Is Nothing Phone 3a Lite Worth It? Specs, Price, and Alternatives
The Nothing Phone 3a Lite is priced at $249, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers better camera capabilities at the same cost. Below, we compare their specs and design to evaluate whether Nothing's cheapest phone justifies its value.
Pricing and Positioning
- Nothing Phone 3a Lite: £249 / AU$439 (about $330)
- First entry-level phone under Nothing's main brand instead of the CMF sub-label
Display and Build
The Phone 3a Lite features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display and is protected by Panda Glass. Its frame is plastic, with IP54 splash resistance. It weighs 199g and measures 8.3mm thick, maintaining Nothing’s distinctive transparent glass back, available in black or white. The white model provides higher visual contrast.
Performance and Cameras
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- Camera system: triple cameras, including Nothing’s first macro sensor on a Nothing-branded phone (2MP)
- Comparative device: CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a 50MP telephoto camera
"For a company that built its reputation criticising unnecessary camera modules, the decision to add a low-resolution macro lens while positioning against its own better-specced product seems counterintuitive."
The 3a Lite’s 2MP macro sensor contrasts with the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s more advanced camera setup at a similar price point.
Previous Brand Philosophy
"Carl Pei spent considerable time in Nothing’s early days criticising decorative camera modules on competing phones. The Phone (1) avoided them entirely. Even the CMF Phone 1’s 2MP depth sensor served a functional purpose."
The Phone 3a Lite’s 8MP ultrawide lens is seen as more practical than its macro sensor.
Summary
The Nothing Phone 3a Lite offers a bold design and solid performance but falls short on camera innovation compared to the CMF Phone 2 Pro, raising questions about its value in a competitive price range.
Author’s summary: Nothing Phone 3a Lite combines striking design with decent performance but sacrifices camera quality, making it less compelling compared to similarly priced rivals.