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

If you're considering a new Nothing smartphone, the Nothing Phone (4b) and Nothing Phone 3a are two attractive options in the mid-range segment. Both phones feature Nothing's signature transparent-inspired design, AMOLED displays, clean software, and 5G connectivity. However, they are aimed at different users.

The Nothing Phone (4b) focuses on offering a larger battery and the latest Android version, while the Nothing Phone 3a delivers better overall performance, a more versatile camera system, premium features, and stronger value for money.

In this detailed comparison, we'll examine every major difference to help you decide which Nothing smartphone is the better choice.

Design and Build Quality

Both smartphones feature premium-looking glass backs with a modern design that follows Nothing's unique style. They also come with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance.

The Nothing Phone (4b) uses Dragontail Pro Glass protection and a slightly larger body due to its bigger battery, while the Nothing Phone 3a is thinner, lighter, and more comfortable to hold.

Both feel well built, but the Nothing Phone 3a offers a slightly more refined design for everyday use.

Design Winner: Tie

Both smartphones provide excellent build quality with only minor differences in materials and dimensions.

Display Comparison

The display experience is excellent on both devices, but the Nothing Phone 3a has a noticeable advantage.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 6.77-inch Super AMOLED display

• 1080 × 2344 resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• 2000 nits peak brightness

• 381 PPI

Nothing Phone 3a

• 6.77-inch AMOLED display

• 1080 × 2392 resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• 3000 nits peak brightness

• 387 PPI

Both phones offer smooth scrolling and vibrant colors, but the Nothing Phone 3a provides a brighter display and slightly higher pixel density, resulting in better outdoor visibility and sharper visuals.

Display Winner: Nothing Phone 3a

Its brighter display and improved clarity make it the better multimedia device.

Performance Comparison

Performance is one of the key strengths of the Nothing Phone 3a.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4

• 4nm fabrication process

• AnTuTu Score: 701,545

• LPDDR4X RAM

• UFS 2.2 storage

Nothing Phone 3a

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

• 4nm fabrication process

• AnTuTu Score: 790,126

• LPDDR4X RAM

• UFS 2.2 storage

While both phones easily handle everyday tasks, social media, streaming, and casual gaming, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 inside the Nothing Phone 3a offers higher benchmark scores and smoother performance during gaming and multitasking.

Performance Winner: Nothing Phone 3a

Its more powerful processor delivers a faster and more responsive experience.

Camera Comparison

Photography is where the Nothing Phone 3a pulls ahead.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 50MP + 8MP dual rear cameras

• 16MP front camera

• OIS support

• 4K video recording

Nothing Phone 3a

• 50MP + 50MP + 8MP triple rear cameras

• Dedicated telephoto lens

• 32MP selfie camera

• Samsung GN9 primary sensor

• 4K video recording

• 2x optical zoom and advanced portrait features

The Nothing Phone 3a offers a much more capable camera system thanks to its dedicated telephoto lens, higher-resolution selfie camera, and improved zoom capabilities. It is a better option for portrait photography and users who enjoy taking detailed photos.

Camera Winner: Nothing Phone 3a

Its triple-camera setup and telephoto lens provide a more versatile photography experience.

Battery and Charging

Battery capacity favors the Nothing Phone (4b), while charging speed favors the Nothing Phone 3a.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 6000mAh battery

• 33W fast charging

• Reverse charging

Nothing Phone 3a

• 5000mAh battery

• 50W fast charging

• Reverse charging

The Nothing Phone (4b) is likely to last longer on a single charge due to its larger battery. However, the Nothing Phone 3a can recharge much faster, making it more convenient for users who frequently top up their battery.

Battery Winner: Nothing Phone (4b)

Its larger 6000mAh battery offers better endurance for heavy users.

Software Experience

Both smartphones provide the clean and minimalist software experience that Nothing is known for.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• Android 16

• Nothing OS 4.1

Nothing Phone 3a

• Android 15

• Nothing OS 3.1

The Nothing Phone (4b) ships with the newer Android version and the latest Nothing OS, giving it an advantage in software features and long-term update support.

Software Winner: Nothing Phone (4b)

The newer Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.1 make it more future-ready.

Connectivity Comparison

Both phones support modern connectivity features including 5G and Wi-Fi 6, but the Nothing Phone 3a includes several premium additions.

Nothing Phone (4b)

• 5G

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 6

• USB Type-C 2.0

• Reverse charging

Nothing Phone 3a

• 5G

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 5.4

• NFC

• USB Type-C 2.0

• Reverse charging

Although the Nothing Phone (4b) includes Bluetooth 6, the Nothing Phone 3a adds NFC support, which is useful for contactless payments and compatible accessories.

Connectivity Winner: Nothing Phone 3a

Its broader feature set makes it the more practical choice.

Pros and Cons

Nothing Phone (4b)

Pros

• Large 6000mAh battery

• Android 16 out of the box

• Nothing OS 4.1

• Bright Super AMOLED display

• Bluetooth 6 support

• Reverse charging

• Modern transparent-inspired design

Cons

• Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is slower

• UFS 2.2 storage

• No NFC

• Dual rear camera setup

• Slower 33W charging

Nothing Phone 3a

Pros

• Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor

• Better gaming performance

• Triple rear camera setup

• Dedicated telephoto lens

• 32MP selfie camera

• Faster 50W charging

• NFC support

• Brighter 3000 nits display

• Better overall value

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 you want the latest Android version, a larger battery, and longer battery life for everyday use. It is a good choice for users who prioritize endurance and a clean software experience.

Choose the Nothing Phone 3a if you want better overall performance, superior cameras, faster charging, NFC support, and a more premium feature set. It is the better option for gaming, photography, and long-term value.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone 3a is the better overall smartphone in this comparison. It offers a faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, a brighter AMOLED display, a far more capable triple-camera system with a telephoto lens, NFC support, and faster 50W charging. These upgrades provide a noticeably better overall user experience.

The Nothing Phone (4b) remains an attractive option thanks to its larger 6000mAh battery, Android 16, and Nothing OS 4.1. However, when performance, camera quality, connectivity, and overall features are considered together, the Nothing Phone 3a delivers better value for most users and is the recommended choice.