Smartphones
Nothing Phone 3 vs Nothing Phone 4a Pro
Nothing Phone (3) and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro are design-focused Android phones from Nothing, but they target different buyers. Phone (3) is the stronger flagship-style pick with IP68 protection, wireless charging, a higher listed launch price, and a four 50MP camera system, while Phone (4a) Pro is the cheaper choice with a 140x ultra zoom claim, IP65 protection, and Essential AI tools.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Nothing
Nothing Phone 3
A flagship Nothing phone built for Glyph Interface alerts, Essential Search, stronger durability, wireless charging, and a four-camera 50MP system.
VS
Nothing
Nothing Phone 4a Pro
A mid-range Nothing phone built for 140x ultra zoom, Essential AI tools, a metal-unibody design, IP65 protection, and lower US pricing.
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Specifications
Pros & Cons
Nothing Phone 3 — Pros
✓Official US Store pricing shows Phone 3 listed from $799, with a checked sale price of $599 in June 2026.
✓Uses a four 50MP camera system instead of the Phone (4a) Pro three-camera system.
✓Rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, ahead of Phone 4a Pro's IP65 rating.
✓Supports wireless charging according to Nothing Support.
✓Officially offered with 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB configurations.
✓Includes New Glyph Interface and New Essential Search as key official product features.
Nothing Phone 3 — Cons
✕Listed launch price is $799, higher than Phone (4a) Pro's $499 entry configuration.
✕Measures 8.99mm thick and weighs 218g according to Nothing Support, bulkier than Phone (4a) Pro's slimmer 7.95mm depth and lighter 210g weight.
✕Runs Nothing OS 3.3 based on Android 15 according to Nothing Support, an older generation than Phone (4a) Pro's Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16.
✕Color options are limited to White and Black on the checked US product page.
✕The flagship positioning may be unnecessary if you mainly want a cheaper Nothing phone with long zoom.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro — Pros
✓Starts at $499 officially for 8GB + 128GB, with a checked US sale price of $419 in June 2026.
✓Offers a 12GB + 256GB configuration listed at $599, with a checked sale price of $509.
✓Nothing officially highlights 140x ultra zoom, which gives it a clearer long-zoom story than Phone 3.
✓Runs Nothing OS 4.1 with Android 16 according to Nothing Support.
✓Official dimensions and weight are clearly listed: 163.66 x 76.62 x 7.95mm and 210g.
✓Includes Silver, Black, and Pink color options on the official US product page.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro — Cons
✕IP65 protection is behind Phone 3's IP68 rating.
✕Three-camera system is less comprehensive than Phone 3's four 50MP camera system.
✕Wireless charging is not confirmed for Phone 4a Pro on the checked official product and support pages.
✕Battery capacity is 5000mAh according to Nothing Support, slightly smaller than Nothing Phone 3's 5150mAh battery.
✕The highest listed configuration is 12GB + 256GB, while Phone 3 is officially offered up to 16GB + 512GB.
Where it shines
✦Use the New Glyph Interface for visual alerts, status cues, and a more distinct Nothing experience.
✦Search across the phone faster with New Essential Search.
✦Take wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, and selfie photos with a four 50MP camera system.
✦Record travel, social, and daily clips with the rear camera recording indicator light available in camera settings.
✦Rely on IP68 protection when dust and water resistance matter more than price.
✦Charge on compatible wireless chargers instead of depending only on a cable.
✦Choose the 16GB + 512GB configuration if you want the higher official memory and storage option.
✦Buy the stronger Nothing model when the US sale price narrows the gap against Phone 4a Pro.
Where it shines
✦Use 140x ultra zoom for distant subjects when zoom reach matters more than flagship extras.
✦Take everyday photos with the three-camera system with Sony sensor.
✦Use Essential Space and Essential AI tools for notes, summaries, and quick capture workflows.
✦Carry a slimmer 7.95mm phone with official dimensions listed by Nothing Support.
✦Pick the lower-priced 8GB + 128GB configuration when Phone (3) feels too expensive.
✦Use IP65 dust and water resistance for everyday splash protection.
✦Sync and charge over USB-C with the included Type-C cable.
✦Choose Silver, Black, or Pink if you prefer Phone 4a Pro's broader color set.
⚖️
Our Verdict
Nothing Phone 3 is the better choice if you want the stronger overall Nothing phone, especially because it has IP68 protection, wireless charging, a four 50MP camera system, higher memory and storage options, and a current US sale price that brings it close to Phone 4a Pro. Nothing Phone 4a Pro is the better choice if price and zoom matter more: it starts lower, offers a 140x ultra zoom claim, has a clearly listed 210g weight and 7.95mm thickness, and still includes Nothing OS with Essential AI tools. Phone 3 is the safer pick for durability, flagship features, and long-term headroom. Phone 4a Pro is the more practical pick if you want a cheaper Nothing phone with a distinctive camera story. Choose Phone 3 unless the lower Phone 4a Pro price or 140x zoom is your main reason to buy.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Nothing Phone 3 if...
→You want the stronger overall Nothing phone.
→You want IP68 protection instead of IP65.
→You want wireless charging.
→You want the four 50MP camera system.
→You want the 16GB + 512GB configuration option.
→You prefer White or Black.
→You want New Glyph Interface and New Essential Search.
→You can buy it near the checked $599 US sale price.
Choose Nothing Phone 4a Pro if...
→You want the cheaper Nothing phone.
→You want the 140x ultra zoom feature.
→You are happy with IP65 instead of IP68.
→You prefer Silver, Black, or Pink.
→You want Nothing OS 4.1 with Android 16 rather than Nothing OS 3.3 with Android 15.
→You want Nothing OS 4.1 with Android 16 listed by support.
→You do not need wireless charging.
→You are buying the 8GB + 128GB model to keep the price low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Nothing Phone 3 better than Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: Yes for most buyers who want the stronger overall phone. Nothing Phone 3 has IP68 protection, wireless charging, a four 50MP camera system, and higher memory and storage options. Phone 4a Pro is better if you want a lower price and 140x ultra zoom.
Q: What is the main difference between Nothing Phone 3 and Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: The main difference is positioning. Phone 3 is the higher-end model with stronger durability and wireless charging, while Phone 4a Pro is the cheaper model built around long zoom and Essential AI tools.
Q: Which phone is cheaper, Nothing Phone 3 or Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: Nothing Phone 4a Pro is cheaper at its official entry price. The checked US Store showed Phone 4a Pro from $499 listed, while Phone 3 was listed from $799, with sale prices changing the gap.
Q: Which has better water resistance, Nothing Phone 3 or Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: Nothing Phone 3 has better water and dust resistance. It is rated IP68, while Phone 4a Pro is rated IP65.
Q: Does Nothing Phone 3 have wireless charging compared with Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: Nothing Support says Phone 3 supports wireless charging. Wireless charging was not confirmed for Phone 4a Pro in the checked official product and support pages.
Q: Which has better cameras, Nothing Phone 3 or Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: Phone 3 has the broader official camera wording with a four 50MP camera system. Phone 4a Pro has the clearer zoom story because Nothing highlights up to 140x ultra zoom and a three-camera system with Sony sensor.
Q: Is Nothing Phone 4a Pro worth buying over Nothing Phone 3?
A: Yes if you want the lower price, 140x zoom, and the Silver or Pink color options. No if you want IP68, wireless charging, and the higher memory/storage configuration.
Q: Which phone has more RAM and storage options?
A: Nothing Phone 3 has the higher listed option: 16GB + 512GB. Phone 4a Pro is listed with 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations.
Q: Which should I buy in 2026, Nothing Phone 3 or Nothing Phone 4a Pro?
A: Buy Nothing Phone 3 if durability, wireless charging, and overall capability matter most. Buy Nothing Phone 4a Pro if you want a cheaper Nothing phone with 140x zoom and Essential AI tools.
Q: Does Nothing Phone 4a Pro have better zoom than Nothing Phone 3?
A: Phone 4a Pro has the stronger official zoom claim. Nothing lists up to 140x ultra zoom, while the checked Phone 3 US page does not make the same zoom claim in its main product text.
Sources & References
Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.
- ↗Nothing US Phone 3 Official Product Page
- ↗https://us.nothing.tech/products/phone-3 Nothing US Phone (4a) Pro Official Product Page
- ↗Nothing US Phones Collection / Official Pricing Page
- ↗Nothing Support — Phone 4a Pro Product Feature
- ↗Nothing Support — What are the dimensions / weight of Phone 4a Pro
- ↗Nothing Support — What operating system does Phone 4a Pro use?
- ↗Nothing Support — Phone 3 Product Feature
- ↗Nothing Support — Phone 3 battery capacity and charging
- ↗Nothing Support — Nothing Phone 3 Operating system
- ↗Nothing Support — Nothing Phone 3 Dimensions and weight
- ↗Nothing Support — Nothing Phone 3 Screen specifications
Last verified: June 2026
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