The Phone (3a) launched in India in March 2025 at Rs 24,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought telephoto zoom to Nothing's affordable line for the first time and introduced the Essential Key, a dedicated side button that captures screenshots, voice notes and ideas into Essential Space, Nothing's AI-powered organiser.
Its 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED runs at 120Hz with high brightness, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers a meaningful step up over the Phone (2a) in both performance and efficiency. The Glyph lights return, arranged around a horizontal camera island, and the phone gains IP64 protection. Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 promises three years of OS updates.
The triple camera, a 50 MP main with OIS, a 50 MP 2x telephoto and an 8 MP ultrawide, is versatile for the price, with portraits a highlight. The 5000 mAh battery lasts well over a day, with 50W charging. Against the Realme 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro, the (3a) wins on telephoto flexibility and clean software, though the ultrawide is weak.
Key specifications
| Launch price (India) | Rs 24,999 (base variant) |
|---|---|
| India launch | March 2025 |
| Segment | Mid-range |
| Display | 6.77-inch, Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2392 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | No |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP 2x telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 50W wired |
| Software at launch | Android 15, Nothing OS 3.1 |
| 5G | Yes |
| Water/dust rating | IP64 |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Weight | 201 g |
| Colours | Black, White, Blue |
What we like
- 2x telephoto camera at a mid-range price
- Faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
- Essential Key and AI organiser
- Clean software
What could be better
- Weak 8 MP ultrawide
- No wireless charging
- Essential Key cannot be fully remapped at launch
Who should buy it
Mid-range buyers who want portrait-friendly zoom, clean software and good battery life.
Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.