The Nothing Phone (4a) is the stronger pick if you want a higher-resolution display, a newer processor generation and longer optical zoom. The Phone (3a) may be the smarter buy if it costs substantially less locally: its 2x optical telephoto, 120Hz display and 50W charging remain capable specifications. Battery capacity and wired charging changed little, so the 4a is not a clear endurance upgrade.
Nothing Phone (4a) vs Phone (3a): specifications at a glance
| Feature | Nothing Phone (4a) | Nothing Phone (3a) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2720 × 1224, 120Hz, according to TechRadar’s review | 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED, 1080 × 2392, adaptive 120Hz, according to Nothing’s EU specifications |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide and 50MP periscope telephoto; 3.5x optical zoom | 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide and 50MP telephoto; 2x optical zoom and 4x in-sensor/lossless zoom |
| Battery and wired charging | 5,080mAh; 50W | 5,000mAh; 50W |
| UK launch price | £349–£399 across configurations, as reported by T3 in April 2026 | From £329 at launch in March 2025, as reported by TechRadar |
Specifications are drawn from T3’s Phone (4a) review, TechRadar’s Phone (4a) review, Nothing’s EU Phone (3a) specifications and Nothing’s Phone (3a) product page. Prices are historical UK launch figures, not a current like-for-like deal comparison.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Google Pixel 10a - 30+ Hours Battery, Camera Coach, Gemini - Obsidian 128GB | $524.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What is meaningfully different?
The Phone (4a) screen has more pixels
Both phones have displays close to 6.8 inches and support refresh rates up to 120Hz. The 4a’s stated 2720 × 1224 resolution is higher than the 3a’s 1080 × 2392. That is a specification advantage, but resolution alone does not establish which display looks better in everyday use; brightness, calibration and personal preference also matter.
The Phone (4a) uses a newer chip generation
The 4a moves from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the 3a to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. This confirms a newer processor generation, but the available sources do not provide a controlled head-to-head benchmark that establishes a real-world speed advantage. Don’t treat the generation number as a measured performance result.
#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 Phone (4a) reaches farther with optical zoom
The headline camera change is the 4a’s 3.5x optical periscope zoom compared with the 3a’s 2x optical telephoto. The 3a also lists 4x in-sensor or lossless zoom. Nothing advertises up to 70x “ultra zoom” for the 4a, while the 3a is listed with up to 30x zoom; these extended digital ranges should not be confused with optical zoom or a guarantee of usable fine detail.
Longer reach does not mean better photos in every situation. T3 notes the 4a telephoto lens has an f/2.88 aperture, compared with f/2.0 for the 3a telephoto. That is a relevant low-light consideration, but it does not by itself prove which phone takes better pictures overall. TechRadar’s observations about the 4a are one reviewer’s experience, not a controlled comparison against the 3a.
Battery and charging are close on paper
Nothing lists a 5,080mAh battery and 50W wired charging for the 4a, versus 5,000mAh and 50W for the 3a. The small capacity difference and matching rated charging speed do not establish longer battery life for the newer model; the sources cited here do not include a direct, controlled battery test of both phones.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy the Phone (4a), or save on the Phone (3a)?
Choose the Phone (4a) if
- You value the higher stated display resolution.
- You want the newer Snapdragon 7s processor generation, while understanding that a specific speed gain has not been established by a direct test.
- You expect to use the telephoto camera at distances where 3.5x optical reach is more useful than the 3a’s 2x.
- The 4a’s local price premium is acceptable for those specification differences.
Choose the Phone (3a) if
- It is meaningfully cheaper where you live.
- A 6.77-inch FHD+ display and 2x optical zoom meet your needs.
- You want to avoid paying extra for the 4a’s higher resolution, newer chip generation or longer optical reach.
- You are looking for a clear battery or wired-charging advantage: the published capacities and charging rates are close, not a reason on their own to prefer the successor.
How to compare prices fairly
Launch prices and current listings are different snapshots. TechRadar reported UK launch prices of £349 for the 4a and £329 for the 3a. T3 reported Phone (4a) launch configurations from £349 to £399 in the UK and €349 to €429 in the EU. When accessed in October 2026, Nothing’s UK Phone (4a) page showed £379 for a selected 8GB/128GB configuration. That selected listing is not necessarily the entry price or a like-for-like comparison with another memory tier.
Recommended Free Tools
Check the price in your country, for the same memory configuration, on the day you plan to buy. Nothing’s product listing can change, and the sources here do not establish a comparable current Phone (3a) price. You can check the Nothing UK Phone (4a) product page for its listing, but use a local retailer or Nothing listing for the 3a rather than assuming its launch price still applies.
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.
