Latest news with #Pixel9A
CNET
4 days ago
- Business
- CNET
I Tested the iPhone 16E and Pixel 9A Cameras and the Results Were Stunning
Google has proved with the Pixel 9A that you can still take good-looking snaps and pay less than $500. Images from the phone look terrific and capture a lot of detail and texture. And Google's algorithm secret sauce for capturing beautiful and natural complexions in portraits is on full display here. Apple replaced its cheapest phone with the iPhone 16E. In doing so, it tried to pull some of the affordable photographic attention away from the Pixel. The iPhone 16E takes lovely photos, even with one fewer camera than the Pixel. Apple is well-known for pushing the limits of phone photography with the iPhone, but that is usually tied to its iPhone Pro line, which starts at $1,000. While $599 is Apple's lowest price for a new phone, the iPhone 16E misses the Pixel 9A's $500 sweet spot. If you're looking to save money by buying a base smartphone, are you giving up all hopes of taking good photos? The cameras on flagship phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are capable of astonishing results, but those and other best-camera options cost $1,000 and up. So that raises the question: Does a pricier phone take better photos? To find out, I took the iPhone 16E and Pixel 9A around San Francisco and put them through a camera test. Several hundred photos later, I was surprised by the results, but I ended up with one being my favorite. Now Playing: Camera Comparison: We Pit the Pixel 9A Against the iPhone 16E 04:44 iPhone 16E and Pixel 9A camera specs Camera Resolution Aperture Notes Pixel 9A wide 48MP f/1.7 OIS Pixel 9A ultrawide 13MP f/2.2 Takes 12MP photos Pixel 9A selfie 13MP f/2.2 Fixed focus iPhone 16E wide 48MP f/1.6 OIS iPhone 16E selfie 12MP f/1.9 Autofocus The iPhone 16E, left, has one rear camera and costs $599 while the Pixel 9A has two rear cameras and costs $499. Celso Bulgatti/CNET Right off the bat, this isn't exactly a level playing field. The Pixel 9A has three cameras: a wide, ultrawide and selfie. The iPhone 16E only has two: a wide and selfie. Each phone's main camera has a 48-megapixel sensor and groups four pixels together to create a "super" pixel that captures more light. That also means photos exhibit less image noise and therefore need less noise reduction, which can otherwise leave your pictures looking like a blurry, soft mess. Both phones lack a dedicated telephoto camera and use sensor cropping to achieve a 2x magnification that in my testing looks pretty good. Enlarge Image Pixel 9A main camera, macro. CNET The Pixel 9A has a "macro mode" and can focus on subjects that are close up. Interestingly, it doesn't use its ultrawide camera for macro shots like many other phones do. Sadly, the iPhone 16E lacks a macro mode unlike the rest of its iPhone 16 brothers and sisters. However, I noticed that the main camera can take close up shots with the subject in-focus (maybe not as dramatically close as a dedicated macro mode allows for). iPhone 16E vs. Pixel 9A: Photos Take a look at some of my favorite photos from both phones. Enlarge Image iPhone 16E main camera. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image iPhone 16E main camera, night mode. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image iPhone 16E main camera. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image Pixel 9A ultrawide camera. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image Pixel 9A main camera at 2x. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image Pixel 9A main camera, macro. Patrick Holland/CNET iPhone 16E vs. Pixel 9A: Photo comparisons In general, I found that the Pixel 9A really pushes the dynamic range in its images. The phone captures more details in the shadows but really aggressively brightens them too, like in the photos below of Maisie the cat. The iPhone 16E's image of Maisie doesn't have as much detail and texture in her fur. Somewhere in between the Pixel's photo and the iPhone's image is how the cat actually looked in real life. Enlarge Image On the left is the Pixel 9A's photo on Maisie the cat. And on the right it an image from the iPhone 16E of her. Patrick Holland/CNET I also find that the Pixel takes images with a cooler color temperature, while the iPhone's photos have more contrast, especially outdoors. Take a look at the photos below of a brick building here in the Mission in San Francisco. Notice the bricks in each photo. Enlarge Image On the left is the Pixel 9A's photo and on the right is the iPhone 16E's image. Patrick Holland/CNET In terms of Portrait mode, neither the Pixel nor iPhone have a dedicated telephoto lens. And remember, the iPhone 16E has only a single rear camera, so it relies solely on AI and machine learning to determine the depth of a scene and create that artistic out-of-focus background. Enlarge Image On the left is the Pixel 9A's portrait mode photo and on the right is the one from the iPhone 16E. Patrick Holland/CNET The first thing I notice with the portrait mode photos below of CNET's Faith Chihil is how differently the iPhone and Pixel handled the textures in the yellow sweater and green chair. The "cutout" (from in focus to out of focus) looks natural, except for the green chair in the iPhone's photo. And Faith's complexion looks most true to life in the Pixel 9A image. The iPhone 16E's photo makes her skin look muddy and muted. Enlarge Image On the left is the Pixel 9A's photo and on the right is the iPhone 16E's image. Patrick Holland/CNET Something else I noticed is that the iPhone 16E's portrait mode only works on humans; on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, animals are automatically recognized as portrait subjects. So, if you want dramatic-looking snaps with artistically blurred backgrounds of Fido or Mr. Cupcakes, then the Pixel is the way to go. Sorry for yet another cat photo, but check out the portrait mode snap below of Maise the cat. Enlarge Image Pixel 9A portrait mode. Patrick Holland/CNET Both phones take night mode images (Google calls them Night Sight photos). In the photos below of a space shuttle Lego set taken in a very dim room, neither of the images are great. The iPhone 16E's photo has the least image noise, but the contrast is heavy. I prefer the Pixel 9A's photo. Enlarge Image On the left is the Pixel 9A's photo and on the right is the iPhone 16E's image. Patrick Holland/CNET I also snapped images of a residential block at dusk where the street lights really make the iPhone's night mode photo look orange. The iPhone's image is brighter. But notice the details in the telephone wires across the top of the images below. The iPhone captures them as continuous lines, whereas the Pixel 9A's image has them made up of tiny jagged line segments. Enlarge Image On the left is the Pixel 9A's photo and on the right is the iPhone 16E's image. Patrick Holland/CNET iPhone 16E vs. Pixel 9A: Which would I choose? This is a tough choice, but which phone would I choose based purely on its cameras? Celso Bulgatti/CNET Overall, both phones have their shortcomings when it comes to photography. I don't think most people would choose an affordable phone solely based on the camera's performance. Be assured that if you get either phone, you'll be able to take decent snaps with some images bordering on looking great. The iPhone 16E costs more, lacks an ultrawide lens and, while the pictures it takes are decent, I think that the Pixel 9A's cameras are great for a $500 phone, and would likely opt for it.
CNET
11-05-2025
- CNET
Pixel 9A Buying Guide: What to Know About Google's Budget Phone
Google's latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9A, is now available in stores, fresh off the heels of Apple's "affordable" offering, the $599 iPhone 16E. Very convenient timing. The Pixel 9A is $300 cheaper than the baseline Pixel 9 and therefore scales back a bit when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. However, it maintains other attributes, like display size, processor and AI features -- and even touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier Pixel counterparts. For more on what the new phone has in store, be sure to check out CNET's Pixel 9A review. So, is the Pixel 9A a good fit for you? Here's our guide, with everything to consider. Camera guide The Pixel 9A has a wide and ultrawide camera. James Martin/CNET Being able to take good photos is usually a top priority when buying a new phone since, for most people, their phone is their only camera. The Pixel 9A has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel ultrawide, along with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. That places the 9A's rear camera specs below those on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but megapixels aren't the only factor in getting quality shots. (You can check out the spec chart below to see how the cameras compare on these phones.) The Pixel 9A's camera supports Macro Focus, meaning you can get closer to your subject -- like if you're snapping a close-up of your delicious meal -- and have it be in crisp focus. With the 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable Macro Focus instead of the ultrawide camera, as with many other phones. Now Playing: Review: Google's Pixel 9A Delivers on Price and Features 09:00 AI guide What's perhaps most notable about the Pixel 9A is the suite of AI editing tools you'll still have access to, even with that lower price. Features like Magic Editor can help clean up your shots and alter backgrounds, Best Take creates an image where everyone in a group photo looks their best, and Add Me employs AI and augmented reality to incorporate the photographer in the final image. For people who are curious about the myriad AI features companies are bombarding us with, the Pixel 9A can be a good device for dipping your toes in those waters, hopefully without feeling inundated -- and without shelling out too much cash to see what all the buzz is about. I find photo editing tools among the best uses of AI because they eliminate the need for pricey software and let you touch up photos directly on your device, with no special skills needed. But if you would rather venture deeper into AI territory, the 9A's still got you covered. You'll have access to Gemini to help with tasks like writing, brainstorming and carrying out actions across apps. You'll also get Circle to Search so you can learn more about whatever's on your screen -- a feature upon which I've become heavily reliant. Those features are great because they feel like a natural way to ease into AI since they're so deeply integrated into your device and seamless to use. With AI being a staple of almost every new phone, tapping into those capabilities without breaking the bank can be an enticing option for someone who still isn't sure what the big deal is -- and then see if the Pixel 9A changes their mind. For those who hold onto their phones The Pixel 9A has a similar 6.3-inch display as the Pixel 9 -- though the Pixel 9's screen has a higher max brightness. James Martin/CNET While carriers may expect you to upgrade your phone every two years, manufacturers like Google and Samsung have extended the window for software and security upgrades on their phones to seven years. That applies to lower-priced phones like the Pixel 9A as well, giving budget-conscious consumers even more reason to feel like they've scored a deal. Not buying a flagship device can also mean feeling less susceptible to the pressures of upgrades. It's typically more premium phones -- usually with minor tweaks -- that are aggressively pushed onto those keen to purchase the latest tech. If simply having a phone with key features is all that matters, then the Pixel 9A can be a good way to dodge all that noise. This can also make the Pixel 9A a good option for kids, who probably don't need the flashiest devices. Features like Family Link allow parents to manage privacy settings, screen time limits and location sharing, and they can also silence notifications and disable apps during school hours. The Pixel 9A has flat sides. James Martin/CNET The Pixel 9A packs the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro but has 8GB of RAM instead of the 12GB and 16GB you'll get on those premium phones. That should still be more than enough for everyday use, like scrolling through social media, snapping photos and browsing the web. If you're a heavy mobile gamer, 8GB of RAM might not be ideal, but it won't be an issue for most people. The Pixel 9A's 6.3-inch OLED display matches up with what you'll get on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, so you don't have to scale back your viewing experience -- especially with a 60Hz to 120Hz variable refresh rate that should make scrolling seamless. And with a 5,100-mAh battery, the Pixel 9A should be able to last you throughout the day. Like the iPhone 16E, the Pixel 9A actually touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier peers, which each have a 4,700-mAh battery. That can also help you feel like you're getting the most bang for your buck. The Pixel 9A comes in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, peony and iris. James Martin/CNET What you won't get with this phone is the Pixel 9's Satellite SOS feature, which uses satellites to contact emergency services when you're out of range of a cell signal or Wi-Fi. But if you don't often find yourself in places without cell service, like on a remote hiking trail, then you hopefully shouldn't feel its absence. With all that in mind, if you have last year's Pixel 8A, there's probably not enough reason to upgrade to the 9A, as they share many of the same features, specs and AI capabilities. But if you've got a Pixel 7A and want to tap into some newer AI features, the 9A might be enticing. Similarly, if you have a Pixel 6A or older, you could see a noticeable improvement in the 9A's camera, battery life and overall performance. And if you'd rather hang tight to your phone and keep stretching your dollar, more power to you.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Pixel 9 Deals: Grab a Pixel 9 Series Phone for Cheap or Even Free With a New Line, Trade-In or Discount
Android phones have a lot to offer and there's a reason why the inspire loyalty. Their cool features, unique interface and the sheer amount of options from multiple brands means you really have to think before you shop. If you're on a tight budget and want an inexpensive option, you don't have to sacrifice high quality. Google's phones have a lot to offer and their latest, the Pixel 9 series, has something for every budget. The Pixel 9A is an excellent value at just $499, but it's not the only option if you're looking for a Google phone on a tight budget. There are some serious deals out there that can put any Pixel 9 phone in your pocket for less (and even free) right now, and we've rounded up the very best ones below. These deals can be especially helpful for folks looking to upgrade before tariffs potentially increase prices. Take a look at direct discounts, trade-in offers, carrier deals and more. Adrian Marlow and other CNET deal experts have scoured the web to bring you the best offers on all five Pixel 9 models. There are a couple of great, straightforward discounts now, and you can score even more substantial savings with an eligible trade-in or by activating a new line at a carrier. We'll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so check back often. Read more: Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Google Goes All In on AI, for Better or Worse The Pixel 9 lineup runs on Google's Tensor G4 processor and the recently released Android 15. As for other specs, the premium Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch OLED display and a 5,060-mAh battery. It's available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage, along with 16GB of RAM. If you're looking at the base model, you'll get a 6.3-inch OLED screen and a 4,700-mAh battery, as well as 12GB of RAM and the choice of either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Pricing on the new models varies, with the base Pixel 9 listing at $799, the Pixel 9 Pro retailing for $999 and the premium Pixel 9 Pro XL selling for $1,099. There is also a newly designed Pixel 9 Pro Fold that starts at $1,799 if you prefer a foldable model. And the new Pixel 9A starts at $499. Deals are showing up at multiple retailers and carriers, helping you save on the latest flagship devices. We've listed the best below. Additionally, there are plenty of significant deals on older models now that the newest edition is readily available, which is another great option for budget-conscious buyers. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. You can enjoy a $200 discount on the Pixel 9, Pro and Pro XL models. You can save $300 on the Pro Fold model. Google also lets you save up to $600 with an eligible trade-in. Plus, all Pro models come with one year of free access to Gemini Advanced, Google's new AI assistant, which is regularly $239. New customers looking to join Google Fi Wireless will also get up to $800 back as bill credits over 24 months, netting them the basic Pixel 9 or the new Pixel 9A free. There are also some special offers for the new Pixel 9A. You can get it for as little as $99 with an eligible trade-in, and you'll get $100 in Google Store credit with the purchase. See at Google Store Best Buy is offering the same $200 off the Pixel 9, Pro and Pro XL models as well as $300 off the Pro Fold. Best Buy isn't carrying the new Pixel 9A yet. You'll get $100 off when you choose same-day activation through Verizon, plus the merchant has a trade-in program where you can exchange your old phone for up to $840. See at Best Buy Target doesn't have any active deals at the moment, but you can save 5% when you make a purchase using your Target Circle Card*. Considering these phones can be pretty pricey, that could save you a decent chunk of change. See at Target Amazon has the Pixel 9A available for preorder, but it won't start shipping until June 1. However, it's offering $200 off the basic Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 XL models. It's also offering $300 off the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Plus, you can save up to $785 with a trade-in. See at Amazon Read more: Inside Google's Secret Camera Lab That's Like an Ikea for Pixel Testing AT&T doesn't carry the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it is offering some savings on other models. If you have an eligible device to trade in -- including a Pixel phone from any year and in any condition -- you can get the Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL for free. Without a trade-in, you can get Pixel 9A for just $3 per month or the basic Pixel 9 for $11 per month when you purchase the phone on an installment plan -- as long as you have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan. See at AT&T Verizon is offering some generous savings on the Pixel 9 lineup right now. Folks adding a new line on a qualifying unlimited plan can grab the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL or new Pixel 9A free. You can also save up to $1,000 on all four models with an eligible trade-in and the activation of a new line of service on a qualifying plan. Verizon is also offering a free Galaxy Watch FE with the purchase, but you'll need to activate a new line of service for this device as well. See at Verizon T-Mobile has some generous offers for people adding a line or looking to trade in their old phone. If you're on a Go5G Next or Plus plan, you'll get $1,000 off when either trading in an old phone or adding a line of service. Those on most other plans can still save $600 with a new line or $500 with a trade-in. T-Mobile is also offering a free pair of Google Pixel Buds A-Series with all models except the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. See at T-Mobile Customers on an Unlimited Plus plan who are either adding a line or upgrading an existing one at Xfinity will get $400 off all Pixel 9 models instantly, or up to $830 off with an eligible trade-in. If you're looking to make the switch from another carrier, Xfinity will give you up to $500 to pay off your current contract. See at Xfinity Mint Mobile is offering some of the best straightforward discounts out there right now, as far as carrier models go. You can save $100 on the new Pixel 9A and $400 on the basic Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, with no trade-in required. Those switching an existing number over to Mint Mobile can also get a year of unlimited data for just $15 a month, which is 50% off the usual price. See at Mint Mobile *All information about the Target Circle Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Gadgets of the week: Google Pixel 9A, Infinix Note 50s 5G+, Polaroid Flip and Benq MA270U
Pixel 9A The Pixel 9A is the latest Pixel smartphone that packs a punch with its novel features and incredible value. The 6.3' Actua display is incredibly smooth (60-120Hz) and provides upto 2700 nits of brightness with HDR support. The 9A looks elegant and refined thanks to a flush camera setup in the rear that doesn't protrude. The dual rear cameras (48MP+13MP) take exceptional photos and videos (upto 4K) across lighting conditions with OIS+EIS. Pixel 9A's IP68 certification for dust/water resistance enables use in any environment. The features I found useful for me while testing the 9A include - 7 years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates (the phone is a long-term device with refreshing and frequent software and feature updates), Ample storage (256GB), Outstanding battery life 5100mAh (About 32 hours on a charge) + wireless charging, Excellent Gemini and in-built AI integration across the board (imaging, transcribing, social content etc), Robust Tensor G4 sensor/Titan M2 security coprocessor (providing security and safety as well as ace performance). The Pixel 9A is a phone I'd strongly recommend for anyone looking for quality, value, longevity, durability and the latest features in one device! INR 49,999 store. flipkart. com Infinix Note 50s 5G+ Infinix is on a roll in 2025 with multiple new smartphones at excellent price-points. Their new Note 50s 5G+ is one of the slimmest curved phones I've come across with a fantastic 6.78' 144Hz 3D curved AMOLED display. The phone runs on a Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset and XOS 15 (based on Android 15) - I found performance to be smooth all-day even with extreme multi-tasking. The 5500mAh battery easily lasts for a day+ and charges fast with 45W charging while even offering reverse charging for other devices. The Note 50s 5G takes remarkably good photos and video for its price-segment, the 64MP IMX682 rear sensor and 13MP front sensor allow for capturing 4K@30FPS video that's smooth and stable. What really impressed me from Infinix is the MIL-STD-810GH certification and IP64 rating (military grade durability and water/dust resistance) offered here at this price-point which adds tremendous value and life to the phone. Infinix also provides a whole suite of AI features including AI Halo lighting, Eraser, Note, Writing assistant and Voice assistant (Folax) which all work formidably to create a solid smartphone package. At this price-point it's unlikely you'll get a better phone anywhere else! Superb Value! INR 14,999. infinixmobiles .in flipkart. com Polaroid Flip The Flip is an easy-to-use instant camera with a 4-lens system for sharp and beautiful images. It comes with a built-in flash, sonar autofocus, full-sized polaroid pictures, on-camera display and the ability to scan and share your photos as well. INR 21,400. Benq MA270U The MA270U is a 27' 4K UHD monitor for Macbooks with 95% P3 colour Gamut & Mac colour tuning tech built in. The monitor comes with height adjustment, Type C inputs, Dual HDMI and is TUV certified. The MA270U works seamlessly and in sync with Macbooks while providing other features like a built in hub for powering iPads/iPhones (15W), 2x HDMI, USB- A and C (90W). The device also tilts , pivots and swivels as per your viewing requirements. INR 41,998 benq. com Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Puma has revealed its latest Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 which is an ultra fast running shoe engineered to break your personal best time. The lightest race day shoe ever produced by Puma improves running economy thanks to cutting edge design, low weight, upgraded midsole (new NITROFOAM ELITE compound), restructured PWR PLATE, breathable upper (ULTRAWEAVE) as well as PUMAGRIP outsole for traction. Get yours now. INR 25,600. puma. com The Morning Mini The Morning Mini Coffee Machine provides a simple and convenient brewing experience for coffee enthusiasts. Its mini size allows for use while travelling too. The user-friendly design lets you control brewing time and temperature with just one touch. Now you can Indulge in delicious, full-bodied flavours of specialty coffee with MORNING Mini's precise brewing process and can connect to the MORNING app for curated recipes. Nespresso compatible. INR 29,990. caramelly. in Victorinox - I.N.O.X Chrono India Edition Victorinox has launched the I.N.O.X Chrono India Edition designed exclusively for India and limited to 500 pieces. Available in two distinct variations - (Rose gold PVD case and bezel/ Rose Gold PVD case with a black PVD bezel), both versions come with a black rubber strap. Features include antimagnetic protection, 200m water resistance, accurate chronograph movement, shock-resistant design, Alox pattern on th pushers, reworked signature bezel and an innovative strap changing system. Available at exclusive specialty shops and online. INR 89,000 helioswatchstore. com (This article was originally published on
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Nothing Phone 3A Pro Review: Flashy Design Is the Cherry on Top
The Nothing Phone 3A Pro is cut from the same cloth as the rest of London-based Nothing's handsets. This midrange Android phone packs solid specs and a suite of flashing LED lights and tops it off with an affordable price tag. It has a lot to offer, but competition in the midrange market has never been more fierce, with Google's recent Pixel 9A promising similar all-round performance for a closely matched $499 price. Nothing actually offers two phones in its 3A range; the base Phone 3A and the slightly more premium 3A Pro, which I tested for four weeks for this review. The phones are nearly identical, with the processor, display and batteries shared between them both. The 3A Pro adds in a more capable camera setup, which includes a telephoto lens. At a time when Google, Samsung, Motorola and Apple are all releasing affordable phone options for their customers, Nothing's 3A and 3A Pro stand out for their attractive design, excellent value and solid cameras, especially as the US puts tariffs on imported goods. Read more: Best Android Phone of 2025 The Nothing Phone 3A starts at $379 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. In the UK, you can pick up a pared-back model with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage for only £329, or get the 12GB/256GB model for £379. The Phone 3A Pro costs $459 (£449) for the 12GB/256GB model. Both phones pack a lot of value for their cost, and have plenty of power for everyday tasks, vibrant displays that are great for gaming and cameras that are good enough for casual snaps on your days out in the summer sun. How they stack up against the new Samsung Galaxy A series and Pixel 9A remains to be seen when we're able to finally test Google and Samsung's newest budget phones. The design is the first thing that stands out about these phones. The glass back reveals screws and data ribbons, giving it an industrial look that I quite like. It might not be the style I'd choose in a phone, but it's certainly nice to see designs that go beyond the plain gray looks of most phones. The LED lights -- which Nothing calls the Glyph -- are strewn around the camera units on both phones and light up to alert you to incoming notifications. They're a fun addition to Nothing's phones that you won't find anywhere else. Both phones have 6.7-inch displays that looked bright and vibrant during my testing time. They did a decent job of countering the overhead Barcelona sunshine, as well as the cloudy skies of my Edinburgh home. If you're using these phones under the bright midday California sun, you may find them more difficult to view, but I've certainly seen worse for this price. With an IP68 water-resistance rating, taking calls in the pouring rain (again: not you, California) won't be a problem. Read more: Samsung Shows Off Quirky Pincer Phone, Folding Console and Flexi Briefcase Concepts Powering the 3A series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 processor, which provided fairly low scores on our benchmark tests for both processor and graphics performance. It fell behind both the more expensive iPhone 16E and last year's Pixel 8A with its graphics score being particularly underwhelming. But benchmark tests only tell some of the story. In real-world use I found both phones to run smoothly with plenty of power for everyday essentials like emailing and web browsing. Even demanding games like PUBG played perfectly well with high resolution settings (I even managed to get a "winner, winner, chicken dinner!") so don't think that opting for a midrange phone means sacrificing performance. While it might not be a benchmark winner, the Nothing Phone 3A has enough power to tackle most things you'd want to use it for. The Phone 3A Pro's 5,000-mAh battery didn't impress on our battery drain tests, but it's far from the worst I've seen. Its battery prowess is more in line with Samsung's affordable Galaxy A25 5G from last year, but falling short of more premium phones like the iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25. Getting a full day of use shouldn't be a problem here, as long as you avoid playing games or streaming video for hours on end but like most phones, you'll almost certainly want to give it a full charge each night. Read more: Oppo Find N5 Review: A Remarkably Thin and Surprisingly Practical Foldable Phone Both phones run Android 15 at their core, but Nothing has heavily customized the interface with a stark, monochrome aesthetic. It looks sleek, but I sometimes struggle to distinguish app icons when they're reduced to minimalist black-and-white buttons. Still, you might be into the mono look, and if not, you can customize the layout to your liking. Nothing promises a total of six years of software and security support, which is good, especially considering the price. Gemini Advanced, Gemini Live and Circle to Search are all available to use on the phones, and while Nothing hasn't thrown in much of its own AI stuff (for which I'm grateful), it has launched one tool that I quite like. Called the Essential Space, it's designed as a central hub for storing your thoughts, notes, screenshots and ideas throughout the day. See some shoes you like? Open the camera and use the dedicated Essential Space button on the side of the phone to save a shot -- along with your voice note about them -- to your Space. Need to buy brie, vodka, party hats and snake food on the way home? A long button press will let you dictate your fascinating shopping list to add it to your Space to check later. It's a nice idea in theory, and while it's had a couple of minor updates since its launch in March, it still seems limited in its functionality. Essential Space is essentially a hub for screenshots and voice notes, but I see its potential usefulness in providing a dumping ground for all your thoughts throughout the day. It's refreshing to find a feature that's both unique and useful and the fact that it makes use of a dedicated hardware button on the phone means it's easy to use rather than being tucked away out of sight. Nothing emphasizes that Essential Space is still in beta, with more features on the way -- so keep an eye on this space. Read more: We've Found 6 MWC 2025 Products You Can Actually Start Ordering Right Now Both phones have 50-megapixel main cameras and I'm pleased with some of the shots I've been able to get from the Pro model. Images are sharp with accurate, natural colors. While it's no competition to today's top camera phones, it offers a solid experience if you want to take simple snaps of your friends at the beach, rather than looking to take the photography world by storm. The bigger question will be how the phone's camera stacks up against the Pixel 9A and new Galaxy A series, but we'll need to wait to get all three phones side-by-side to answer that. While the base 3A packs a 50 megapixel telephoto camera capable of 2x optical zoom, the 3A Pro's 50-megapixel periscope camera offers 3x optical zoom, with 6x "in-sensor" zoom, which effectively crops the sensor out to achieve a longer zoom. The base Phone 3A has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera and the 3A Pro has a 50-megapixel sensor that's larger to help take sharper shots. Nothing has done a good job creating a phone that offers all of the essentials for an affordable price. Its processor can tackle all of your everyday essentials, its cameras take good-enough snaps and the six years of software support is a nice touch. The flashy design is the cherry on top. I'm surprised by how little difference there is between the two models. With the same processor, display and 5,000-mAh battery (with 50W fast charging), the main distinctions are the added periscope zoom and the higher-resolution front-facing camera. Is photography important to you? If so, maybe spring for the Pro. Otherwise, save yourself a few bucks and go for the base model. If you're desperate for a new sub-$500 phone right now, either option is certainly worth considering. However, if you can stand to wait a few weeks, it's worth seeing just how well Google and Samsung's new affordable models stack up. Every phone tested by CNET's reviews team is used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water-resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes, using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark as well as our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates. All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions, from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using the phone daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests.
