Namaste, tech fam! I’m your go-to mobile review expert from India, and today, I’m spilling the beans on the Nothing Phone (3a) after using it as my main phone for 7 days. Priced at around ₹22,000 (thanks to offers), this phone promises a lot—unique design, clean software, and solid cameras. But does it deliver? I’ve tested it inside out—gaming, photography, daily use—to give you a no-nonsense verdict. Whether you’re eyeing this budget gem or just curious, this in-depth review will tell you if it’s made for you. Let’s get started!

Unboxing & Build: A Mixed Bag

What’s in the Box?

• Just the phone and a USB-C cable—no charger, no case. Nothing’s ditched the cool transparent cable for a plain white one, which feels like a downgrade.
• Pro tip: Add ₹1,000-₹2,000 to your budget for a 50W charger and case if you don’t have spares lying around.

Build Quality:

• Good: Glass back with no major scratches after a week—solid durability! Pre-applied screen protector is a nice touch for day-one scratch resistance. Vibration motor? Top-notch haptics with great feedback.
• Not So Good: IP65 rating (splash and dust resistance) lags behind competitors offering IP68/IP69 at this price. At 201 grams, it’s heavy and thick—feels dated compared to slimmer 5000mAh phones.

Experience Note: The unboxing is simpler now (no more tearing struggles), but the weight took some getting used to. If you’re switching from a lightweight phone, you’ll notice it.

Design: Love It or Leave It

Standout Feature: That signature transparent back and Glyph lights are here—unique and quirky. The lights are fun for a few days, but as a daily driver, I forgot they existed.
Downside: It’s a personal taste thing—some love the vibe, others don’t. The Essential Space button (new on the side) is awkwardly placed; I kept pressing it instead of the lock button.

Verdict: Design’s a win if you dig the aesthetic, but the heft and button placement are misses.

Display & Sound: No Complaints Here

Display:

• 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, uniform bezels (not super thin), HDR10 support.
• Bright enough for outdoor use, no flicker at low brightness—easy on the eyes. In-display fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable.
• After binge-watching 4K HDR content, I can vouch: it’s crisp and vibrant.

Sound:

• Dual stereo speakers—no headphone jack (standard at this price).
• Loud, detailed audio with decent bass. I tested it outdoors—trust me, it impresses.

Verdict: Display and sound are spot-on for media lovers. No regrets!

Software: The Star That Flickers

Specs: Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15), 3 years of major updates, 6 years of security patches.
Why It Shines:

• Clean, bloatware-free experience—no ads, no pre-installed junk.
• Unique widgets (e.g., call recording) and smooth animations make it feel fresh. Lock screen widgets add flair.
• Updates are prompt—already got one in 7 days, fixing minor hiccups.

The Catch:

• Gallery app is basic—editing dumps you into Google’s interface.
• No standout AI features like rivals (e.g., Realme, Poco).
• Bugs: Apps close randomly (poor RAM management), and camera crashes mid-shoot.

Experience Note: As a software-first phone, it’s 90% brilliant, 10% frustrating. Updates might fix this—fingers crossed!

Performance: Decent, But Not a Beast

Specs: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage.
The Good:

• Everyday tasks (scrolling, app switching) are snappy—AnTuTu score nears 8 lakh.
• Apps open fast, even on first load.

The Bad:

• RAM Management: Open the camera, and background apps close—blame the software bug and UFS 2.2 storage.
• Heavy Tasks: Back-to-back photo shoots lag; processing is slow. Gaming? 90 FPS in BGMI TDM is smooth (85-90 FPS), but drops to 52 FPS in intense modes—overheating kicks in (42°C front, 40°C back after 30 mins).
• Storage: UFS 2.2 is outdated—rivals offer UFS 3.1 at this price.

Verdict: Fine for casual use, but gamers and multitaskers will feel the pinch.

Battery: Reliable With Quirks

Specs: 5000mAh, 50W charging (charger sold separately).

• Full charge in ~1 hour—solid speed.
• Normal use (5G, calls, browsing): 6 hours screen-on time.
• Gaming: Drains 10% in 30 mins (94% to 85%).

Bug Alert: One night, it died from 15% overnight (network on). Next day, 57% to 54%—inconsistent standby drain.

Verdict: Day-to-day battery life is dependable, but watch out for random hiccups.

Cameras: A Budget Highlight

Specs: 50MP main, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide, 32MP selfie.
Performance:

• Main: Sharp details, good light control—day and night.
• Telephoto: Up to 4x zoom is crisp (30x max, but blurry past 4x). No stabilization—hold steady or photos blur.
• Ultra-Wide: Downgraded to 8MP—decent colors, weak details.
• Selfie: 32MP delivers bright, detailed shots (day/low light), 1080p 60 FPS video with slight flicker.
• Video: 4K 30 FPS on main is stable; telephoto/ultra-wide falter.

Experience Note: At ₹22,000, the camera setup punches above its weight—telephoto is a rare treat!

Connectivity: Rock Solid

• Dual 5G SIMs (no SD card slot), consistent signal, two mics for clear calls.
• Outdoor test: Road noise didn’t drown out my voice—impressive!

Verdict: Network and call quality won’t let you down.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Pros:

• Stunning display and sound.
• Clean, unique software (with updates).
• Strong cameras for the price.
• Solid build and haptics.

Cons:

• Heavy and thick design.
• Software bugs (RAM management, camera crashes).
• UFS 2.2 storage lags behind.
• Overheating and battery drain in heavy use.
• IP65 rating feels basic.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Nothing Phone (3a)?

After 7 days of real-world use, here’s my take: the Nothing Phone (3a) is a steal at ₹22,000 if you value software, cameras, and a standout design. I’ve tested dozens of budget phones, and its telephoto lens and clean OS set it apart. But if you’re a gamer, multitasker, or need cutting-edge specs (UFS 3.1, IP68), look elsewhere—Poco F6 or Realme GT 6T might suit you better. Nothing’s got room to grow with software fixes, so it’s a calculated bet. Love the pros? This phone’s for you. Hate the cons? Skip it.

Got questions? Drop them below—I’ll answer! Liked this review? Share it with your tech crew. Stay tuned for more honest reviews from India’s gadget scene!