Tag: Nothing Phone 3a

March 29, 2025
iQoo Z10 Launching Soon with Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Processor
Key Takeaways
1. The Z10 features a massive 7,300mAh battery, claimed to be the largest in the market.
2. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, promoting itself as the “Fastest Smartphone in the Segment.”
3. The Z10 is priced at INR 21,999 ($257), aiming to be more affordable than the upcoming Nothing Phone 3(a) at INR 27,999 ($327).
4. It shares specifications with the Vivo Y300 Pro+, including potentially rapid 90W charging.
5. The Z10 will be officially introduced on April 11, 2025, via Amazon in India.
The Z10 is set to make waves in the Indian smartphone market with its impressive 7,300mAh battery, which is said to be the largest available. Additionally, iQoo claims it will be the “Fastest Smartphone in the Segment,” powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset.
Competing with Nothing Phone 3(a)
The Z10 appears to be positioning itself against the upcoming Nothing Phone 3(a) in India, and it plans to offer a lower price point. Reports suggest that iQoo is targeting a price of INR 21,999 (about $257), while the Nothing Phone 3(a) is expected to launch at INR 27,999 (approximately $327).
Specs Similar to Vivo Y300 Pro+
Moreover, the Z10 is likely to share specifications with the Vivo Y300 Pro+ designed for the Chinese market. This device has been seen featuring rapid 90W charging capabilities, which is notably faster than the 50W charging seen in the Phone 3(a). This detail hints that the Z10 may also include this premium charging feature.
The confirmation of these details will come on April 11, 2025, when the new Z-series flagship is introduced via Amazon in India.
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Tags: iQOO Z10, Nothing Phone 3a, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
March 27, 2025
Submit Your Ideas for the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition
Key Takeaways
1. Nothing is launching a new contest for the Nothing Phone (3a), inviting entries in hardware, software, marketing, accessories, and merchandise categories.
2. Four winners will be chosen—one from each category—to collaborate with the Nothing team and receive cash prizes.
3. Winners will be invited to London to help develop and launch the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition.
4. The Phone (3a) Community Edition, like its predecessor, will be released in limited quantities and is expected to launch at the end of the year.
5. Submissions for the contest are open until April 23rd at 11 AM GMT, and winners will be announced by the end of April.
Last year, Nothing held a contest where fans could create a unique version of the Nothing Phone (2a). The contest welcomed entries across various categories such as hardware, wallpaper, packaging, and marketing. The outcome was the Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition, which was released in limited numbers. Now, Nothing is launching a new round for the recently unveiled Nothing Phone (3a).
New Categories and Entries
Similar to last year, Nothing is inviting submissions for hardware (which now includes packaging), software (like wallpapers, lockscreen clocks, unlock animations, and widgets), and marketing concepts for a special edition of the Phone (3a). This time, they have also added accessories and merchandise to the mix. The selected winning entries will be determined through votes from community members as well as a panel of judges.
Prizes and Collaboration
There will be four winners in total—one from each category—who will work together with the Nothing team to turn their ideas into reality. This year, Nothing has also announced that there will be cash prizes for the winners. Additionally, winners will be invited to London to participate in the phone’s development and launch.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition, which will result from this collaboration, is set to launch at the end of the year. Like the Phone (2a) Community Edition, it will likely be available for purchase in limited quantities.
A Successful Return
It’s not surprising that Nothing is reintroducing the Community Edition phone since the first version was quite successful. The Phone (2a) Community Edition, featuring a glow-in-the-dark design, sold out within just 15 minutes and even earned a Gold iF Design Award.
Currently, submissions for the competition are open and will remain so until April 23rd at 11 AM GMT. The winners are expected to be announced at the end of April. Please remember that this contest is exclusively for the Phone (3a) and not for the Phone (3a) Pro, which is available on Amazon for $499.
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Tags: Community Edition, design competition, Nothing Phone 3a
March 21, 2025
Why Phone (3a) Series Uses UFS 2.2 Storage Explained
Key Takeaways
1. Both the Nothing Phone (3a) and 3a Pro use UFS 2.2 storage, not the expected UFS 3.0.
2. Nothing justified the choice of UFS 2.2 by focusing on areas with a bigger impact, like software and battery life.
3. Overall phone performance depends on more than just storage speed; RAM, CPU, and software optimization play crucial roles.
4. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro shows improved performance with 50% faster read/write speeds compared to the standard model.
5. Benchmark results indicate the Nothing Phone (3a) competes well against models with UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring reliable performance over time.
The Nothing Phone (3a) series has been on the market for over a week now. While there are many positives about the new devices, there are also some drawbacks, particularly regarding the storage type used in both models.
Storage Specifications
Both the Nothing Phone (3a), which is priced at $459 on Amazon, and the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro feature UFS 2.2 storage. Many users expected at least UFS 3.0 due to its faster performance, leading to significant discussions online. In response, Nothing has released a statement explaining the rationale behind their choice.
Justifying the Choice
According to a message on their official community page, the decision to use UFS 2.2 was not purely for cost-saving but rather to allocate resources to areas that would have a bigger impact. Nothing elaborates that while UFS 3.1 may seem appealing in theory, the real-world advantages are minimal when a phone offers better software, battery life, and display quality.
They also emphasize that a phone’s overall performance relies on more than just storage speed; it also takes into account RAM, CPU capabilities, and software optimization. Notably, GSMArena’s review suggests that the optimization is notably improved in the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, which reportedly achieves 50% faster random read and write speeds compared to the standard model, despite both using UFS 2.2 storage.
Performance Insights
The statement even includes benchmark results that demonstrate the Nothing Phone (3a) competing well against the Realme 11 Pro Plus, which has UFS 3.1 storage. There are additional observations regarding the performance of the Nothing Phone (3a) in various scenarios, but the conclusion reassures that the Phone (3a) series will maintain reliable performance over time due to Nothing OS updates that will continue to introduce optimizations.
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Tags: GSMArena, Nothing Phone 3a, UFS 2.2
March 21, 2025
Phone 3a Series: Why It Uses Slower UFS 2.2 Storage
Key Takeaways
1. Nothing chose UFS 2.2 storage for Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro as a strategic decision, not a cost-cutting measure.
2. Real-world performance relies on software optimization, RAM, CPU, and battery efficiency, not just storage speed.
3. The Phone (3a) Pro offers 50% faster random read and write speeds than the base model due to better software optimization.
4. Benchmark data shows the Phone (3a) performing well against competitors with UFS 3.1 storage.
5. Ongoing updates to Nothing OS aim to enhance performance and ensure long-term reliability for the Phone (3a) series.
Nothing has not yet responded to the backlash regarding their choice to use UFS 2.2 storage in the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, instead of opting for the faster UFS 3.0 or UFS 3.1 options. In a comprehensive post on their official community page, the company clarified that this decision was not merely a cost-cutting measure, but rather a strategic move to allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact on the user experience.
Performance Factors Considered
The Phone (3a) series, which has been on the market for over a week, has received commendations for various features, especially its overall design. However, the storage selection has not been as well received. Many anticipated that the devices would at least include UFS 3.0, known for its superior read and write speeds. Nevertheless, Nothing contended that real-world performance is influenced by a mix of different factors, such as software optimization, RAM, CPU capabilities, and battery efficiency, rather than just storage speed.
Key Highlights of the Phone (3a)
Nothing pointed out that even though UFS 3.1 may appear impressive in theory, its practical advantages in everyday usage are quite limited when compared to a device that is well-tuned. They also noted that the Phone (3a) Pro boasts 50% quicker random read and write speeds than the basic model, even though both utilize UFS 2.2, due to enhanced software optimization.
To bolster their argument, Nothing provided benchmark data showing the Phone (3a) competing well against the Realme 11 Pro Plus, which incorporates UFS 3.1 storage. The post wrapped up by reassuring users that the Phone (3a) series will maintain its reliability over the long haul, thanks to the ongoing updates to Nothing OS that will keep enhancing performance.
While the choice of UFS 2.2 might let down some customers, Nothing’s emphasis on software optimization intends to ensure a seamless and steady user experience. As time goes on, the sustained performance of the Phone (3a) series will ultimately reveal if Nothing’s decision regarding storage was the right one.
Tags: Nothing Phone 3a, software optimization, UFS 2.2
March 19, 2025
Nothing Phone 2 Leaked Hands-On Image Shows New Camera Setup
Key Takeaways
1. The CMF Phone 2 is set to launch soon, following the release of the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro.
2. The new phone will likely feature an additional ultrawide camera sensor, enhancing its photography capabilities.
3. The design of the CMF Phone 2 will maintain familiar elements, including a matte plastic finish and compatibility with existing accessories.
4. Speculations suggest the phone may include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, but details remain unclear.
5. The CMF Phone 2 could potentially elevate its performance compared to the previous model, which used a less powerful Dimensity chip.
Just a fortnight after the release of the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro, it seems the company is gearing up to launch the CMF Phone 2 as well. An image that has leaked on Reddit appears to show a hands-on view of the next version of the brand’s first smartphone. You can check out the post embedded below.
New Camera Features
The most noticeable change is, of course, in the camera arrangement. The CMF Phone 1 (you can read our review here) was equipped with a 50 MP f/1.8 sensor alongside a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor for portrait mode functionality, but the upcoming model seems to have a third sensor positioned to the side. This likely indicates the inclusion of an ultrawide lens, which is a typical configuration in this category.
Signature Design Elements
The familiar design traits of the CMF Phone remain evident—the matte plastic finish, the CMF dial, and the screws on the panel that assist in attaching accessories to the back. This suggests that the accessories will still work with the new model, maintaining compatibility.
Speculations and Expectations
The post doesn’t provide any additional information, whether technical or otherwise. Earlier rumors hinted that the CMF Phone 2 might feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, but those reports also mentioned the Nothing Phone 3a (currently priced at $399 on Amazon) and 3a Pro, both of which we now know use that chip.
In the past, Nothing has positioned the CMF Phone 1 (currently $289 on Amazon) as a lower-tier option compared to the Nothing Phone 2a, utilizing the Dimensity 7300 chip instead of the more powerful Dimensity 7200 Pro/Ultra. Thus, it would be a fascinating shift, albeit an unlikely one, if they elevate the budget brand to a higher performance standard.
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Tags: CMF Phone 2, Nothing Phone 3a, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
March 6, 2025
Nothing Phone (3a) Series Passes Tough Durability Test
Key Takeaways
1. The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro have a plastic frame, unlike the original Nothing Phone (1) which has a metal frame.
2. Both smartphones feature Panda Glass for their displays, which scratches at level 6 and shows deeper scratches at level 7.
3. The Panda Glass performs well in bend tests, but it’s recommended to use a case for added protection.
4. The phones passed the bend test without cracking, thanks to the aluminum mid-frame.
5. Durability tests indicate the phones are robust, but real-world performance will be revealed after consumer release.
Nothing’s latest smartphones are now ready for pre-order. If you’re curious about their durability, a popular YouTuber has tested the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro in his well-known durability assessments. Both phones managed to withstand the tests, but they disclosed a crucial aspect.
Durability Test Insights
During the initial phase of the durability assessment conducted by JerryRigEverything, it was found that the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro feature a plastic frame, similar to the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus that came before them. This means the Nothing Phone (1) is the only device from the brand that boasts a metal frame. It’s hoped that the flagship Nothing Phone (3), set to launch later this year, will bring back the metallic frame design.
Display Protection
The video also highlights the use of Panda Glass for the displays of both smartphones undergoing the tests. This glass is intended to replace Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 that was used in the Nothing Phone (2a). The Panda glass scratches at a level 6, with deeper scratches appearing at a level 7, mirroring the performance of Corning’s glass. Although the impact resistance couldn’t be thoroughly assessed, the Panda Glass on both devices performs well in bend tests. Nevertheless, it’s wise to invest in a case for either phone to ensure extra safety.
Bend Test Results
The Nothing Phone (3a), priced at $399 on Amazon, along with the Phone (3a) Pro, endure the bend test without cracking even when flexed from both sides, thanks in part to the aluminum mid-frame. A breakdown of the pro model uncovers screws tucked beneath the decorative plastic, in addition to those that are visible. This detail is beneficial for anyone planning to disassemble the device.
In summary, Nothing’s new smartphones appear to be quite robust based on the results from the durability tests, which you can check out in the video below. However, it will be interesting to see how they perform in daily usage once they are released to consumers.
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Tags: JerryRigEverything, Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, Nothing Phone 3a
March 4, 2025
Nothing Phone (3a) Series Launches in US at $379 – MWC 2025
Key Takeaways
1. The Nothing Phone (3a) series was unveiled at MWC Barcelona and will be available in Europe, the UK, India, and North America, with a competitive starting price.
2. The phones are part of a US Beta Program and can only be purchased at MSRP directly from the Nothing website, not through carriers or retail partners.
3. The Nothing Phone (3a) is available for pre-order at $379 and will ship starting March 11, with color options in White, Black, and Blue.
4. The Phone (3a) Pro is priced at $459 and is not yet available for pre-order, but interested buyers can register for notifications.
5. The Nothing Phone (3a) is priced lower than competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy A36 and A56, making it an attractive option, but buyers should confirm carrier support before purchasing.
Nothing has unveiled the Nothing Phone (3a) series during MWC Barcelona in Spain. This new phone will be accessible in Europe, the UK, and India, and it will also be available in North America, particularly the US, with a starting price that gives it a competitive advantage.
Availability in the US
The Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro are part of the US Beta Program, similar to earlier models like the Phone (2a) Plus and Phone (2a), which is currently listed on Amazon for $324, alongside the CMF Phone 1. This setup means that the new phones can only be bought at their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) from the Nothing website, as they won’t be sold officially through carriers or retail partners. While stores like Amazon and Best Buy may list them soon, the prices there will likely be higher than MSRP.
Pre-order Details
The Nothing Phone (3a) can already be pre-ordered on the Nothing US site for $379, which is for the version with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It comes in White, Black, and Blue colors, and it’s expected that shipping will start on March 11 for the first two color options.
On the other hand, the Phone (3a) Pro has a price of $459 for the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While it isn’t available for pre-order yet, interested buyers can register to be notified when it is. Once available, customers will have a choice between Grey and Black.
Price Comparison
At $379, the Nothing Phone (3a) is priced lower than Samsung’s Galaxy A36, which costs $399 for its base model that includes 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and is set to launch later this month. Similarly, the Phone (3a) Pro’s $459 price is less than the Galaxy A56’s $499 price, which offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
However, before making a purchase of the Nothing Phone (3a) or Phone (3a) Pro, it’s wise to check the support from your carrier to ensure you won’t end up with a phone that doesn’t work.
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Tags: Galaxy A36, Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, Nothing Phone 3a
March 4, 2025
Nothing Phone 3a Series Teased at MWC 2025: Design and Chipset Revealed
Key Takeaways
1. The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro will launch on March 4, featuring the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset for balanced performance and efficiency.
2. The Phone (3a) Pro boasts significant camera upgrades, including a 50MP primary camera with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with a periscope design, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP selfie camera.
3. The telephoto lens offers impressive zoom capabilities, including 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and a 60x “ultra” zoom feature.
4. In comparison to competitors, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra uses an older sensor for its telephoto lens, which may impact its performance against the new Nothing devices.
5. The official unveiling of the Nothing Phone (3a) series is set for today at 10 AM GMT.
The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are set to launch on March 4, which has got everyone excited. Before the big reveal, Nothing has provided fans with a sneak peek of the devices. Displayed at Qualcomm’s booth during MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, the phones showcased their design and featured the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which is designed to offer a good mix of performance and efficiency.
Enhanced Camera Features
During the event, Akis Evangelidis, co-founder of Nothing, pointed out that there are “significant improvements in the camera area.” Earlier teasers have indicated that the camera configuration of the (3a) Pro includes a 50MP “Shake Free” primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP telephoto lens that has a periscope design, an 8MP ultrawide lens made by Sony, and a 50MP selfie camera.
Rumors suggest that the periscope telephoto lens provides 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and a remarkable 60x “ultra” zoom feature. Until now, Nothing has only included two rear cameras – a main and an ultrawide – so it’s exciting to see the pro model adding a periscope telephoto lens, which, along with the 3x optical zoom, hints at a relatively large sensor size.
Comparison with Competitors
For context, Samsung is still using an older 1/3.52″ (10MP) sensor for its 3x telephoto lens in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Other models in that series utilize an even tinier 1/1.3.94″ sensor for this purpose. If you’re curious about Samsung’s performance in this area, the Galaxy S25 Ultra holds the 24th position in DxOMark’s camera ranking.
It’s important to remember that smartphone photography also depends a lot on software processing, and AI has become a recent addition to this. For instance, devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra automatically activate AI enhancements as soon as you reach 20x zoom. As a newcomer in the smartphone market, it will be interesting to see how Nothing stacks up against more established brands.
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Tags: Camera Upgrades, Nothing Phone 3a, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
March 1, 2025
Nothing Phone (3a) and 3a Pro Pricing Leaks Ahead of India Launch
Key Takeaways
1. Pricing Overview: The Nothing Phone (3a) series will start at Rs 24,999 for the base model, with the Pro variant starting at Rs 31,999, including potential launch discounts.
2. Design Changes: Both models will feature a new design, with the Phone (3a) evolving from the previous version and the Pro variant introducing a completely fresh aesthetic.
3. Performance Specs: The devices will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor and will have a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
4. Battery and Charging: Both models will have a 5,000mAh battery that can fully charge in approximately 56 minutes and will run on Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.
5. Camera Features: Both models will sport a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens, with the Pro variant adding a 50MP periscope telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities.
Nothing’s upcoming Phone (3a) series is all set to make its global debut next week. This new lineup is anticipated to be a significant upgrade from the previous versions, not only in design but also in features. While we have gathered a lot of information about what the phones will offer—which we will discuss shortly—a recent leak has disclosed the pricing ahead of the official announcement.
Pricing Details for Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro
As per SmartPrix, the Nothing Phone (3a) will commence at Rs 24,999 for the entry-level 8GB/128GB variant. The 8GB/256GB version is expected to be priced at Rs 26,999, while the highest tier 12GB/256GB model is speculated to cost Rs 28,999.
Specifications of Nothing Phone (3a)
On the other hand, the Pro variant is reported to kick off at Rs 31,999 for the 8GB/128GB version, with the 8GB/256GB model priced at Rs 33,999, and the 12GB/256GB option hitting Rs 35,999. There are also hints that a special launch offer might include a Rs 2,000 discount through banks.
Features of the Nothing Phone (3a) Series
In terms of design, both devices will sport a totally fresh appearance. The Phone (3a) will evolve from the Phone (2a) design, while the Phone (3a) Pro will unveil a completely new aesthetic for Nothing’s range of products.
Performance and Display
Rumors suggest that both models will be equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. Display-wise, expect a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Panda Glass and boasting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
The devices will be powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which is said to fully charge in just 56 minutes. Naturally, these phones will run Android 15 with Nothing OS 3 right out of the box.
Camera Features
The camera hardware is quite balanced between the two models. Both will include a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. However, the Pro variant enhances the setup with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens that offers 3x optical zoom, while the standard version will have a 2x zoom.
Additionally, Nothing is hinting at a new feature named Essential Space. This appears to be linked to a specific button located on the side of the phone, but the company hasn’t provided detailed information on how this feature will function just yet.
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Tags: Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, Nothing Phone 3a, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
February 27, 2025
Nothing Phone 3a Series Offers Limited Software Support
Key Takeaways
1. The Nothing Phone (3a) series will launch soon, featuring new improvements but facing potential software support issues.
2. Both models are expected to receive 3 OS updates and 6 years of security patches, starting with Android 15 and ending with Android 18.
3. Compared to the Phone (2a), security update length has increased, but the number of OS upgrades remains the same.
4. Competing models like the Redmi Note 14, OnePlus Nord 4, and Samsung’s Galaxy A series offer better software support, with more OS updates.
5. Changes to the software support timeline are still possible, as previous models have seen extended update support.
The Nothing Phone (3a) series is set to be revealed in just a few days, and there’s not much left to discover. Although both models are introducing a range of new features and improvements, it seems that software support might be a significant drawback for Nothing’s upcoming devices.
Software Support Details
A recently deleted post on X by Ishan Agarwal mentions that the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro will get 3 OS updates and 6 years of security patches. This means that these devices will come pre-loaded with Android 15 and will receive OS updates until Android 18, along with security updates lasting until 2031.
Comparison with Previous Models
In contrast to the Phone (2a), which was launched with Android 14 and is set to receive 3 years of software updates and 4 years of security patches, Nothing has increased the length of security updates but has kept the number of OS upgrades the same. When measured against competing models, the Nothing Phone (3a) series falls behind.
Competitors’ Offerings
The new Redmi Note 14 4G provides 4 OS updates along with 6 years of security updates, similar to what the OnePlus Nord 4 offers. Samsung’s future Galaxy A26, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A56 will also feature 6 years of OS updates and security patches. Even entry-level models like the Galaxy A16 will enjoy the same length of support as the Galaxy A56. Additionally, the upcoming Google Pixel 9a is expected to offer 7 years of OS updates and 7 years of security updates, just like its predecessor, the Pixel 8a (currently listed on Amazon for $499).
Changes are still possible, as the software support timeline is not finalized. Last year, Google indicated that the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 would receive an extra 2 years of Android updates.
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Tags: Nothing Phone 3a, Pixel 9a, Redmi Note 14