Nothing has announced its latest mid-range smartphones, the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) today. The new series builds on the foundation of the Phone (2a), bringing upgrades in camera technology, processing power, display quality, and software features. The device will be available in the GCC region starting March 20, 2025, through retailers such as Jarir, Amazon, Noon, and others.
The Phone (3a) series features two models with distinct designs and specifications. Both phones incorporate glass back panels, a symmetrical internal layout, and an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. Nothing also highlighted that the series achieves the company’s lowest carbon footprint for a smartphone yet, at 51.3kg of CO2e. The design emphasizes the new camera systems, maintaining the brand’s signature transparent aesthetic.
The camera setup is a key focus of the Phone (3a) series. Both models feature a 50MP main sensor and an ultra-wide Sony sensor with a 120-degree field of view. The Phone (3a) includes a 50MP telephoto camera with a 2x optical zoom and upto 30x ultra zoom using AI enhancements.
The Phone (3a) Pro, meanwhile, steps up with a periscope telephoto lens, boasting a 70mm focal length, a 3x optical zoom, and a 60x ultra zoom capability. The Pro model also offers telemacro photography, allowing focus as close as 15cm. The front camera on the Phone (3a) is a 32MP unit, while the Pro version upgrades to a 50MP sensor capable of 4K video recording with improved stabilization and low-light performance.
Under the hood, the series is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. This chip offers a 33% faster CPU and an 11% improvement in graphics compared to the Phone (2a). AI processing has also been enhanced, with a 92% boost over its predecessor, alongside support for features like on-deice voice-to-text transcription. The phone come with up to 20GB of RAM through a combination of physical and virtual memory, and a larger vapor chamber reduces operating temps by 23%.
The display on both phones measures 6.77″ with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Brightness peaks at 3000 nits and a touch sampling rate doubles to 480Hz or 1000Hz in gaming mode, compared to the Phone (2a). The design of the screen is slightly taller with less rounded corners than previous Nothing devices.
As for the battery, both models feature 5000mAh batteries, providing up to two days of use on a single charge. It also supports 50W fast charging, with a 50% charge can be achieved in under 20mins.
Running on Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 16, the phones offer updated apps for gallery, camera, and weather functions. A new feature, Essential Space, serves as an AI-driven hub for notes and ideas, accessible via a dedicated key on the phone’s right side. Early access to this feature will be available to all Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro buyers, with additional capabilities like smart collections and focused search expected in the coming months. Nothing has committed to six years of software support, including three years of Android updates and six years of security patches.
The Phone (3a) will come in Black, White, and Blue, with options for 8GB RAM + 128GB storage or 12GB RAM + 256GB storage. The Phone (3a) Pro will be available in Grey and Black, with a single 12GB RAM + 256GB storage configuration. The Pro model also supports eSIM, except in India.
Availability in the GCC region begins on March 20, with the devices rolling out through major retailers like Sharaf DG, Lulu, Xcite, Jumbo, Virgin, and EROS. Pricing details were not disclosed at the MWC announcement.
