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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Buy the Nothing Phone (4a) if you want its sharper display, newer Snapdragon generation and longer optical zoom. Choose the Phone (3a) if it costs substantially less where you live: it still offers a 120Hz display, a 2x optical telephoto camera and 50W wired charging. The 4a’s battery and charging specifications are only slightly different, so they do not make it an obvious endurance upgrade.
At a glance: Phone (4a) vs Phone (3a)
| Feature | Nothing Phone (4a) | Nothing Phone (3a) | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2720 × 1224, 120Hz, according to TechRadar | 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED, 1080 × 2392, adaptive 120Hz, according to Nothing Europe | The 4a has the higher stated resolution; that alone does not establish which screen looks better in every respect. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | The 4a uses the newer generation. The cited sources do not provide a direct benchmark establishing a real-world speed difference. |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 50MP periscope telephoto; 3.5x optical zoom and up to 70x advertised ultra zoom | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto; 2x optical zoom, 4x in-sensor/lossless zoom and up to 30x advertised zoom | The 4a offers longer optical reach. T3 notes its telephoto aperture is f/2.88, compared with f/2.0 on the 3a, a relevant consideration in low light. |
| Battery and wired charging | 5,080mAh; 50W | 5,000mAh; 50W | Published capacities are close and both list the same wired charging rate. No cited head-to-head battery test establishes a winner. |
Specifications are drawn from Nothing’s Phone (4a) UK product page, its Phone (3a) product page, and reporting by T3 and TechRadar. Camera zoom labels describe different capabilities: optical zoom is not the same as digital or in-sensor zoom, and a higher advertised maximum does not guarantee useful detail at that distance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Google Pixel 10a - 30+ Hours Battery, Camera Coach, Gemini - Obsidian 128GB | Gemini Live, durable... | $594.48 | Buy on Amazon |
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What changes most between the generations?
The 4a’s display has more pixels
Both phones are around 6.8 inches and list 120Hz refresh rates. The 4a’s stated 2720 × 1224 resolution is higher than the 3a’s 1080 × 2392. That makes the 4a the straightforward choice if resolution is the priority, but the figures do not by themselves establish brightness, color accuracy or overall subjective screen quality.
The processor is newer, but the performance gap is not quantified
Nothing lists the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 in the 4a and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the 3a. This is a generation change, not evidence on its own of a specific improvement in gaming, app loading or battery efficiency. The available material does not establish a controlled, direct performance comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
The 4a reaches farther optically
The key camera hardware distinction is the 4a’s 3.5x optical periscope zoom versus the 3a’s 2x optical telephoto. Nothing advertises up to 70x ultra zoom for the 4a, but that is a manufacturer claim about the maximum zoom mode, not a promise of usable detail at 70x. The 3a also lists 4x in-sensor/lossless zoom and up to 30x advertised zoom.
Longer reach is not an across-the-board guarantee of better photos. T3 reports an f/2.88 aperture for the 4a telephoto lens and f/2.0 for the 3a’s telephoto, so the aperture figures are a caveat when considering low-light use. TechRadar’s camera observations are one reviewer’s experience, not a controlled comparison of both phones.
Battery and charging are nearly unchanged on paper
The 4a is listed with a 5,080mAh battery and 50W wired charging; the 3a has 5,000mAh and the same 50W charging rating. The small stated capacity difference does not establish longer day-to-day battery life, and the cited sources contain no direct battery test between the two models.
Should you buy the Phone (4a), or save on the Phone (3a)?
Choose the Phone (4a) if its upgrades matter to you
- You want the higher stated display resolution.
- You prefer the newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 generation, without assuming a particular speed gain unsupported by a direct comparison.
- You expect to use a telephoto camera and value the 3.5x optical reach over the 3a’s 2x.
- The local price difference is acceptable for those changes.
Choose the Phone (3a) if the discount is meaningful
- You are comfortable with FHD+ resolution and 2x optical zoom.
- You can buy it for notably less than the 4a in the same market and a comparable memory configuration.
- You want the published 5,000mAh battery and 50W wired charging; the successor’s corresponding specifications are close.
How to compare prices without relying on launch figures
Prices below are historical or dated snapshots, not a live quote or a like-for-like current street-price comparison. Configurations and availability vary by country.
| Price evidence | Reported amount | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Phone (4a), UK launch | £349–£399 | T3 reported these UK launch tiers in its April 15, 2026 review. TechRadar reported a £349 starting price at launch. These are launch reports, not current prices. |
| Phone (4a), EU launch | €349–€429 | T3 reported launch tiers of €349, €389 and €429. Market and memory configuration matter. |
| Phone (4a), Nothing UK page snapshot | £379 | Nothing’s UK product page showed this amount for a selected 8+128GB configuration when accessed in October 2026; it may reflect a selected variant or live offer. |
| Phone (3a), UK launch | From £329 | TechRadar reported this starting price in March 2025. A current price or availability was not confirmed in the cited material. |
Before buying, compare the final price for the exact memory tier, including any discount and delivery charge, on the store serving your country. The cited figures show why launch prices and a product-page snapshot should not be treated as a current, universal price gap.
Quick Recap
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.
