Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro discount offers announced: Which one to buy

India Today

a day ago

Nothing's new Phone 3a series, launched earlier this year, is now available with fresh discount offers, making both models more attractive to Indian buyers. The Phone 3a, which originally went on sale at Rs 24,999, is now available on Flipkart with an additional bank discount. Customers using HDFC, ICICI, SBI, or IDFC cards can avail an instant Rs 2,000 discount, effectively bringing the price down to Rs 22,999. The offer makes the device even more competitive in the mid-range smartphone market.advertisementThe higher-end model, the Phone 3a Pro, is also part of the deal. Its listed price has been brought down from Rs 29,999 to Rs 28,999 on Flipkart. Buyers can also take advantage of the same Rs 2,000 bank discount here, which further reduces the effective price to Rs 27,999. This makes the Pro variant Rs 5,000 more expensive than the base model, but the price difference is backed by meaningful upgrades.Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro discount offers announced: Which one to buyBoth smartphones come with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and are powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. They also share the same 5,000mAh battery with support for 50W fast charging, Nothing's clean Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.1, and the unique Glyph interface at the back. However, the key differences lie in the camera setup and storage configurations.advertisement
The Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro may look similar on paper, but the differences in their camera hardware set them apart in real-world use. Both phones come with a 50-megapixel main camera, but the Pro model uses the newer Samsung ISOCELL GNJ sensor, which is expected to deliver better image clarity, especially in tricky lighting, thanks to improved light processing. The regular 3a, on the other hand, uses the older GN9 sensor, which still performs well but may not match the Pro's detail and low-light sharpness.When it comes to zoom, the Pro takes the lead with a periscope-style 50-megapixel telephoto lens built on Sony's LYTIA 600 sensor. With 3x optical zoom, a large 1/1.95-inch sensor and optical image stabilisation, one can expect clearer zoom shots and the device can also handle close-up macros without blur. The standard Phone 3a offers a 2x zoom using a smaller 50-megapixel Samsung sensor, but without OIS, handheld shots at zoom might lack the sharpness seen on the Pro.For wide-angle shots, both phones rely on the same 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 sensor, which is decent for casual captures. Selfies also get an upgrade on the Pro with a 50-megapixel front camera capable of 4K video, while the 3a uses a 32-megapixel sensor. Overall, the Pro will offer a better photography experience, while the regular model should suit everyday users just fine.advertisementWhile both phones offer strong overall value with clean software, smooth displays, and decent performance, the decision ultimately comes down to user preference. The regular Phone 3a is a great option for everyday use at a lower cost, especially for those who don't need a more advanced camera experience. However, for users who prioritise better zoom, improved image stability, and a sharper front camera, the Phone 3a Pro makes a solid case for the extra spend.In short, the Phone 3a at Rs 22,999 is a solid pick for most users seeking a stylish and reliable device. For those willing to stretch their budget to Rs 27,999, the Phone 3a Pro brings better photography features that justify the price bump. Both options are now available on Flipkart with limited-period bank discounts. Although I would suggest people can wait for the OnePlus Nord 5, which is tipped to launch next month on July 8, and it is expected to cost between Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000. It is expected to offer a powerful performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e chip and a 7,000mAh battery under the hood.