By Adrianna Haris

Meet the Nothing (3a) Series—Flagship Feel Without the Price Tag

These devices are set to make premium features more accessible than ever for the mid-range shopper.
nothing phone 3a

Be honest—when was the last time you looked at a mid-range phone and thought, “This feels high-end?”. London-based tech brand Nothing is here to change that narrative with its latest smartphones, the Phone (3a) and the Phone (3a) Pro. Think substantial improvements in camera technology, performance, and design all wrapped up in the brand’s signature sleek feel. Following the success of its predecessor, the Phone (2a), the new lineup aims to redefine the mid-range phone experience with flagship-level features at an accessible price point.

If you’ve seen a Nothing phone before, you will recognise the transparent design DNA immediately. This element remains as a way to showcase and highlight the intricate engineering inside the phone. But this time, the Phone (3a) series refines it further. With a glass back and a more symmetrical internal structure, these devices look polished, modern, and undeniably Nothing. They are also more durable, with an IP64 rating that protects against dust and water splashes, making them more resilient for daily use. 

nothing phone 3a

A good camera is non-negotiable, and Nothing knows it. Both models boast significant camera upgrades, making it the most advanced imaging system the brand has developed to date. The Phone (3a) comes equipped with a 50MP main sensor, a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an A1-enhanced ultra zoom up to 30x. Whether you’re capturing landscapes or zooming in on details, this setup enables crisp, detailed shots even from a distance.

Meanwhile, the Phone (3a) Pro takes it further, introducing a periscope camera with 3x optical zoom and 60x ultra zoom, further enhanced by AI processing to maintain clarity. This means you’re getting advanced zoom capabilities without the crazy price tag. The Pro version also includes an upgraded 50MP front camera that selfie lovers and content creators will appreciate, capable of recording 4K video with adaptive AI stabilisation for smooth, high-quality footage.

The Phone (3a) series is powered by the Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 processor, which delivers 33 percent faster CPU performance and 11 percent better graphics compared to the Phone (2a). Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or just scrolling endlessly, users can expect an effortless and efficient experience. 

Of course, Nothing OS 3.1 (based on Android 15) is here to tie everything together with further software enhancements. This includes a clean and customisable interface packed with smart features like Essential Space, a dedicated AI-powered hub designed to help users’ productivity by organising notes and ideas as well as providing quick access to important content. 

nothing phone 3a

For an immersive viewing experience, these phones feature a 6.77-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling. Gamers and power users, this one’s for you–the touch sampling rate reaches up to 1000Hz in gaming mode for faster response times and more precision when you need it most. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, you can also comfortably use it outdoors or under bright sunlight without struggling to see the screen. 

A powerful phone is only as good as its battery performance, and the Phone (3a) series doesn’t disappoint. These devices have been optimised with a 5000mAh battery capable of lasting up to two days on a full charge. And when you do need a top-up, 50W fast charging allows users to get a 50 per cent charge in under 20 minutes, minimising downtime. This means they can stay connected for extended periods without worrying about battery drain. 

The Phone (3a) is available with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at RM1,699. The Phone (3a) Pro with the same configuration is priced at RM1,999. For those who love a pop of colour, the Phone (3a) comes in black, white, and blue, while the Phone (3a) Pro sticks to a sophisticated grey and black.   

Availability for the Phone (3a) begins on 22 March and the Pro version on 7 April. Ready to make the switch? Head to select retailers, Nothing’s website, or platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop to get yours. 

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