Nothing Phone (3a) review

Design, build quality, handling

The Nothing Phone (3a) is both distinctive and familiar. It retains Nothing's signature faux-transparent aesthetic while also maintaining the horizontal camera alignment on the back. There is no big circular camera island here, as there is in the Pro mode, and presumably, the regular 2x telephoto of the vanilla does not require extra space.

Additionally, the Glyph Interface remains a key feature. It consists of three light segments with 26 individually addressable LEDs. These can be customized to react to ringtones, notifications, and music playback, indicate incoming calls from specific contacts, function as a volume indicator, or provide a countdown timer in the camera app. The Glyph Interface also serves as a soft fill light for the rear camera.

The Phone (3a) is available in Black, Gray, and a signature Blue color, which is exclusive to this model.

When it comes to ergonomics, the device is comfortable to hold. The new 6.77-inch display has slightly less rounded corners and a marginally larger diagonal compared to its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (2a). Overall, the device has grown slightly in size, but the changes are subtle.

The build quality feels solid with no noticeable flex. While the back panel has a slight hollowness, it is not a cause for concern.

Nothing has seemingly upgraded its materials since the Phone (2a). The back panel is now made of glass rather than polycarbonate, as in the previous generation. While it's unclear if the same hardened Panda Glass is used on both the front and back, it is certainly a durable glass material.

Sustainability remains a priority for Nothing. The middle frame is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, while 100% of the tin in six circuit boards and 85% of the steel in stamped parts are also recycled. Additionally, 60% of the plastic components are sustainably sourced, and the packaging is entirely plastic-free.

Interestingly, while Nothing states that the middle frame is made of aluminum, there are no visible antenna lines, and its texture feels more like plastic than metal.

The ingress protection rating for the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro has slightly improved from IP54 to IP64. While this provides better dust and splash resistance, the phone is still not designed to be submerged in water.

The Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro are nearly identical from the front. The display has slightly less rounded corners than the previous generation and features slim bezels.

There are no prominent elements on the front, as the earpiece and sensors are discreetly tucked away. The earpiece is located in a small slit above the display, while the proximity and ambient light sensors are hidden beneath the screen. The bezels are well-proportioned and do not feel excessive.

The Nothing Phone (3a) features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor. It performs well, offering both speed and accuracy.

Regarding physical controls, most buttons are in expected locations, but a new addition is the Essential Key on the right side, positioned just below the power button. Its placement can be slightly confusing when feeling around the device and looking for the power button.

Nothing Phone (3a)

This Essential Key provides access to Essential Space, a new software feature. Pressing it once captures and sends content to Essential Space, a long press records a voice note, and a double tap opens saved content in Essential Space.

We'll explore Essential Space in greater detail in the software section of this review.