Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 2a — Which One Deserves Your Money in 2026?
Introduction
Nothing keeps things fresh with the Nothing Phone 3a, and Pakistani buyers are asking: Is it worth upgrading from the Nothing Phone 2a? Both phones share the iconic transparent look and clean Nothing OS, but the 3a brings a few important upgrades — including a proper triple rear camera setup. Let’s cut to the chase.
Quick Specs (Table)
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3a | Nothing Phone 2a |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB | 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (Main) + 50MP (Telephoto) + 8MP (Ultrawide) | 50MP (Main) + 50MP (Ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | Fast charging (charger not included) | Fast charging (charger not included) |
| OS | Android 15, Nothing OS | Android 15, Nothing OS |
| Weight | ~201 g | ~190–200 g |
| Estimated Price (PK) | ~Rs. 149,700 | ~Rs. 128,600 |
Design & Build
Nothing’s transparent design and Glyph lights remain the main USP. The 3a refines the look with slightly improved build and brighter Glyphs — it feels a bit more premium compared to the 2a.
Display & Performance
Both phones have smooth 120Hz AMOLED displays, but the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 inside the 3a gives it a noticeable edge in speed, gaming, and efficiency over the 2a’s Dimensity 7200 Pro. For heavy tasks or gaming, the 3a performs better and stays cooler.
Camera (Corrected)
Important: The Nothing Phone 3a has three rear cameras — main + telephoto + ultrawide. That telephoto lens brings 2x optical zoom and better portrait shots. Overall camera processing on the 3a is more refined, especially in low light and zoom shots.
Battery & Charging
Both use a 5000mAh cell. Real-world use gives all-day battery, and the 3a’s chipset offers slightly better power management. Note: no charger included — buy a compatible fast charger separately.
Software & Updates
Both run Nothing OS on Android 15. Nothing promises reasonable update support (major Android updates + security patches) — a solid choice for long-term use.
Price & Value (Pakistan)
The 3a sits higher in price than the 2a. If you value better performance, improved camera (triple lens), and the refined design, the extra cost is justified. If you want to save money, the 2a remains a strong performer.
Verdict — Who Should Buy Which?
- Buy Nothing Phone 3a if: you want better performance, triple-camera versatility (telephoto zoom), and the newest design refinements.
- Buy Nothing Phone 2a if: you’re budget-conscious and satisfied with very good performance and the classic Nothing experience.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing Phone 3a fixes the main camera limitation of the 2a by adding a telephoto lens — that upgrade alone makes the 3a a clear winner for photo enthusiasts and power users in Pakistan. If style + performance + camera matter to you, go 3a. If price is the main factor, 2a still holds strong.