Nothing Phone (4a) is the stronger spec-sheet choice if you want a sharper display and dedicated periscope zoom. Phone (3a) may be the better buy if you find it substantially cheaper in your market. There is no single reliable price gap: prices vary by country, configuration, stock and whether a figure is a launch price or a current listing.
Phone (3a) vs Phone (4a): key differences
| Category | Nothing Phone (4a) | Nothing Phone (3a) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2720 × 1224 resolution and 120Hz, as listed in TechRadar’s 2026 review. | TechRadar describes the display as Full HD+. The official product page reviewed did not provide a full specification table. Source |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, according to TechRadar’s 2026 review. | A directly comparable processor specification was not established in the sources available for this comparison. |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide and 50MP periscope telephoto. The review reports 3.5× optical zoom and up to 70× ultra zoom, while noting that image quality was less impressive than other aspects. | Nothing describes the Phone (3a) camera as an “Elite camera system”; that is a manufacturer marketing phrase, not a comparative camera test. Source |
| Front camera | 32MP, according to TechRadar’s 2026 review. | A directly comparable specification was not established in the sources available for this comparison. |
| Battery and charging | 5,080mAh battery, 50W wired charging and no wireless charging, according to TechRadar’s 2026 review. | Nothing’s page claims a “2-day battery”; it is not a directly comparable test result. Source |
| Software and support | TechRadar says its tested launch software was Android 16 with Nothing OS 4.1, and reports three years of OS updates and six years of security updates. | Current software version and matching support terms were not verified in the sources available for this comparison. Source |
The comparison is strongest on the Phone (4a) specifications and its display-resolution step up from the Phone (3a)’s Full HD+ panel. The available evidence does not support a complete Phone (3a) spec sheet or a controlled head-to-head test of performance, cameras or battery life.
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What changes matter in everyday use?
Display: more detail on the Phone (4a)
The Phone (4a)’s 2720 × 1224 resolution is a clear increase over the Phone (3a)’s Full HD+ display description. Both are discussed as 120Hz-class experiences only where established: TechRadar lists 120Hz for the Phone (4a), but the available comparison sources do not establish the Phone (3a)’s full panel specifications. The higher resolution should matter most if you value fine text and image detail; it does not, by itself, prove better brightness, color or outdoor visibility. TechRadar’s Phone (4a) review
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Performance: a newer listed chip, not a proven speed margin
TechRadar lists the Phone (4a) with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and reports that everyday multitasking, video and most games ran smoothly in its review. It also says demanding games may require compromises. Without a verified Phone (3a) processor comparison or controlled benchmark results, there is no defensible percentage by which the 4a is faster. Treat the newer chip as a generation/specification advantage, not proof that every app will feel dramatically quicker. TechRadar’s review
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Cameras: the 4a adds dedicated optical zoom
The Phone (4a)’s 50MP periscope telephoto camera is its most distinct camera hardware change in the documented comparison. TechRadar reports 3.5× optical zoom and up to 70× ultra zoom. Optical zoom is the more useful distinction: it uses the telephoto camera’s optics, while very high zoom figures should not be read as a promise of equivalent detail or quality. TechRadar’s reviewer found image quality less impressive than other parts of the phone, so the zoom range alone does not establish that the 4a takes better photos in every situation. The sources do not provide a direct camera shootout against the 3a. TechRadar’s review
Battery: compare measured use, not a slogan
TechRadar lists the Phone (4a) at 5,080mAh with 50W wired charging and no wireless charging. Nothing’s Phone (3a) product page uses the phrase “2-day battery,” but neither that claim nor the 4a’s capacity establishes which phone lasts longer in comparable real-world use. No directly comparable battery test was available for this comparison. Nothing Phone (3a) product page
Rank #2
- [Applicable phone models]for Nothing Phone 4a/4a Pro
- [Highly Transparent]This kind of screen protector is 99% High Definition Clarity, 99% light transmittance, keeps the brightness and colorful image quality of your Nothing Phone 4a/4a Pro,High-response and high transparency,reaching a 2.5D arc edge
- [Perfect Protection]9H hardness tempered glass screen protector, stronger than ordinary film. It is strong enough to protect your phone from scratch,crush and break
- [Easy Installation]Dust-free, fingerprint-free, bubble-free, super easy one-touch installation,which offers hassle-free and easy installation, even you are an inexperienced user
- [Warranty Service] If you have any problems with your product, please contact us. We will solve the problem for you within 24 hours, we will provide you with a free replacement or refund.
Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) prices: compare like with like
Prices below are tied to their stated market and source context. Manufacturer-page figures are snapshots taken when the pages were accessed, not guaranteed current prices; launch prices are historical. Check current local listings for the same RAM and storage before deciding.
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| Model and configuration | Price shown or reported | What the figure means |
|---|---|---|
| Phone (4a), 8GB/128GB | £379 | UK official product-page snapshot; not a guaranteed current price. Nothing UK page |
| Phone (3a), 8GB/128GB | £299 | UK official product-page snapshot, marked sold out when accessed; it does not establish general availability at that price. Nothing UK page |
| Phone (4a), 8GB/128GB | £349 / AU$649 | TechRadar-reported launch prices. TechRadar, 5 March 2026 |
| Phone (4a), 8GB/256GB | £379 / AU$749 | TechRadar-reported launch prices. TechRadar, 5 March 2026 |
| Phone (4a), 12GB/256GB | £399 / AU$849 | TechRadar-reported launch prices. TechRadar, 5 March 2026 |
| Phone (3a), starting configuration | £329 / AU$599 | TechRadar-reported launch prices; the source gives a starting price rather than a complete configuration-by-configuration schedule. TechRadar, 5 March 2026 |
| Phone (4a), regional starting price | €399 | Nothing Austria collection listing; higher-priced variants were also shown. Nothing Austria collection |
| Phone (3a), regional starting price | €329 | Nothing Austria collection listing; compare matching configurations. Nothing Austria collection |
The UK official-page snapshots show a £80 difference between those particular 8GB/128GB listings, but the 3a page was marked sold out and the snapshots are not a dependable current, in-stock comparison. TechRadar’s launch schedule instead put the 4a 8GB/128GB at £349 and the 3a starting price at £329; those are launch figures, not a current retail quote. Regional prices and configurations differ, so neither comparison should be treated as a universal upgrade premium.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- [Compatibility] Designed for Nothing Phone 4a Pro for great protection. NOTE: Not for Nothing Phone 4a / 3 / 3a / 3a Pro. Designed with thoughtful 2.5D curved edges, compatible with most phone cases. Please kindly check your device model before purchasing
- [Easy Installation] Come with an easy installation tool. Allow you to align precisely and install the screen protector quickly without leaving any air bubbles
- [Premium Material] Built with 9H tempered glass. Highly protect the screen from unwanted scratches and abrasions
- [Ultra Clear & Highly Sensitive] Deliver a near-bare-screen viewing experience with crystal-clear clarity. Offer instant, accurate touch response for smooth swiping and touching
- [Anti-Fingerprint] The hydrophobic and oleophobic coating effectively prevents the residue of fingerprints, oil and watermark from gathering on the screen
Which phone should you choose?
- Choose Phone (4a) if the sharper listed display and dedicated periscope zoom are worth paying for, or if you specifically want its newer reported processor. Its high zoom ceiling is not a guarantee of top image quality at every magnification.
- Choose Phone (3a) if a verified, in-stock local offer makes it meaningfully cheaper and you do not need the Phone (4a)’s documented display-resolution and telephoto upgrades. Compare the same RAM and storage configuration where possible.
- Check software support before buying either if long-term updates are a deciding factor: the cited reporting gives Phone (4a) support terms, but matching current Phone (3a) terms were not established here.
How to compare the real price difference
- Choose your country and check the local Nothing store and reputable retailers; do not carry a UK or Austria price over to another market.
- Match RAM and storage, such as 8GB/128GB against 8GB/128GB, rather than comparing a base model with a higher-capacity variant.
- Confirm that both listings are in stock and note whether each price is a current offer, a manufacturer-page listing or a historical launch price.
- Compare the final price you can actually pay, including any required shipping or retailer charges, and then weigh the savings against the 4a’s documented display and zoom changes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
