Nothing Phone (4b) vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro Comparison

If you're planning to buy a new Nothing smartphone, the Nothing Phone (4b) and Nothing Phone 3a Pro are two compelling options in the mid-range segment. While both devices share Nothing's distinctive design language, AMOLED displays, and clean software experience, they target different users.

The Nothing Phone (4b) focuses on delivering excellent battery life, the latest Android version, and an affordable package. In contrast, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is built for users who want stronger performance, flagship-inspired cameras, more RAM and storage, and premium features without paying flagship prices.

In this detailed comparison, we'll compare every important aspect to help you decide which Nothing smartphone offers the better overall value.

Design and Build Quality

Both smartphones feature premium-looking designs with glass backs and Nothing's signature minimalist aesthetic. They also carry an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

The Nothing Phone (4b) uses Dragontail Pro Glass protection with a plastic frame, while the Nothing Phone 3a Pro upgrades to an aluminum frame for a more premium in-hand feel. The dimensions are very similar, although the Nothing Phone 3a Pro has a slightly slimmer profile.

Overall, both phones feel well built, but the premium frame gives the 3a Pro a slight advantage.

Design Winner: Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Its aluminum frame and premium finish make it feel more refined.

Display Comparison

Both devices feature large 6.77-inch AMOLED displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates, making them excellent for multimedia, gaming, and everyday use.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 6.77-inch Super AMOLED display

• 1080 × 2344 resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• 2000 nits peak brightness

• 381 PPI

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

• 6.77-inch AMOLED display

• 1080 × 2392 resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• 3000 nits peak brightness

• 387 PPI

Although both displays offer similar sizes and refresh rates, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro delivers higher brightness and a slightly sharper panel, improving outdoor visibility and content consumption.

Display Winner: Nothing Phone 3a Pro

The brighter display and improved clarity provide a better viewing experience.

Performance Comparison

Performance is another area where the Nothing Phone 3a Pro pulls ahead.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4

• 4nm fabrication process

• AnTuTu Score: 701,545

• 8GB LPDDR4X RAM

• 128GB UFS 2.2 storage

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

• 4nm fabrication process

• AnTuTu Score: 800,000

• 12GB LPDDR4X RAM

• 256GB UFS 2.2 storage

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers noticeably better gaming performance, smoother multitasking, and improved sustained performance. The additional RAM and storage further improve the user experience for power users.

Performance Winner: Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Its faster chipset and larger memory configuration make it the stronger performer.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is one of the biggest differences between these smartphones.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 50MP + 8MP dual rear camera

• 16MP front camera

• OIS support

• 4K video recording

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

• 50MP + 50MP + 8MP triple rear camera

• Periscope-style zoom capabilities

• Samsung GNJ camera sensor

• 50MP selfie camera

• 3x optical zoom

• Up to 60x digital zoom

• 4K video recording

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is clearly designed for photography enthusiasts. It adds a dedicated telephoto camera, dramatically improves selfie quality with a 50MP front camera, and offers significantly better zoom performance.

Camera Winner: Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Its advanced camera hardware makes it the superior choice for photography and videography.

Battery and Charging

The Nothing Phone (4b) offers a larger battery, while the Nothing Phone 3a Pro charges much faster.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 6000mAh battery

• 33W fast charging

• Reverse charging

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

• 5000mAh battery

• 50W fast charging

• Reverse charging

If battery backup is your highest priority, the Nothing Phone (4b) has the advantage thanks to its larger 6000mAh battery. However, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro can recharge considerably faster with its 50W charging support.

Battery Winner: Nothing Phone (4b)

Its larger battery offers longer screen-on time for heavy users.

Software Experience

Both phones provide Nothing's clean, minimalist software experience.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• Android 16

• Nothing OS 4.1

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

• Android 15

• Nothing OS 3.1

The Nothing Phone (4b) launches with the newer Android version and updated Nothing OS, making it better positioned for future software support.

Software Winner: Nothing Phone (4b)

Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.1 provide the latest features and longer update potential.

Connectivity Comparison

Both smartphones include essential flagship connectivity features such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 5G

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 6

• USB Type-C

• Reverse charging

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

• 5G

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 5.4

• USB Type-C

• NFC

• Reverse charging

While the Nothing Phone (4b) features Bluetooth 6, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro includes NFC, making it more practical for contactless payments and smart accessories.

Connectivity Winner: Nothing Phone 3a Pro

NFC support gives it a useful everyday advantage.

Pros and Cons

Nothing Phone (4b)

Pros

• Large 6000mAh battery

• Android 16 out of the box

• Nothing OS 4.1

• Bright 2000-nit AMOLED display

• Bluetooth 6 support

• Reverse charging

• Clean and lightweight software experience

Cons

• Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is less powerful

• No NFC

• Slower 33W charging

• Dual rear camera system

• Smaller RAM and storage options

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Pros

• Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor

• 12GB RAM and 256GB storage

• Premium aluminum frame

• Brighter 3000-nit AMOLED display

• Triple rear cameras

• Periscope zoom camera

• 50MP selfie camera

• Faster 50W charging

• NFC support

• Better overall camera performance

Cons

• Smaller 5000mAh battery

• Ships with Android 15

• Bluetooth 5.4 instead of Bluetooth 6

Which Phone Should You Buy?

Choose the Nothing Phone (4b) if your priorities are longer battery life, the latest Android version, and a clean software experience at a competitive price.

Choose the Nothing Phone 3a Pro if you want stronger performance, significantly better cameras, more RAM, larger storage, faster charging, NFC support, and a more premium overall smartphone.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the better overall smartphone in this comparison. It delivers stronger performance with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, a brighter AMOLED display, a more capable triple-camera system with advanced zoom capabilities, a premium aluminum frame, NFC support, and higher RAM and storage configurations. These upgrades make it a more complete smartphone for gaming, photography, multitasking, and everyday use.

The Nothing Phone (4b) remains a solid choice for users who value excellent battery life and the latest Android software. However, when considering overall performance, camera quality, premium features, and long-term value, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the clear winner and the recommended option for most buyers.