Design and positioning
Nothing’s minimal, practical design language is on full display in the Phone (3a). The device proved in testing to be a compelling midrange handset with few real weaknesses.
The modern smartphone has evolved over 15 years into a mature market with devices at many price and quality tiers. Yet many consumers still gravitate toward premium phones that easily top €1,000, whether from Samsung, Google, or Apple.
Nothing aims to break that pattern by building quality phones that do not try to compete with those four-figure flagships. Instead, the company focuses on distinctive, well-made devices priced well below the top tier.
Models and pricing
The Phone (3a) sits at the more affordable end of Nothing’s lineup. Pricing depends on memory: the 8 GB + 128 GB version costs €359, while the 12 GB + 256 GB version is €419.
There is also a sibling Phone (3a) Pro model, shown in the original materials at left, which is only available with the larger memory configuration and is priced at €489. Technically the two phones are largely the same, but the Pro ships with slightly better cameras.
At under €400 the Phone (3a) faces stiff competition. For example, Samsung’s popular A5x series newcomer Galaxy A56 5G and the OnePlus Nord 4 are available at essentially the same price points.
Look and feel
Nothing’s design philosophy leans hard on minimalism and utility, and that approach carries through to the Phone (3a). It follows current trends with a large, familiar form factor. Placed face-up next to a flagship from another brand, the silhouettes are nearly indistinguishable.
Turn the phone over and Nothing’s semi-transparent aesthetic, familiar from earlier models, makes the (3a) instantly recognizable. Compared with the Pro, the standard (3a) has a much smaller horizontal camera bump, which makes it less conspicuous in a pocket.
The review unit was white. Nothing also offers the Phone (3a) in black and blue. The blue option is available only on the higher-memory variant.
Box contents
The pared-down retail package reflects the brand’s minimal approach. Inside the box you will find only a USB-C charging cable, a SIM-eject tool, and quick-start guides in addition to the phone itself.
