Nothing Phone 3a Pro first look: Love It, hate It, but you’ll stare at it

Nothing Phone 3a

Most smartphones these days look the same irrespective of their price tags. A glass slab, a couple of camera lenses, maybe a flashy color—nothing that really stands out. But then there’s the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It’s the kind of phone that stops people in their tracks. The kind that makes them ask, “Hey, what phone is that?”

And for good reason—this is one of the most striking smartphone designs in years.

A familiar yet unconventional camera module

The first thing you’ll notice is the huge circular camera island. It instantly reminds you of flagship phones like the Oppo Find X8 and Vivo X200, but Nothing has done something completely different—it has broken the symmetry. Instead of a neat, balanced arrangement, the cameras and sensors are scattered in a chaotic way– albeit intentional. It looks raw, almost industrial, like a high-tech gadget built for function first.

nothing phone 3a

This offbeat layout isn’t just a gimmick—it gives the phone character. The circular surround isn’t just for aesthetics either. It accommodates a huge periscope zoom lens.

A transparent back panel that feels futuristic

Nothing has always played with transparency, but on the Phone 3a Pro, it feels more refined and sophisticated. The back panel isn’t just clear for the sake of being clear—it’s designed with layers, depth, and intricate detailing. It looks like a concept of something futuristic, like a device pulled straight from a cyberpunk movie.

The matte finish ensures it doesn’t become a fingerprint magnet, and the subtle engravings give it a techy, premium feel. If you’ve ever liked the aesthetic of Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell, this phone looks like it belongs in that world.

Nothing Phone 3a

It’s not just about looks, though. The Phone 3a Pro upgrades its build quality by swapping the polycarbonate back for tempered glass, instantly giving it a more premium, high-end feel. It’s also rated IP64, meaning it can withstand water splashes and daily wear and tear better than most phones in this price segment.

Glyph lights, but smarter

Yes, the Glyph lighting is back, but it’s better integrated than before. The LED strips wrap naturally around the back, making them feel like a part of the phone’s DNA rather than a separate feature.

The Glyph Interface isn’t just about looks—it’s functional, too. You can use Flip to Glyph to pause notifications, track countdowns, or even get subtle alerts for incoming calls from priority contacts. It even shows real-time updates, like how long until your Uber arrives.

This phone cannot be ignored

At around Rs 30,000, no other smartphone brand in India experiments this boldly with design. This is not a phone for people who want something safe and ordinary. It’s for those who want their tech to be a conversation starter.

So don’t be surprised when someone sees it in your hand and asks, “Hey, what phone is that?” Because with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, you finally have an answer that isn’t boring.