The Nothing Phone (3a) and its affordable sibling, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, bring the signature transparent design and minimalist Nothing OS experience to two different market segments. While both phones share similar DNA, there are key differences that may influence your buying decision. Let’s dive into the full comparison.
Design & Display
Both devices maintain the recognizable transparent back design and Glyph Interface. However, the 3a offers a more premium feel with slightly thinner bezels and a higher refresh rate display.
| Feature | Nothing Phone (3a) | Nothing Phone (3a) Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" FHD+ OLED, 120Hz | 6.55" OLED, 90Hz |
| Build | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB/12GB + 128GB/256GB (UFS 4.0) | 6GB/8GB + 128GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Main + 50MP Ultra-wide | 50MP Main + 8MP Ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 32MP (4K Video) | 16MP (1080p Video) |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 65W Wired / 15W Wireless | 4800mAh, 45W Wired (No Wireless) |
| OS | Nothing OS 3.0 (Android 15) | Nothing OS 3.0 (Android 15) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Price | $549 USD (≈ ₦840,000 NGN) | $429 USD (≈ ₦650,000 NGN) |
Performance Comparison
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 on the 3a clearly outperforms the Lite’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, especially in multitasking, gaming, and video rendering. However, the Lite model still offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light creative work.
Camera Comparison
The Nothing Phone (3a) packs a superior dual 50MP setup capable of capturing high-quality shots in low light. Meanwhile, the Lite model focuses on simplicity, offering a solid main camera for casual users but with fewer AI enhancements.
Battery & Charging
The standard 3a wins this round with both higher wattage and wireless charging support, while the Lite’s 4800mAh battery and 45W fast charging still provide reliable daily endurance.
Verdict
If you’re after flagship performance, advanced camera capabilities, and wireless charging, the Nothing Phone (3a) is the clear winner. However, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite delivers excellent value for those seeking the Nothing experience on a tighter budget.
Official Source: Nothing Official Website