New
EUR459,– with free promotional product
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review – eSIM and a tad more camera
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro differs from the more affordable base model above all by its periscope telephoto camera, other tweaks to the camera system and eSIM capability.
The most significant differences between the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and (3a) include more zoom in the telephoto camera, a higher resolution in the front camera and a slightly larger image sensor in the main camera. But are they worth the premium? You can be the judge of that based on the photos below. If you want to read about the phone’s further features, please refer to my review of the cheaper base model.
Larger sensor, more focal length and higher resolution
The main camera of the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a slightly larger image sensor with dual-pixel technology. The resolution is 50 megapixels, like on the Phone (3a).
The Phone (3a) Pro’s colours appear somewhat paler in this direct comparison. However, the difference is so small that it could conceivably be down to the smallest change in lighting. In any case, this photo isn’t enough for me to deem the Pro version of the smartphone better. When I look at both pictures in their original size, I see no difference in the level of detail.
Source: Jan Johannsen
In contrast, there’s a clear difference with the telephoto camera. The Phone (3a) Pro has a periscope lens that allows for longer focal lengths. In concrete terms, this means a 70-millimetre focal length and 3x zoom compared to 50 millimetres and 2x zoom on the Phone (3a).
The Phone (3a) Pro allows me to get a little closer to shy subjects. The Pro also provides a higher level of detail, especially when looking at a small part of an image. Looking at the photos, however, my impression of the overall quality is that it’s equal.
Source: Jan Johannsen
Nothing has upped the resolution of the Phone (3a) Pro’s front camera to 50 megapixels to make it more appealing. The thing is, the base model’s 32 megapixels are already good. Another difference is that the Pro model snaps selfies with a focal length of 24 millimetres, as opposed to the slightly wider angle of 22 millimetres on the Phone (3a). Here’s what this looks like in night mode:
Again, in terms of colour, I prefer the Phone (3a) over the Pro. The level of detail is virtually identical. Due to the higher resolution, the selfie taken with the Phone (3) Pro actually looks more pixelated when I examine it in its original size.
Non-camera changes
A major aesthetic difference between the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro is the Pro’s round camera bump. Unless you’re absolutely head over heels for it, it’ll hardly be a deciding factor.
Source: Jan Johannsen
A more important difference may be the fact that only the Pro version of the Phone (3a) is eSIM-ready. If this is a dealbreaker, the cheaper base model won’t be an option for you.
The Phone (3a) Pro is only available with 256 gigabytes of storage. The Phone (3a), on the other hand, is also available with 128 gigabytes. This makes for a significant price difference: 100 francs in Switzerland, or 150 euros in Germany. At the same storage, the price difference is only 50 francs or 80 euros.
In a nutshell
Paying the premium is only worth it in a few exceptional cases
The premium for the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is only worth it if either the eSIM or increased focal length of the periscope telephoto camera are very important to you. Otherwise, you can save yourself at least 50 francs or 80 euros and opt for the Nothing Phone (3a).
Pro
- eSIM-ready
- Periscope telephoto camera with higher focal lengths
Contra
- Main camera and front camera show no improvement
Header image: Jan Johannsen
31 people like this article
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
