Paisa Vasool” (value for money) and “Premium Swag.”
The Nothing Phone 3a isn’t just a phone; it is a design statement tailored for the Gen-Z and tech-savvy professionals of India. Whether you are browsing through the bustling markets of Delhi or taking portraits in the serene hills of Munnar, this device promises to be your ultimate companion.
Nothing Phone 3a: The New King of Mid-Range?
The Nothing Phone 3a arrives with a clear mission: to dominate the ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 segment. It bridges the gap between the budget-friendly CMF series and the flagship Nothing Phone 3. With its signature transparent aesthetic and the iconic Glyph Interface, the Phone 3a stands out in a sea of identical-looking glass sandwiches.
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Technical Specifications of Nothing Phone 3a
To help you make an informed decision, here is the full breakdown of the Nothing Phone 3a hardware:
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) |
| Display | 6.77-inch Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 3000 Nits Peak Brightness |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Main, OIS) + 50MP (Ultrawide) + 8MP (Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 32MP Sony Sensor |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 50W Fast Charging (Type-C) |
| OS | Nothing OS 3.1 (Based on Android 15) |
| IP Rating | IP64 Dust and Water Resistance |
| Connectivity | 14 5G Bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
Design and Build: The “Glyph” Factor
The most striking aspect of the Nothing Phone 3a is undoubtedly its design. Moving away from the “eyes” layout of its predecessor, the 3a introduces a more refined triple-camera setup. The transparent back reveals a carefully curated internal layout, showcasing the beauty of engineering.
The Glyph Interface has been upgraded with 26 addressable zones. In India, where we love customisation, this feature is a hit. You can use the lights as a timer for your Zomato delivery, a volume indicator, or even a soft ring light for those midnight snacks’ Instagram stories. Despite the polycarbonate frame, the device feels premium and sturdy in hand.
Display: Sunlight Legibility Perfected
India’s harsh sunlight is a nightmare for most budget screens. However, the Nothing Phone 3a boasts a massive 3000 nits peak brightness. This means whether you are at a cricket stadium or a beach, the 6.77-inch AMOLED screen remains crystal clear. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures that scrolling through Twitter (X) or playing BGMI feels buttery smooth.
Performance: Efficiency Meets Power
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. This chipset is a significant step up, offering better thermal management than the MediaTek chips found in previous “a” models. For the Indian gamer, this translates to stable frame rates in titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact without the phone becoming a pocket-heater.
Camera: Triple Threat
For the first time in the “a” series, Nothing has included a Telephoto lens.
- Main Sensor: The 50MP primary sensor with OIS captures stunning details with natural skin tones—essential for Indian weddings and festivals.
- Ultrawide: The 50MP ultrawide is perfect for those group selfies at India Gate.
- Telephoto: The 8MP lens allows for 2x optical zoom, ensuring you don’t lose quality when clicking distant subjects.
Software: The Cleanest Android Experience
Nothing OS 3.1 is arguably the best custom skin in India right now. It is 100% bloatware-free—no “Hot Apps,” no “Hot Games,” and no annoying notifications from system apps. It offers a near-stock Android experience with a unique dot-matrix aesthetic that feels futuristic and fresh.
Pros and Cons of Nothing Phone 3a
Pros:
- Distinctive Design: Nothing looks like it; the Glyph interface is genuinely useful.
- Stunning Display: 3000 nits brightness is a game-changer for Indian summers.
- Clean Software: No ads or bloatware, which is rare in this price segment.
- Great Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery easily lasts over a day.
- Improved Cameras: The addition of a telephoto lens adds versatility.
Cons:
- No Charger in Box: You’ll need to spend extra for a 50W PD charger.
- Plastic Frame: While durable, it lacks the cold touch of aluminium.
- Low Light Video: While photos are great, low-light video still has some noise.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Nothing Phone 3a
- What is the price of Nothing Phone 3a in India?
The starting price is expected to be ₹24,999 for the 8/128GB variant.
- Does it support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports 14 5G bands, including all major Indian carriers like Jio and Airtel.
- Is the charger included in the box?
No, Nothing does not provide a charger in the box to reduce e-waste.
- Is Nothing Phone 3a waterproof?
It has an IP64 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and water splashes.
- Does it have a headphone jack?
No, you will need Type-C earphones or Bluetooth TWS.
- Can I expand the storage via SD card?
No, it does not have a microSD card slot.
- Which processor is used in Nothing Phone 3a?
It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3.
- Does it support wireless charging?
No, wireless charging is reserved for the flagship Phone 3.
- Where can I buy Nothing Phone 3a in India?
It is available on Amazon India and Flipkart.
- How many Android updates will it get?
Nothing promises 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches.
- Is Nothing an Indian company?
No, it is a London-based company, but it has a significant manufacturing presence in India.
- Does it have a call recording feature?
Yes, via the Google Dialer (which notifies the other party).
- Is the back panel glass or plastic?
The back is made of high-quality transparent polycarbonate (plastic).
- What is the charging speed?
It supports 50W wired fast charging.
- Does it have stereo speakers?
Yes, it features a dual stereo speaker setup with Hi-Res audio support.
- Is Nothing Phone 3a good for gaming?
Yes, it handles popular games like BGMI and Free Fire at high settings easily.
- What colors are available?
It typically comes in Black, White, and a special Blue or Milk variant.
- Does it have an in-display fingerprint sensor?
Yes, it features a fast optical in-display fingerprint scanner.
- How is the service center network in India?
Nothing has partnered with multi-brand service centers across major Indian cities.
- Is it better than the OnePlus Nord series?
For software and design, yes. For raw charging speed, OnePlus might have a slight edge.
Final Verdict by Gadget Info
The Nothing Phone 3a is a breath of fresh air. In a market where specs often overshadow the user experience, Nothing has focused on making a phone that feels “right.” If you want a device that turns heads, offers a clean interface, and takes reliable photos, the Nothing Phone 3a is our top recommendation for 2025-26.
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Kaushik Chatterjee is a dedicated tech enthusiast and the founder of GadgetInfo.net. With 5 years of experience tracking the consumer electronics market, specializes in breaking down complex technical specifications into easy-to-understand insights for everyday users.
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