Nothing Phone (3a) Lite hands-on: A closer look at the brand’s 1st entry-level phone

The Phone (3a) Lite is not attempting to imitate a flagship, yet it offers some unique experiences. I found it to be a thoughtfully designed device. It has a glass back and an aluminium frame, and they offer a durable and premium-ish feel.  The phone is 199 grams, and to me that offered a satisfying balance between build quality and comfort. The Phone (3a) Lite is being introduced in white and black, and I got to experience the white model. The colour and build combine both matte and glossy textures, making it look refined yet not ostentatious in any manner.

The Phone (3a) Lite’s subtle transparent back with triple camera module. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

The transparency is subtle and shows just enough of the internal layout to remind the user that it still stems from the Nothing stable. The phone feels great – everything from the curves to the even weight distribution to the buttons. Much of it evokes a sense of careful industrial design. 

One of the highlights of the new Phone (3a) Lite is its massive 6.77-inch AMOLED display. It is bright and beautiful and easily one of the most immersive displays among the recent lot of Android smartphones. The even and narrow bezels make the screen look neat and premium. From scrolling through news feeds to watching a video, the screen offers impressive brightness and clarity. Even on a bright sunny day in Neemrana Fort, I could see everything that was there on the screen. The device offers a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which automatically translates to great outdoor visibility. It also has an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes the overall experience smooth and snappy. 

Quick Settings on the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite showcase its clean interface and adaptive 120 Hz display.(Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

The (3a) Lite shines when it comes to ease of use. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset, paired with 8 GB RAM (and up to 8 GB virtual RAM). For more details on the performance, wait for the review. However, I found navigation to be effortless, apps open fast, multitasking is fluid, and there is no stutter even when several apps are running in the background. The phone is being positioned as an entry point into the Nothing ecosystem; the performance seems remarkable.

From unlocking the phone to switching between apps, everything happens without delay. The phone boasts a 5,000 mAh battery, which the company claims offers all-day comfortable use. It comes with 33W fast charging and 5W reverse charging for accessories, making it more versatile than the existing line of mid-range smartphones. I find it to be practical in numerous ways, as you can power your earbuds on the go. 

When it comes to durability, Nothing hasn’t cut corners. The device features IP54 dust and splash resistance and Panda Glass protection on both sides. It seems the (3a) Lite has been built to survive the everyday rigours of life. 

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite features a large, bright AMOLED display with slim bezels and smooth UI navigation. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

And then there’s the signature twist – the reimagined Glyph Light. Instead of the multiple intricate light strips found on earlier models, this one simplifies the concept. It’s more of a callback to old-school notification LEDs, as you have a single, subtle light that feels useful rather than gimmicky. It glows softly for notifications, doubles up as a timer indicator for the camera, and can be customised for specific contacts. It’s playful in a minimal way.

In everyday use, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite would definitely feel like a rare combination of design and practical sensibility. What I found the most striking is that it doesn’t overwhelm you with specs or visual flashiness; instead, it focuses on what really matters. 

I have reserved the performance, cameras, and gaming experience for the forthcoming detailed reviews. Based on my first impressions, Nothing seems to have pulled off something unique with Phone (3a) Lite. 

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is priced at £249 / €249 (8+128GB) and £279 / €279 (8+256GB). Prices for the Indian market are awaited.