In fact, for under $500, this is arguably the best phone available, especially for those who value a unique design, a capable camera setup, and a clean software experience. If you want a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a strong contender.

With their sub-$500 prices, I pit the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Pixel 8a in a 10-round photo shootout to see which is the better camera phone on a budget.

The Nothing Phone 3a is a good budget Android phone for anyone just looking for a large, responsive screen and killer battery life.

The camera specifications are middling on paper, but it's the cool-looking chassis and light-up backside that always gets us.

Another peculiar trait is that the Nothing Phone 3a Pro automatically adjusts its shooting at ISO 16,620. That’s extremely high, which I understand is needed to get a brighter picture, but this results in softer details all around. Despite this, the shots are still good in my opinion.

I am in love with the new Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. However, the thing Nothing wants me to love the most I could do without.

Nothing unveiled its 2025 mid-range phones, and the Phone 3a Pro and Phone 3a are all about camera features and an AI key.

With flashing lights, handy new AI-based tools and an approachable price, Nothing's new phones have a lot to offer. They make their debut at MWC 2025.

Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a unique-looking phone that brings an essential flagship feature to the sub-$500 category.

Nothing sticks to its transparent design with the new (3a) and (3a) Pro, adding a new button, better cameras, and a faster chip, but you'll still have to jump through some hoops to get either.

Nothing's Phone 3a Pro doesn't have iOS, but it does have a great camera and design — it also comes at a price that Apple's iPhone 16e can't beat.