If you want real optical zoom without spending flagship money, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is one of the rare mid-range picks that actually gives you a periscope telephoto. In India it starts at ₹29,999 and keeps the brand’s clean software, bold design, and long support window. We’ll break down the camera hardware, battery life, performance, 5G details, and what you give up at this price, then stack it against the Pixel 8a, POCO F6, and OnePlus Nord 4 to help you decide.
Table of Contents
Key Specifications & Features
The 3a Pro runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm), paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. Daily use is smooth, with the usual Nothing OS 3.1 polish on top of Android 15. The update promise is three major Android versions and six years of security patches, which is solid for the segment.
The 6.77-inch AMOLED hits 120Hz with HDR10+ support and a quoted 3000-nit peak for highlights. Independent lab testing measured ~1300 nits sustained in HDR scenes with very good uniformity, so outdoor visibility holds up. Flicker behavior can vary by brightness: Notebookcheck measured low-frequency flicker at minimum brightness but noted the panel can employ higher-frequency PWM up to 2160Hz.
plus an 8MP ultrawide. The 50MP selfie can record 4K30, like the main camera. The periscope tops out at 1080p30, which is a quirk to note if you shoot lots of telephoto video.
A 5000 mAh battery supports 50W wired charging. There’s reverse wired at up to 7.5W, but no charger in the retail box, so budget for a 45-65W USB-PPS adapter if you don’t already have one.
Other bits that matter: IP64 rating for dust and water spray, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, stereo speakers, and the trademark Glyph lights. Weight is ~211 g. Panda Glass is used for display protection.
Display quality
The panel is flat, bright, and easy to read. In testing, sustained HDR brightness around the 1,300-nit mark is strong for this class, and touch sampling can ramp up in gaming mode. Just be aware of flicker at very low brightness. If you’re PWM-sensitive, try keeping brightness above ~50% where DC-like dimming is used more often.
Camera hardware & zoom
The periscope 3x is the reason to buy. You get OIS and a larger 50MP IMX882 sensor for cleaner 3x shots than most mid-rangers. The main 50MP with OIS does well in daylight with good color and dynamic range; low light is decent but can look a touch soft. Ultrawide is serviceable for landscapes.
Software & updates
Nothing OS 3.1 is tidy and quick. You also get 3 Android updates + 6 years of security patches, which should carry the phone comfortably through the typical ownership cycle in India. Features like Essential Space add AI-assisted organization for screenshots, notes, and recordings.
Performance Testing Results
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is built for efficient day-to-day use. In synthetic tests it slots mid-pack, and in gaming you’ll hit stable medium-high settings in popular titles without heavy throttling. Storage is UFS 2.2 rather than 3.x or 4.0, which can slow large app installs or big file moves, but it isn’t a deal-breaker for most people.
CPU/GPU behavior
Lab reviews find “class-average” application performance, which tracks with the core layout of 7s Gen 3. Thermal behavior is controlled, with short spikes under stress and quick recovery.
Storage and memory
LPDDR4X + UFS 2.2 is a conscious cost choice, confirmed by Nothing. For typical app juggling and social uploads, it’s fine. Power users moving multi-gigabyte video projects will notice slower writes versus UFS 3.x.
Benchmark comparisons
Notebookcheck rates battery and display highly, with performance sitting comfortably in mid-range territory. If you want big benchmark numbers, POCO F6 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 will outpace it, but you’ll give up the periscope zoom.
User Experience Analysis
Daily usage scenarios
Two SIMs, clean UI, reliable haptics, and strong standby drain make it easy to live with. The phone’s 211 g weight and large footprint are noticeable, but the flat sides help grip. Speakers are loud enough for videos and calls.
Interface and design
You either like the see-through aesthetic or you don’t. The round camera island and Glyph lights are unique, and the grey/black finishes look premium in person. IP64 means dust and splash resistance, not dunking.
Battery life and charging
In controlled Wi-Fi web tests, the 3a Pro ran ~19 hours 48 minutes, which is excellent for a 5,000 mAh cell. With a third-party PPS charger, reviewers saw ~80% in 60 minutes and just under 90 minutes to full. There’s no wireless charging here.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Major advantages
- Real 3x periscope with OIS at ₹29,999-₹33,999
- Long update window (3 Android versions, 6 years security)
- Bright 120Hz AMOLED and strong battery life
- Clean, responsive software experience
Notable limitations
- UFS 2.2 storage is slower for big installs and file moves
- IP64, not IP67/68
- No charger in the box; periscope video capped at 1080p30
- Low-brightness flicker may bother PWM-sensitive users
Value for money
At this price, the periscope alone is a standout. If you prioritize raw speed, POCO F6 offers Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. If you want camera software smarts and updates, Pixel 8a stays compelling. The 3a Pro is the “zoom pick” with good battery life and a clear update story.
Nothing Phone 3a – Full Specifications (India)
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| Model / Code | Nothing Phone (3a) / A059. |
| Launch / First Sale (India) | Announced 4 Mar 2025; first sale 11 Mar 2025 via Flipkart and partners. |
| Launch Price (India) | ₹24,999 (8GB+128GB); ₹26,999 (8GB+256GB). Intro offers dropped effective price as low as ₹19,999 at launch. Current street pricing varies by storage and color. |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue. |
| Dimensions / Weight | 163.52 × 77.5 × 8.35 mm; 201 g. |
| Build / Protection | Transparent design with tempered glass back, aluminum and plastic frame; Panda Glass protection. IP64 dust and splash resistance. |
| Display | 6.77-inch Flexible LTPS AMOLED, FHD+ 2392×1080 (~387 ppi), 120 Hz refresh, 10-bit color, HDR10+, up to 3000 nits peak, 1000 Hz touch sampling, 2160 Hz PWM dimming. |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm), octa-core up to 2.5 GHz; Adreno 810 GPU. |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB (market dependent); no microSD. “RAM booster” up to 20GB on 12GB model. |
| Software | Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15 at launch; update policy: 3 Android version updates + 6 years of security/functional updates. |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP main (Samsung GN9, f/1.88, 1/1.57″, OIS+EIS); 50 MP telephoto (Sony JN5, f/2.0, 1/2.75″, 2× optical, 30× digital, EIS); 8 MP ultra-wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 120°). |
| Rear Video | Main: 4K30, 1080p30/60/120; Tele: 1080p30; Ultra-wide: 1080p30. |
| Front Camera | 32 MP (KD1, f/2.2, 1/3.44″), 1080p30/60 video. |
| Battery | 5000 mAh; rated to retain >90% capacity after 1200 cycles. |
| Charging | 50 W wired (claimed ~50% in 19 min, 100% in 56 min); 7.5 W reverse wired; charger not in the box (USB-C cable included). |
| Audio | Stereo speakers; 2 high-def mics. No 3.5 mm jack. |
| Biometrics / Sensors | In-display fingerprint; face unlock; accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity, ambient light. |
| Connectivity | Dual-SIM (nano+nano, no hybrid slot, eSIM not listed for India); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.4 (some retailer pages list 5.3); NFC; GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS/Beidou; USB-C. |
| 5G / 4G Bands (device support) | 5G NR: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n77, n78. LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/26/28/38/40/41/42/48/66. (Indian operators primarily use n3/n28/n40/n41/n77/n78.) |
| VoLTE / VoWiFi / VoNR | VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling supported where enabled by carrier; VoNR availability varies by carrier and region. |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX family (incl. Adaptive), LDAC, LC3, LHDC v1/v2/v3/v5 (reported by lab review). |
| Glyph Interface | 26 individually addressable zones; features include timer, progress (incl. Google Calendar), bed-time schedule, music visualisation, fill light. |
| SAR (India reference) | Head: 0.99 W/kg, Body: 1.29 W/kg (varies by region/test method). |
| In-box | Handset, USB-C to C cable, SIM ejector, safety/warranty info; no charger. Pre-applied screen protector noted by some retailers. |
Competitor Comparison
| Phone | Price in India* | Chip | Main cameras | Display | Battery & charge | IP rating | Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone 3a Pro | ₹29,999-₹33,999 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | 50MP main OIS + 50MP 3x periscope OIS + 8MP UW; 50MP selfie | 6.77″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | 5000 mAh, 50W wired, no charger | IP64 | 3 Android, 6 yrs security |
| POCO F6 | from ~₹21,999 (street varies) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | 50MP + 8MP; 16MP selfie | 6.67″ 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz | 5000 mAh, 90W | IP64 | MIUI/HyperOS cadence |
| Google Pixel 8a | around ₹32,490–₹44,999 | Google Tensor G3 | 64MP + 13MP; 13MP selfie | 6.1″ OLED, 120Hz | 4492 mAh, 18W | IP67 | Long Pixel support window |
| OnePlus Nord 4 | ~₹27k–₹30k (varies) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | 50MP + 8MP; 16MP selfie | 6.74″ 1.5K 120Hz | 5500 mAh, 100W | IP65 | OxygenOS cadence |
Expert Recommendations
Who should buy this
If you want real zoom photos from a mid-ranger, this is the easy pick. It also suits anyone who values clean software, long battery life, and a firm security update runway.
Who should avoid this
If you’re into heavy gaming or big file workflows, UFS 2.2 and mid-range CPU may feel limiting. If you need water submersion protection, IP64 won’t cut it. PWM-sensitive users should test it in-store.
Best alternatives
- POCO F6 for performance per rupee.
- Pixel 8a for computational photography and longer Google software support.
- OnePlus Nord 4 for fast charging and premium metal build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nothing Phone 3a Pro price in India?
₹29,999 (8/128), ₹31,999 (8/256), ₹33,999 (12/256).
When did sales start in India?
Open sales via Flipkart started March 11, 2025. Offline partners followed from March 15.
Does the 3a Pro have OIS and 4K video?
Yes. The main camera and 3x periscope both have OIS; 4K30 is available on the main and selfie. The periscope records up to 1080p30.
How long does the battery last?
Independent testing logged about 19 hours 48 minutes of Wi-Fi web browsing. Real-world use easily gets a full day, often more.
How many Android updates will it get?
Three Android version upgrades and six years of security updates.
Is a charger included in the box?
No. The box includes the phone, USB-C cable, SIM ejector, and guides.
Which 5G bands does it support in India?
Listings show n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78. Availability of 5G features like VoNR depends on your carrier.
What are the SAR values?
Head: 1.19 W/kg; Body: 1.13 W/kg (India).
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro nails a rare mix at ₹30–34k: genuine 3x optical zoom with OIS, strong battery life, a bright 120Hz screen, and a clean OS with a clear update plan. You trade away faster storage and higher IP rating, but for most folks, the zoom and day-to-day experience make it an easy short-list pick. If you’re sold, watch Flipkart pricing and bank offers before you buy,
Featured Answer Boxes
What is the price of Nothing Phone 3a Pro in India?
Nothing Phone 3a Pro starts at ₹29,999 for 8/128, ₹31,999 for 8/256, and ₹33,999 for 12/256 in India. Street prices shift during sales, so check Flipkart for current offers.
Does Nothing Phone 3a Pro have OIS and 4K video?
Yes. The 50MP main and the 50MP 3x periscope both have OIS. 4K30 is available on the main and front cameras, while the periscope records up to 1080p30.
How many 5G bands does Nothing Phone 3a Pro support?
Indian listings show n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, and n78. Exact support can vary by market and carrier.
How long does the battery last in daily use?
Lab testing measured about 19h 48m of Wi-Fi web browsing. In mixed use, expect a full day with buffer. Charging to ~80% in about an hour is typical with a quality PPS charger.
How many Android updates will Nothing Phone 3a Pro get?
Three major Android updates and six years of security updates from first availability.
Is a charger included in the box?
No. You get the handset, USB-C cable, SIM tool, and documentation. Bring your own 45-65W USB-PPS charger.
Sources: Notebookcheck | Flipkart
