Nothing Phone 3a Lite 5G vs Nothing Phone 3a 5G: Price, specs and how the new phone will be different

Nothing Phone 3a

Nothing is expanding its mid-range lineup with the upcoming Phone 3a Lite 5G, launching in India on October 29. It enters the same segment occupied by the already-available Phone 3a 5G, making the comparison relevant for users deciding between the two. While both devices keep Nothing’s signature transparent visual identity and near-identical core hardware, there are targeted downgrades in the Lite to bring the price down.

Price and launch position
The Phone 3a Lite 5G is expected to start at around ₹20,000, placing it lower than the Phone 3a 5G, which is currently priced at ₹23,999 for the 8GB + 128GB configuration. The Lite clearly aims at price-sensitive users who want the Nothing aesthetic without paying the full premium.

Design and display
Design language is consistent across both devices, including the transparent back. The difference lies in the lighting system: the Lite introduces a simpler LED stripe for notifications and calls, whereas the Phone 3a 5G uses circular Glyph rings around the camera module. Both are expected to ship with a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Performance and battery
The Lite is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM. The standard Phone 3a 5G runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, making it the stronger of the two in sustained and peak workloads. Both carry a 5000mAh battery, but charging speeds differ — 33W on the Lite versus 50W on the 3a 5G.

Camera differences
Rear cameras are largely the same on paper: 50MP main + 50MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide. The distinction shows up on the front — the Lite may include a 16MP front camera, while the Phone 3a 5G has a 32MP unit.

Verdict
For buyers who value quicker charging, better selfies and a marginally stronger processor, the Phone 3a 5G remains the more capable choice. The Phone 3a Lite, meanwhile, looks positioned for users primarily after the Nothing design and feature feel at a lower entry price, with calculated trade-offs in selfie, charging, and silicon.