Nothing Phone (3a) vs Nothing Phone (2a): Key Upgrades & Differences Compared

Nothing has introduced the Nothing Phone (3a) in India as the direct successor to the Nothing Phone (2a). While both devices share a similar design philosophy, the Phone (3a) brings notable improvements in performance, durability, software support, and camera technology.

For those considering an upgrade or trying to decide between the two, this in-depth comparison will highlight all the major differences and help you determine which phone offers better value.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a: Pricing and Storage Variants

The Nothing Phone (2a) is the more affordable option when compared to the Nothing Phone (3a). However, pricing is not the only factor to consider, as storage and RAM configurations also differ between the two models.

The Nothing Phone (2a) is available in a 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, while
The Nothing Phone (3a) caps its maximum RAM at 8GB, even for the 256GB storage version.

This means that while the Phone (3a) offers improvements in multiple areas, those who need extra RAM for multitasking and gaming may still prefer the Phone (2a) with its 12GB RAM option.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a Design and Build Quality: Small but Notable Tweaks

Transparent Back and Glyph Interface

The Nothing Phone (3a) continues the transparent design language introduced by the brand. At first glance, it looks quite similar to the Nothing Phone (2a), but there are several refinements in its build:

A slightly modified back panel
The addition of a third camera sensor
A new Essential Key button
Enhanced durability with better water and dust resistance

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
Dimensions	163.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm	161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm
Weight	201 g	190 g
Protection	IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes)	IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes)
Touch Sampling Rate	480Hz (1,000Hz in gaming mode)	480Hz
Colors	Black, White, Blue	Black, White, Milk, Blue

Size and Weight Differences

The Nothing Phone (3a) is marginally taller and heavier than its predecessor. While this change might not be significant for everyone, users looking for a more lightweight device may prefer the Nothing Phone (2a).

Enhanced Durability with IP64 Rating

Another notable improvement is the jump from IP54 to IP64 protection. This means that while the Phone (2a) only had basic splash resistance, the Phone (3a) offers better protection against dust and water splashes.

New Essential Key for Quick Access

One of the new features exclusive to the Nothing Phone (3a) is the Essential Key, a button designed to improve usability. It offers multiple functions:

Single press to capture screenshots
Long press to record voice notes
Double press to access Essential Space, a dedicated section for organizing saved content

This feature adds extra convenience for users who frequently take screenshots or record audio notes on their devices.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a Display Comparison: Slightly Larger and Brighter

Both models come with high-quality AMOLED panels, but the Nothing Phone (3a) offers a slightly larger display with a minor increase in screen real estate.

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
Size	6.77-inch AMOLED	6.7-inch AMOLED
Refresh Rate	120Hz	120Hz
Peak Brightness	3,000 nits	2,500 nits
Touch Sampling Rate	480Hz (1,000Hz in gaming mode)	480Hz
Display Protection	Panda Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 5

The higher peak brightness on the Phone (3a) makes it more readable in outdoor conditions.

Improved Display Protection

The Nothing Phone (2a) uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5, while the Nothing Phone (3a) features Panda Glass.
There is still no definitive comparison between the two glass types, but both should offer strong protection against scratches and minor drops.

Nothig Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a: Performance: Faster Processing and Smoother Multitasking

One of the biggest upgrades in the Nothing Phone (3a) is its improved processor, which provides better efficiency, faster app launches, and smoother multitasking.

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
Processors	Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm)
RAM Options	8 GB RAM	8 GB/12 GB RAM
Storage Options	128 GB/ 256 GB	128 GB/256 GB

Benchmark Performance

The Nothing Phone (3a) consistently scores higher in AnTuTu and Geekbench tests, suggesting that it offers:

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
AnTuTu v10	7,98,022	7,07,480
Geekbench (Single-core)	1,179	1,068
Geekbench (Multi-core)	3,311	2,454

While the Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) remains a capable processor, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the Phone (3a) offers a more powerful and efficient experience.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a: Camera System: More Versatility with a Telephoto Lens

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
Primary Sensor	50MP (OIS)	50MP (OIS)
Telephoto Lens	50MP (3x optical zoom, 60x digital zoom)	❌ Not available
Ultra-Wide Lens	8MP	50MP
Selfie Camera	32MP	32MP

The Nothing Phone (3a) features a triple-camera system, adding a 50MP telephoto lens for optical zoom and improved portrait photography.

Telephoto vs. Ultra-Wide

The Nothing Phone (3a) provides a telephoto camera, which allows for better zoom capabilities.
The Nothing Phone (2a) features a superior ultra-wide lens, making it better for group shots and landscapes.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a Battery and Charging: Slightly Faster Charging, Similar Battery Life

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
Battery Capacity	5,000mAh	5,000mAh
Charging Speed	50W	45W
Battery Life (PCMark Test)	14 Hours	14 Hours 13 Minutes

While both phones offer the same battery capacity, the Phone (2a) lasts slightly longer on a full charge, whereas the Phone (3a) charges a little faster.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a: Software and Long-Term Support

Features	Nothing Phone 3a	Nothing Phone 2a
OS Version	Nothing OS 3.1, Android 15	Nothing OS 2.5, Android 14
OS Updates	3 years of Android updates	3 years of Android updates
Security Updates	6 years of security patches	4 years of security patches

The Nothing Phone (3a) ships with Android 15, making it the more future-proof option.

With an extra year of OS updates and longer security support, the Nothing Phone (3a) offers better long-term software reliability.

Final Verdict: Which Phone is the Better Choice?

Category	Reasons
Choose the Nothing Phone (3a) if you want:	Better performance with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 A telephoto camera for improved zoom photography Longer software support with updates up to Android 18 Improved durability with an IP64 rating
Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) if you want:	A more affordable option A 12GB RAM variant for heavy multitasking Slightly better battery life A superior ultra-wide camera

Both phones offer great value, but the Nothing Phone (3a) stands out for performance, camera upgrades, and longevity, making it the better long-term investment.