The tech world is often flooded with a sea of smartphones that all seem to blend together in a sea of sameness. However, Nothing, a British brand, is making waves by daring to be different. Their latest offering, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, is a testament to their commitment to innovation in both hardware and software realms.
Having had the opportunity to review their previous model, the Phone (2a), I was intrigued by the unique approach Nothing takes with their devices. Priced at £449, the (3a) Pro stands out in the crowded mid-range market, offering a fresh perspective that is hard to find elsewhere.
One of the most striking features of the (3a) Pro is its design. While the semi-transparent back and customizable ‘Glyph’ lights are visually appealing, the hefty camera bump may not be to everyone’s liking. Weighing in at 211g and boasting a thick 8.39mm profile, this phone is not for the faint of heart.
But where the (3a) Pro truly aims to make its mark is in the camera department. Sporting an impressive array of lenses, including a 50Mp main sensor, a periscope lens with 3x optical zoom, an 8Mp ultrawide lens, and a 50Mp selfie shooter, Nothing is clearly gunning for the top spot in mid-range phone photography.
On the software front, Nothing continues to push boundaries with their Nothing OS 3.1. Featuring monochrome icons, retro animations, and a host of customizable widgets, the user experience is refreshingly different from mainstream Android offerings. While the learning curve may be steep for newcomers, the unique UI experience is sure to appeal to those seeking something out of the ordinary.
In a bold move, Nothing introduces the ‘Essential Key’ on the (3a) Pro, aiming to revolutionize how users interact with their devices. While the concept is intriguing, the current functionality is limited, with promises of future updates to unlock its full potential.
Performance-wise, the (3a) Pro doesn’t disappoint. With a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, 12GB of RAM, a vibrant Full HD+ OLED display, and a snappy under-display fingerprint scanner, this phone is a powerhouse in its price range. Add in features like IP64 water and dust resistance, a robust build quality, and fast charging capabilities, and the value proposition becomes even more compelling.
Priced at £449 in the UK, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro competes directly with offerings from Samsung and Google in the mid-range segment. While the US pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed, early indications suggest that Nothing has a strong contender on their hands.
In a world where conformity reigns supreme, Nothing dares to be different with the (3a) Pro. Whether it’s the unique design, innovative software, or impressive performance, this phone is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries in the tech industry.