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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Choose the Nothing Phone (4a) if its higher-resolution display and periscope zoom are worth the price in your market; consider the Phone (3a) if you find it substantially cheaper. The Phone (4a) is the newer model, but the available evidence does not establish one universal price gap or a controlled head-to-head performance, camera or battery-life advantage.
Phone (4a) vs Phone (3a): key differences
| Feature | Nothing Phone (4a) | Nothing Phone (3a) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2720 × 1224 resolution, 120Hz, according to TechRadar’s review. | TechRadar describes it as Full HD+; a complete matching panel specification was not established in the sources available. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, as listed by TechRadar. The reviewer found everyday multitasking, video and most games smooth, with possible compromises in demanding games. | A directly comparable processor specification and controlled performance test were not established. |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide and 50MP periscope telephoto, according to TechRadar. The reviewer reports 3.5× optical zoom and up to 70× Ultra Zoom, but found image quality less impressive than other aspects. | Nothing describes the camera as an “Elite camera system”; that is marketing language, not a comparative camera test. |
| Front camera | 32MP, according to TechRadar. | A directly comparable specification was not established in the sources available. |
| Battery and charging | 5,080mAh battery, 50W wired charging and no wireless charging, according to TechRadar. | Nothing advertises “2-day battery,” a manufacturer claim rather than a directly comparable test result. |
| Software and support | TechRadar reports 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 available sources. |
The display is the clearest generational change in the documented specifications: TechRadar identifies the Phone (3a) panel as Full HD+ and the Phone (4a) panel as 2720 × 1224. The Phone (4a)’s periscope telephoto also adds dedicated optical zoom hardware. Neither fact, by itself, proves that every photo or everyday task will be better; the available sources do not provide controlled, direct comparisons.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Google Pixel 10a - 30+ Hours Battery, Camera Coach, Gemini - Obsidian 128GB | $524.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How much more does the Phone (4a) cost?
There is no reliable single price difference to quote without specifying market, configuration, date and whether the figure is a launch price or a current listing. These are the documented examples:
| Price reference | Phone (4a) | Phone (3a) |
|---|---|---|
| UK official product-page snapshot | £379 for 8GB/128GB when accessed; a page snapshot, not a guaranteed current price. | £299 for 8GB/128GB when accessed, with the page marked sold out; this does not establish general availability at that price. |
| Austria official collection | Listed from €399; higher-priced variants also appeared. | Listed from €329; higher-priced variants also appeared. |
| TechRadar launch pricing, reported 5 March 2026 | £349 / AU$649 for 8GB/128GB; £379 / AU$749 for 8GB/256GB; £399 / AU$849 for 12GB/256GB. | Starting launch price of £329 / AU$599. |
The UK official-page figures are for matching 8GB/128GB configurations, but the Phone (3a) listing was sold out. The Austria figures are starting prices, not a comparison of identical configurations. Launch prices are historical rather than current offers. Before buying, compare the same RAM and storage configuration from sellers serving your country, and check stock and the final checkout price.
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#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]
Which phone should you buy?
Choose the Phone (4a) for display detail and optical zoom
The Phone (4a) is the more compelling choice if you want its documented 2720 × 1224 display or a dedicated periscope camera with 3.5× optical zoom. The reviewer’s assessment is a useful qualification: despite the zoom range, image quality was less impressive than other parts of the phone. Treat 70× Ultra Zoom as a maximum zoom claim, not a promise of detail comparable to optical zoom.
Choose the Phone (3a) when the local discount is substantial
The Phone (3a) may be the better value if it is actually in stock and meaningfully cheaper in the configuration you want. The available evidence does not support a complete spec-for-spec comparison or prove how much faster the Phone (4a) is in a controlled test, so base the decision on the features you can verify and the real price you can pay.
Do not decide on battery life or support claims alone
The Phone (4a)’s battery capacity and charging rate are specifications, not evidence of longer real-world battery life than the Phone (3a). Nothing’s “2-day battery” description for the 3a is a manufacturer claim, and no directly comparable battery test is established here. Likewise, TechRadar’s reported Phone (4a) update policy should be checked against Nothing’s current support information before treating it as a current commitment; equivalent Phone (3a) terms were not verified.
Verdict
The Phone (4a) is the stronger documented spec-sheet pick, especially for display resolution and optical zoom. The Phone (3a) can be the smarter purchase if a verified local listing makes it considerably cheaper. Check like-for-like prices and availability rather than assuming the launch-price difference or a sold-out listing tells you what the upgrade costs today.
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.
