Nothing Phone (3a) series survives harsh durability test despite its plastic frame

Nothing's new smartphones are already available to pre-order. If you are wondering how durable the phones are, one YouTuber has put the new Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro through his famous durability tests, and while they both survive, they reveal an important detail.

In the early part of the durability test carried out by JerryRigEverything, it is revealed that the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro have a plastic frame, just like the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus before them. This leaves the Nothing Phone (1) as the only phone from the manufacturer with a metal frame. Hopefully, the flagship Nothing Phone (3) due for release later this year will mark a return to a metallic frame.

The video also shows the Panda Glass protecting the displays of the two phones being put to test. A replacement for Corning's Gorilla Glass 5 used for the Nothing Phone (2a), the Chinese-made Panda glass scratches at a level 6, with deeper grooves at a level 7 just like Corning's glass. However, while its impact resistance couldn't be tested, the Panda Glass on both smartphones holds up quite well in the bend test. Notwithstanding, it is advisable to pick up a case for either phones for extra protection.

The Nothing Phone (3a) (available on Amazon for $399) and the Phone (3a) Pro both survive the bend test as there's no crack despite flexing it from both sides, thanks in part to having an aluminum mid-frame. A teardown of the pro model shows there are screws hidden under the decorative plastic in addition to the visible ones. This is important info for anyone willing to open up the phone.

Overall, Nothing's new smartphones are pretty solid based on the result from the durability test which you can watch below. However, it remains to be seen how they hold up from everyday use when they get into the hands of buyers.