Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 4a – Price, Features and Comparison

In early March of 2025, Nothing launched the Nothing Phone (3a) in India, bringing high-end features to the mid-range segment. A year later, the company has unveiled its successor, the Nothing Phone (4a). On paper, the differences between the two are obvious - the Phone (4a) boasts upgrades like a redesigned Glyph bar, a periscope lens, and more colour options. But does that automatically make it the better option for users considering an upgrade?

Whether you want to buy the Nothing Phone (3a) or the Nothing Phone (4a), you can bring your preferred model home on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv. Instead of paying the full price at once, you can make smaller payments over 3 to 60 months. Shopping for a new smartphone is ultra-convenient, with over 1.5 lakh partner stores located in more than 4,000 cities. Additionally, you can enjoy benefits like instant approvals and zero down payment offers on select models while shopping from a partner store!

Nothing Phone (3a) vs. Nothing Phone (4a) - Which is the better option?

As phones belonging to successive generations, the Phone (3a) and Phone (4a) share several similarities. For example, Nothing Phone (4a) uses the same transparent design as the Phone (3a). They both come with an IP64 dust and water resistance rating, ensuring they remain protected against accidental spills.

Specifications:

Similar designs with small changes

Both the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Nothing Phone (4a) carry Nothing's trademark transparent design. The transparent back panel and Glyph lighting system remain central to the user experience. These provide visual notifications for calls, messages, and charging status.

However, there are a few noticeable changes: the internal elements have been redesigned, and the latest model appears more minimalistic and clean. The Glyph lights, found in the Nothing Phone (3a), have also been replaced by a Glyph bar in the Phone (4a).

Design highlights:

• Transparent back design with Glyph lighting
• Clean, minimalist design
• IP64 water and dust resistance
• Phone (4a) comes in four colour options - Most in A-series models yet

Similar AMOLED displays designed for smooth visuals

The Phone (3a) features a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations, visuals, and scrolling smooth and fluid. The panel can reach up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, which helps improve visibility in bright environments. The Phone (4a), on the other hand, uses a slightly larger 6.78-inch AMOLED display with the same 120 Hz refresh rate but higher peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. This makes outdoor viewing easier and improves clarity.

Display highlights:

• Nothing Phone (3a): 6.77-inch AMOLED 120 Hz display
• Nothing Phone (4a): 6.78-inch AMOLED 120 Hz display
• Peak brightness: 3,000 nits for Phone (3a) and 4,500 nits for Phone (4a)
• Phone (4a) comes with a higher resolution panel

Top mid-range processors for seamless performance

The Phone (3a) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, which is designed to deliver streamlined performance. The Nothing Phone (4a) upgrades to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, resulting in improved performance and AI capabilities.

Performance highlights:

• Nothing Phone (3a): Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset
• Nothing Phone (4a): Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset
• RAM: Up to 12GB
• Storage: Up to 256GB for both models

Triple camera setup with an upgraded periscope lens

Both smartphones feature a triple camera system designed for versatile photography. The Phone (3a) sports a 50MP main camera with OIS and EIS, a 50MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. Its successor retains a similar configuration but replaces the telephoto lens with a 50MP periscope camera.

Periscope lenses allow better zoom capabilities (up to 70x ultra zoom) without losing image quality. The Nothing Phone (4a) is the only model in its segment to come with this lens (according to the company).

Camera highlights:

• Similar rear camera configuration on both models
• Phone (4a) replaces the telephoto lens with a periscope camera
• 32MP front camera

5,000 mAh vs. 5,400 mAh - Battery upgrade

Battery life is another area where the two models differ slightly. The Nothing Phone (3a) houses a 5,000 mAh battery with 50W fast charging support. This capacity is designed to handle a full day of normal usage. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (4a) increases battery capacity to 5,400 mAh while retaining the same 50W charging speed. The slightly larger battery powers the device longer, resulting in its long-lasting performance.

Battery highlights:

• Nothing Phone (3a): 5,000 mAh battery
• Nothing Phone (4a): 5,400 mAh battery
• 50W fast charging support on both models

Software experience and updates

The Phone (3a) ships with Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15. This interface offers a clean design with minimal pre-installed apps and custom Glyph lighting features.

The Phone (4a) comes with the latest Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16. The updated software introduces additional features and improvements while maintaining the same clean layout.

Software highlights:

• Nothing Phone (3a): Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15)
• Nothing Phone (4a): Nothing OS 4.1 (Android 16)

Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (4a) - Pricing and options

Both phones are available in multiple RAM and storage configurations, allowing buyers to choose a variant based on their performance and storage needs.

'Disclaimer: Prices may vary depending on retailer or region. For the latest prices and offers, please visit your nearest partner store.

Which phone should you choose: Nothing Phone (3a) or Phone (4a)?

Both models share a similar design and camera system, but each device may suit different user requirements.

You may choose the Nothing Phone (3a) if you want:

• A more affordable Nothing Phone
• Similar camera hardware with a telephoto zoom
• Reliable performance for everyday tasks

You may consider the Nothing Phone (4a) if you prefer:

• A newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor for improved performance
• A higher-resolution display for enhanced clarity
• A slightly larger battery capacity
• Periscope telephoto lens for incredibly clear images of distant objects

How to buy a Nothing Phone on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

If you plan to purchase the Nothing Phone (3a) or the Nothing Phone (4a), you can do so through Bajaj Finserv partner stores located across India. Easy EMI options let you spread the cost of the smartphone into smaller monthly instalments.

Here's how you can buy the phone from a partner store:

1. Visit your nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store.
2. Choose the Nothing Phone (3a) or Nothing Phone (4a) variant you prefer.
3. Check your eligibility for Easy EMIs at the store counter.
4. Select a repayment tenure between 3 and 60 months.
5. Complete the purchase and walk out.

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