Smartphones
Nothing Phone 3 vs Pixel 9a
Nothing Phone 3 and Pixel 9a are Android phones built for very different buyers. Nothing goes bigger, bolder, and more hardware-heavy, while Pixel 9a focuses on price, camera software, Google AI, and long-term updates. This comparison looks at performance, cameras, battery, display, software, durability, and value.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Nothing
Nothing Phone 3
A bold Android phone built for expressive design, high-end hardware, Glyph Matrix controls, and creator-friendly cameras.
VS
Pixel 9a
A value-focused Pixel phone built for Google AI, reliable cameras, long updates, and everyday Android use.
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Specifications
Pros & Cons
Nothing Phone 3 — Pros
✓Stronger hardware positioning than Pixel 9a
✓Four 50MP cameras total (three rear, one front)
✓Larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display
✓Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is better suited to heavier gaming and multitasking
✓65W wired charging is much faster than Pixel 9a
✓More distinctive design with Glyph Matrix
Nothing Phone 3 — Cons
✕Higher standard official price than Pixel 9a
✕Larger and heavier phone body
✕Nothing's camera software is less proven than Google's Pixel processing
✕Fewer years of OS updates than Pixel 9a
✕Glyph Matrix may feel unnecessary if you prefer a clean, simple phone
Pixel 9a — Pros
✓Much lower official starting price
✓Seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
✓Google Tensor G4 and Gemini features are tightly integrated
✓Smaller and lighter than Nothing Phone 3
✓IP68 dust and water resistance
✓Strong Pixel camera software for everyday photos
Pixel 9a — Cons
✕Less powerful hardware positioning than Nothing Phone 3
✕Only 8GB RAM
✕Dual rear camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto camera
✕Slower charging than Nothing Phone 3
✕Design is more conventional and less distinctive
Best used for
✦Use Glyph Matrix for glanceable alerts, timers, and playful back-panel interactions
✦Shoot with four 50MP cameras across rear and front camera workflows
✦Play demanding Android games with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 performance
✦Edit photos, videos, and social content on a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display
✦Use Essential Search and Nothing OS tools for fast on-device organization
✦Charge faster with 65W wired charging when you're short on time
✦Pick a phone that looks different from standard Samsung, Apple, or Google designs
Best used for
✦Take quick point-and-shoot photos with Google's Pixel camera processing
✦Use Gemini, Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Call Assist features
✦Keep a phone for years with seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
✦Travel with IP68 dust and water resistance in a smaller phone body
✦Use wireless charging without paying flagship-phone prices
✦Buy a clean Android phone at a lower official starting price
✦Capture 4K video from both rear and front cameras
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Our Verdict
Nothing Phone 3 is usually the better fit for buyers who want a louder phone — bigger screen, stronger hardware, faster charging, four 50MP cameras, and a design that actually feels different. It's the more exciting device. Pixel 9a is usually the better fit for most practical buyers. It costs far less, has Google's Pixel camera software, includes Gemini features, supports wireless charging, carries IP68 protection, and gets seven years of updates. That matters. Pick Nothing Phone 3 if you want performance, personality, and hardware flair. Pick Pixel 9a if you want the smarter long-term Android buy at a much lower price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Nothing Phone 3 if...
→You want a phone that doesn't look like every other Android slab
→You care about stronger gaming and multitasking performance
→You'll actually use Glyph Matrix for alerts, timers, and quick interactions
→You want more camera hardware, including a 50MP front camera
→You don't mind paying more for design and speed
→You're comfortable choosing a newer phone brand over Google's Pixel line
Choose Pixel 9a if...
→You want the better value phone
→You don't need flagship-style hardware to get a great Android experience
→You care about Pixel camera processing more than camera count
→You want seven years of software and security updates
→You prefer a smaller, lighter phone
→You're buying for reliability, price, and Google AI features
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Nothing Phone 3 or Pixel 9a better?
A: Pixel 9a is the better buy for most people because it costs much less and still covers camera quality, Google AI, IP68 durability, wireless charging, and seven years of updates. Nothing Phone 3 is better if you want bolder hardware and design.
Q: What's the main difference between Nothing Phone 3 and Pixel 9a?
A: Nothing Phone 3 is a more expensive, hardware-focused Android phone with a larger display, faster charging, stronger processor, and Glyph Matrix. Pixel 9a is a cheaper Google phone built around camera software, AI features, and long-term support.
Q: Which phone is cheaper?
A: Pixel 9a is cheaper. Google lists Pixel 9a from $499, while Nothing Phone 3 has a standard official US price of $799, with a $599 promotional price shown when checked.
Q: Which has the better camera?
A: Pixel 9a is safer for point-and-shoot photos because Google's camera processing is excellent. Nothing Phone 3 has more camera hardware, including four 50MP cameras total, so it's more flexible if you like experimenting.
Q: Which is better for video?
A: Nothing Phone 3 is stronger on hardware, especially with its 50MP front camera and creator-focused positioning. Pixel 9a still records 4K video and is easier to trust for consistent everyday clips.
Q: Which has better battery life?
A: Both list large batteries around 5,100 mAh. Pixel 9a lists 30+ hour battery life, while Nothing Phone 3 lists a 5,150 mAh battery for the international model. Real-world results will depend on brightness, gaming, camera use, and network conditions.
Q: Which charges faster?
A: Nothing Phone 3 charges faster. It supports 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, while Pixel 9a supports fast wired charging and Qi-certified wireless charging but does not match Nothing's listed wired charging speed.
Q: Which phone gets updates for longer?
A: Pixel 9a has the stronger update policy. Google lists seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. Nothing Phone 3 lists five years of Android updates and seven years of security updates.
Q: Which is better for gaming?
A: Nothing Phone 3 is the better gaming pick. Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, more RAM options, and the larger 120Hz display make it better suited to demanding games than Pixel 9a.
Q: Which is better for everyday use?
A: Pixel 9a is better for everyday use if you want a lighter phone, lower price, strong camera software, and long support. Nothing Phone 3 is better if you want the phone to feel more powerful and unusual.
Q: Is Nothing Phone 3 worth more than Pixel 9a?
A: It's worth paying more only if you care about the design, Glyph Matrix, faster charging, larger screen, and stronger hardware. If you just want a dependable Android phone, Pixel 9a is the smarter purchase.
Q: Do both phones have IP68 water resistance?
A: Yes. Both phones list IP68 dust and water resistance. That does not make either phone waterproof forever, but it gives both stronger protection than many cheaper Android phones.
Q: Which phone is better for long-term ownership?
A: Pixel 9a is the better long-term ownership pick because of its lower price and seven-year update promise. Nothing Phone 3 still has a strong policy, but Pixel's update commitment is better.
Sources & References
Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.
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