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Nothing Phone (3a) Lite

Nothing Phone (3a) Lite
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite
This article examines the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite as a pared‑back sibling to the Phone 3a, combining a striking transparent design with mid-range hardware and a 6.77‑inch 120 Hz AMOLED display. Drawing on multiple reviews, it evaluates performance, camera quality, battery life, software support, and pricing against both the regular Phone 3a and key competitors.

Pros

+ Bright 120Hz AMOLED display
+ Distinctive transparent design
+ Long‑lasting 5000mAh battery
+ Decent gaming performance
+ Clean, lightweight user interface
+ IP54 dust, splash resistance
+ microSD and dual SIM
+ Six years security patches

Cons

- Processor details still unclear
- Cameras less versatile overall
- Reduced Glyph lighting features
- Preinstalled Glance, bloatware
- Savings small versus 3a
- Only three OS updates
- Competing phones better value

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is a mid-range Android 15 smartphone that brings Nothing’s signature transparent design, Glyph interface (in reduced form), and clean UI to a more affordable price point. It features a 6.77‑inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, 3000‑nit peak brightness, HDR/Ultra HDR, and Panda Glass protection, making it a strong device for media consumption. Hardware includes 8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage with microSD support, an ARM Mali‑G615 MP2 GPU, 5G connectivity, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a 5000 mAh battery that delivers very good endurance. The camera setup is led by a 50 MP main sensor plus basic ultra‑wide and macro lenses, and most reviews describe image quality as solid but clearly behind the regular Phone 3a and some rivals. Critics generally praise the design, display, battery life, and mostly clean software, but note compromises like reduced Glyph lighting, preinstalled Glance/bloatware, and an only modest price gap to the superior Phone 3a. With average ratings around 60–70%, many reviewers conclude that, unless the Lite is significantly cheaper, buyers are usually better off choosing the full Phone 3a or alternatives such as the Poco X7 Pro.

Specifications

Nothing Phone (3a) Lite (Phone Series)
Processor
unknown
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
Display
6.77 inch 20:9, 2392 x 1080 pixel 388 PPI, Capacitive, AMOLED, glossy: yes, 120 Hz
Storage
128GB / 256GB
Connections
USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Card Reader: microSD, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.3, GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, Dual SIM, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.3 x 164 x 78 ( = 0.33 x 6.46 x 3.07 in)
Battery
5000 mAh
Operating System
Android 15
Camera
Primary Camera: 50 MPix + 8MP + 2MP
Secondary Camera: 16 MPix
Additional features
Keyboard: OnScreen
Weight
199 g ( = 7.02 oz / 0.44 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)

 

Price comparison

Average Score: 72.38% - average
Average of 13 scores (from 23 reviews)
price: 76%, performance: 78%, features: 77%, display: 83% mobility: 76%, workmanship: 80%, ergonomy: 85%, emissions: - %

Reviews for the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite

80% Nothing Phone 3(a) Lite Review: A midrange exception
Source: Gadgetbyte Nepal English
So yeah, Phone 3(a) Lite is probably the best value-for-money midrange phone in Nepal right now. Everything’s balanced—like Thanos would say, perfectly balanced, as all things should be.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/08/2025
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 85% performance: 81% display: 80% mobility: 75% workmanship: 80%
70% I tested the new Nothing Phone (3a) Lite to see if it is truly a good value in a sea of cookie-cutter smartphones
Source: The Indian Express English
As I was finding my seat on a plane, a flight steward gently asked me, “Are those the new Nothing headphone 1 ?” I nodded and, at his request, handed him the headphones to try. I have been stopped multiple times at airports and in high-street markets by people curious about Nothing products. I haven’t seen this level of hype for a brand on the ground, except maybe for Apple products, but that was back in the day. It shows that ordinary people have started recognising Nothing products, and for someone who has been covering the London-based brand since its inception, it’s a good sign for such a young company.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/04/2025
Rating: Total score: 70%
76% Nothing Phone (3a) Lite review
Source: GSM Arena English
Obviously, the launch price of the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is alright, but the phones released earlier this year have become cheaper and more attractive. And this happens quite often, which means if you like the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, you could wait a couple of months to get it for less. There is a lot to like about the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite - the unique design, the bright AMOLED, the good battery life, and especially - the blazing-fast and clean Nothing OS. Sure, the camera quality is average, and so is the single speaker, but the rest of the feature package is on a very good level for an affordable mid-range phone. So, once the price settles a bit, it should become one of the best phones to get around the €200 mark.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/02/2025
Rating: Total score: 76%
75% Nothing Phone 3a Lite review: More glitz and glamour for less money
Source: India Today English
Now, coming back to my initial reservations about the Phone 3a Lite - why did Nothing launch it? After over a week with the Phone 3a Lite, I can say that the device in itself is a solid budget smartphone, but with some misses here and there. The phone’s design is catchy and gets people talking, even if it is polarising. The display is bright and large, but the bezels are big. Games run smoothly for the most part, but there is nothing to write home about. The cameras do the job, but you miss out on the telephoto from the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Though you are paying the premium for a Nothing phone, and not a budget brand of Nothing. So, should you get the Nothing Phone 3a Lite? If you are on a budget, the Phone 3a Lite is a good choice. The device ticks most of the boxes that you would expect at this price point.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/27/2025
Rating: Total score: 75%
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite Specifications, Pros and Cons
Source: OI Spice Tech News English
The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, announced and released on October 29, 2025, brings the brand’s signature minimal design and solid performance to the mid-range segment. The phone is IP54 rated, meaning it can handle dust and light water splashes, a nice bonus for daily use. On the front, the Phone (3a) Lite features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 1 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2160Hz PWM dimming for flicker-free viewing. The Full HD+ resolution (1080 × 2392 pixels) and ~388 ppi density make everything sharp and vivid, while the 3000 nits peak brightness ensures great visibility outdoors. The screen also supports HDR and Ultra HDR images, and the Panda Glass protection with Mohs level 5 hardness provides decent scratch resistance.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/14/2025
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite first impressions: a Nothing made for everyone
Source: 91mobiles English
From my brief hands-on time, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite doesn’t feel like an entry-level phone, but it gives a mid-range or upper mid-range impression. Stay tuned for our full review to see whether the hardware, software, and cameras justify the price tag.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/04/2025
Nothing Phone 3a Lite | Unboxing & One Week Review
Source: Tech Spurt English
Reviewing the Nothing Phone 3a Lite, a new budget friendly smartphone boasting impressive gaming performance and reassuringly long battery life. Here's my unboxing and one week thoughts, including a thorough test of the camera and everyday use of the Nothing Phone 3a Lite. The specs aren't too different vs that CMF Phone 2 Pro which launched earlier this year. You even get the same Dimensity chipset, which occasionally stumbles during camera play but can cope with Wuthering Waves. Gamers even get a gaming mode built into the Nothing Phone 3a Lite. Nothing OS 3.5 comes packed on this smartphone out of the box. You'll get just three OS updates, but six years of security patching. As for the camera, well, the Nothing Phone 3a Lite serves up a sizeable main sensor, plus a basic ultra-wide and macro shooter. Battery life is another highlight, although the reduced 'Glyph Lighting' is a proper disappointment after the regular phone. So I'd say skip the Nothing Phone 3a Lite and go 3a if your budget allows.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/29/2025
60% Nothing Phone 3a Lite review: a no-frills twist that doesn’t need to exist (right now)
Source: Stuff TV English
Decent specs, a distinctive design and (mostly) clean UI help this handset stand out among its budget-friendly peers. And with CMF being spun off into its own India-first company, I get why Nothing felt the need to plug a gap in its line-up – it’s just the savings aren’t big enough to recommend the Phone 3a Lite over its bigger brother. Officially the Phone 3a – which has more versatile cameras, extra processing punch, and a more complete set of Glyph LEDs – will set you back £329. Only it’s been out long enough now that retailers are regularly knocking the price down to the 3a Lite’s level. When the two are otherwise matched on software, screen, battery and charging speeds, it makes no sense to go for the lesser version. If you can’t find a deal on a Phone 3a, the Poco X7 Pro is an equally affordable alternative with a more powerful processor, bigger battery, and better water resistance.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/29/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%
Nothing Phone 3a Lite First Impressions
Source: NDTV Gadgets English
Nothing has been consistently proven with its recent launches that a smartphone does not have to be boring when it comes to design. And with the Nothing Phone 3a Lite, the company plans to take this legacy to a broader audience. The latest smartphone from the brand is an entry to the Nothing ecosystem and comfortably sits below the Phone 3a series. That said, the brand has ensured it adds most of the distinctive elements, such as a transparent back panel, Glyph interface, AMOLED display, a clean user interface, and more. However, the phone is also the first in the line to come with the Glance and pre-installed apps. That said, we had some time with the device, and here is what you need to know.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/29/2025

Foreign Reviews

81% Nothing Phone 3a Lite Test
Source: Smartzone German DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/13/2025
Rating: Total score: 81% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 75%
Neues Nothing Phone (3a) Lite ist ab sofort zu haben
Source: Heute German DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/04/2025
71% He probado el Nothing Phone (3a) Lite y me ha dejado totalmente dividida en opinión
Source: Computerhoy Spanish ES→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/05/2025
Rating: Total score: 71%
73% Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, análisis: parece magia negra que un móvil así cueste menos de 250 euros
Source: Xataka Spanish ES→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/05/2025
Rating: Total score: 73% performance: 73% display: 75% mobility: 75% workmanship: 80%
Recensione Nothing Phone 3a Lite: doppiamente economico, ma avrà un senso!
Source: HDblog.it Italian IT→EN
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/30/2025
Rating: price: 73% features: 74%
80% Nothing Phone (3a) Lite recensione: la forma è sostanza
Source: Mister Gadget Italian IT→EN
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/21/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Recensione Nothing Phone (3a) Lite: colpo di genio o altro tradimento?
Source: Smart World Italian IT→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/17/2025
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% features: 80% display: 85% mobility: 75% workmanship: 85% ergonomy: 85%
60% Nothing Phone (3a) Lite review: te veel compromissen
Source: AndroidWorld.nl Dutch NL→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/18/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%
75% Nothing Phone (3a) Lite review: mosterd na de maaltijd?
Source: Android Planet Dutch NL→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/18/2025
Rating: Total score: 75%
De Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is goedkoop, maar iets minder Nothing
Source: Diskidee.nl Dutch NL→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/29/2025
Glyph za tysiaka! Nothing (3a) Lite – piękny, unikalny, ale… czy kompletny?
Source: Techno Senior Turkish PL→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/30/2025
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite – gdy cena ma znaczenie
Source: Co Nowego Turkish PL→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/26/2025
Обзор Nothing Phone (3a) Lite: самый дешевый – не значит худший
Source: Hi-Tech Mail RU→EN
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/25/2025
60% Phone 3a Lite: Billigaste Nothing-mobilen är mest en besvikelse
Source: M3 PC för alla SV→EN
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/09/2025
Rating: Total score: 60%

Comment

ARM Mali-G615 MP2: Mid-range graphics chip for smartphones with 2 of the 6 possible cores. Based on the fourth generation of Valhall architecture. Offers variable rate shading.

Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


unknown: » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


 

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Realme P4x 5G
Mali-G615 MP2, unknown
Vivo Y500 Pro
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Vivo V60 Lite
Mali-G615 MP2, unknown
Vivo Y31 Pro
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7300
Vivo V60e
Mali-G615 MP2, unknown
Doogee S200 Ultra
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Infinix GT 30
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Vivo Y300t
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7300
Ulefone Armor 29 Pro Thermal
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Motorola Edge 60 Neo
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Realme 15
Mali-G615 MP2, unknown
Vivo T4R
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Motorola Moto G86 Power
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7300
Vivo iQOO Z10R
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7400X
Vivo Y400 Pro
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7300

Devices with the same GPU

Unihertz Titan 2
Mali-G615 MP2, Dimensity 7300, 4.50", 0.235 kg
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Ninh Duy (Update: 2025-12-15)