Nothing Phone 3a Full Review - Ideal Mid Ranger for most?

Summary

The review of the Nothing Phone 3A highlights its smooth performance, premium design, and value for money, especially for those on a tight budget. Despite its attractive features like a 32MP front camera and durable build, the phone has some drawbacks, including aggressive RAM management, UFS 2.2 storage, and lack of 50W charging without a specific charger. The reviewer also mentions the top-heavy design of the Pro version and the underwhelming Glyph lighting feature. Overall, it is recommended for casual users, but not for hardcore gamers or those seeking high-end features.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Nothing Phone 3A offers a balanced experience with a premium glass back and a fluid, bloatware-free interface.
• 😀 The phone features a 32 MP front-facing camera, but lacks 4K video recording, a feature only available on the pro version.
• 😀 RAM management is aggressive, with apps reloading after inactivity, which could be a concern for heavy app users.
• 😀 Despite the marketing of 50W fast charging, using a generic PD charger only provides around 20W charging speeds.
• 😀 The phone's build quality has improved with glass instead of plastic, although it's not as durable as Gorilla Glass.
• 😀 UFS 2.2 storage is a downside, and the reviewer suggests the pro version should have had UFS 3.1 for better performance.
• 😀 The Nothing Phone 3A feels top-heavy due to the camera ring, making the device less balanced than the regular model.
• 😀 The device's glyph lighting feature is not particularly useful, with the reviewer only using it for the Do Not Disturb mode.
• 😀 The phone does not include a charger in the box, and users would need to buy a specific charger to utilize its 50W fast charging capabilities.
• 😀 At a price below ₹25,000, the phone is a good choice for budget-conscious users who need a reliable, everyday smartphone without heavy gaming requirements.
• 😀 The reviewer emphasizes that the pro version of the Nothing Phone 3A is largely similar to the regular version, except for the camera and slightly better specs.

Q & A

What is the reviewer's opinion on the performance of the Nothing Phone 3A?

The reviewer finds the performance of the Nothing Phone 3A to be smooth and fluid, without unnecessary bloatware, which contributes to a fast user experience. However, they mention that heavy apps tend to reload due to aggressive RAM management.

Does the Nothing Phone 3A support 50W charging, and what is the issue with charging speeds?

Yes, the Nothing Phone 3A supports 50W charging, but the reviewer points out that using generic PD chargers results in slower charging speeds of around 20-21W, far below the claimed 50W. To achieve faster charging, users would need to purchase a specific charger.

What are the differences between the Nothing Phone 3A and the Pro version?

The main differences between the Nothing Phone 3A and the Pro version are the rear camera (3x zoom on the Pro vs. 2x zoom on the regular version) and the front camera (32MP on the regular version vs. 15MP on the Pro version). Despite these differences, both models share the same hardware, including processor, RAM, and storage type.

What are the advantages of the Nothing Phone 3A's design?

The design of the Nothing Phone 3A has been upgraded from plastic to glass, which feels more premium and reduces fingerprints. The glass is also more durable, surviving drops without significant damage.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the use of Panda Glass in the Nothing Phone 3A?

The reviewer notes that the phone uses Panda Glass instead of Gorilla Glass, which could be a concern for some users. However, they mention that after dropping the phone, it didn't shatter or get any noticeable damage, although they feel Gorilla Glass would have been a better choice.

Is there a charger included in the box with the Nothing Phone 3A?

No, there is no charger included in the box. The reviewer is disappointed by this, especially given the phone's advertised 50W charging capability, which would require a specific charger to achieve those speeds.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the Glyph lighting feature?

The reviewer is not particularly impressed by the Glyph lighting, considering it more of a gimmick than a key feature. The only use they found for it was to indicate when the phone is in 'Do Not Disturb' mode.

What is the camera performance like on the Nothing Phone 3A?

The reviewer finds the rear camera performance of the Nothing Phone 3A to be solid. The 32MP front-facing camera is capable, but it lacks 4K video recording, which is available only on the Pro version. The rear camera supports 4K video recording with the main lens.

What are the key pros of the Nothing Phone 3A?

The key pros include a smooth and fluid performance, an ad-free experience, a premium glass design, and a solid camera system. It also offers good value for money, especially for those on a budget under ₹25,000.

What are the key cons of the Nothing Phone 3A?

The key cons include aggressive RAM management causing apps to reload, no charger in the box, slower charging speeds with generic PD chargers, and the use of Panda Glass instead of more durable Gorilla Glass. Additionally, the Glyph lighting feature feels unnecessary.