Nothing Phone (3a) vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – Which One Is Right for You in NZ?

The latest smartphones from London-based tech brand Nothing have officially landed in New Zealand — and they're already turning heads. With minimalist designs, powerful performance, and unique features like the Glyph Interface, both the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro are compelling options. But with different price points and camera hardware, which model offers better value for Kiwi buyers?

Let’s compare the two and help you decide which Nothing phone to buy in NZ.

---

? Design & Build: Premium Feel, Futuristic Aesthetic

Both models boast a sleek, transparent design that’s become Nothing’s signature. The Nothing Phone (3a) and 3a Pro share the exact same size (163.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm), but the Pro is slightly heavier at 211g due to its advanced camera module.

The 3a Pro stands out with its upgraded materials — precision-machined aluminum and a bolder look on the rear camera island. You’ll also enjoy the Glyph Interface, which offers customisable LED patterns for calls, notifications, and music.

Verdict: Both look and feel premium, but the Pro offers a more refined and feature-rich design.

---

? Price in New Zealand

Here’s how the pricing compares at Parallel Imported NZ:

Model	Storage	RAM	Price
Nothing Phone (3a)	128GB	8GB	$699 NZD
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro	256GB	12GB	$999 NZD (RRP $1325)

Verdict: The 3a is more affordable, but the 3a Pro justifies its price with pro-level features.

---

? Camera: Pro-Level Imaging on the 3a Pro

This is where the 3a Pro really pulls ahead.

Nothing Phone (3a) Camera Setup:

• 50MP Main Camera (Samsung GN9 sensor, OIS)
• 50MP 2x Telephoto (EIS only)
• 8MP Ultra-Wide
• 32MP Selfie Camera

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro Camera Setup:

• 50MP Main Camera (Sony 1/1.56" sensor, OIS, Dual Pixel AF)
• 50MP Periscope Telephoto (3x Optical, 60x Ultra Zoom, OIS)
• 8MP Ultra-Wide
• 50MP Selfie Camera (4K video, AI stabilization)

The Pro supports TrueLens Engine 3, Ultra XDR, and advanced computational photography — capturing richer contrasts and better low-light shots.

Verdict: If camera quality is your priority, the 3a Pro is the clear winner.

---

? Battery & Charging

Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery and support 50W fast charging. However, the 3a Pro includes reverse wired charging (7.5W) and more power-efficient performance.

Battery Life Estimates (3a Pro):

• 26 hrs of YouTube
• 11 hrs of PUBG
• 45 hrs of voice calls

Verdict: Battery life is excellent on both, but the 3a Pro offers more versatility.

---

⚙️ Performance & Storage

Both phones use the efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process. You’ll get smooth performance, even in multitasking and gaming.

Nothing Phone (3a):

• 128GB storage / 8GB RAM
• No RAM booster or high-speed storage enhancements

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro:

• 256GB storage / 12GB RAM
• RAM Booster up to 20GB
• Faster UFS storage + advanced cooling

Verdict: The Pro is the better choice for power users or gamers.

---

? Display: Pro-Level Peak Brightness

Both phones offer a 6.77” AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1080 x 2392 resolution.

However, the 3a Pro pushes the boundary with:

• 3000 nits peak brightness
• 1000Hz touch sampling rate (ideal for gaming)
• 1.07 billion colors for ultra-vivid visuals

Verdict: If display clarity and brightness matter to you (especially outdoors), go Pro.

---

? Software & Features

The 3a and 3a Pro both run Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, with:

• 3 years of Android updates
• 6 years of security patches
• ChatGPT voice integration
• Essential Space AI content organizer

The Pro adds deeper customisation, smoother UI transitions, and better haptics.

Verdict: Both offer a clean, ad-free Android experience with long-term support.

---

? Sustainability

Both devices are built with eco-conscious materials, but the 3a Pro leads the way:

• 100% recycled aluminum mid-frame
• 85% recycled steel parts
• 60% recycled fiber packaging
• Carbon footprint: only 51.3 KG CO₂e

Verdict: Both are better for the planet, with the Pro going the extra mile.

---

? Where to Buy in NZ

You can purchase both models directly from Parallel Imported, New Zealand’s trusted mobile phone retailer:

? Buy Nothing Phone (3a) – $699 NZD

? Buy Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – $999 NZD (RRP $1325)

Enjoy fast shipping, click & collect in Auckland, and flexible payment options like Zip and Afterpay.

---

? Final Verdict: Which Nothing Phone Is Best for You?

Feature	Nothing Phone (3a)	Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Price	✅ Budget-friendly	❌ Higher upfront cost
Camera	❌ Basic telephoto, solid main	✅ Pro-level zoom, better main & selfie
Display	✅ 120Hz AMOLED	✅ Brighter, better colour accuracy
Performance	✅ Great for daily use	✅ Faster, better cooling & storage
Battery	✅ Long-lasting	✅ Longer life + reverse charging
Design	✅ Sleek	✅ Premium + Glyph Interface
Sustainability	♻️ Good	♻️ Excellent

Choose the Nothing Phone (3a) if you want a sleek, capable phone under $700 NZD.

Go for the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro if you value camera performance, display quality, and future-proof features.

---

Need Help Deciding?

Contact our NZ-based support team at ? 0800 20 20 91 or visit our Mobile Phones Collection.