
Nothing unveils Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro at MWC
Nothing recently introduced the Phone (3a) Series in Mobile World Congress (MWC), elevating its mid-range lineup with advanced features. Building on the acclaimed Phone (2a), it boasts an advanced triple-camera system with optical zoom, a powerful Snapdragon® processor, a brighter, more responsive display, and Nothing OS innovations like Essential Space— all wrapped in two uniquely refined designs.
Design
Both the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro feature a more sophisticated look and feel, with upgraded glass back panels, enhanced symmetry in the internal structure, and refined visual details and elements throughout the finish. The design celebrates each new camera system through Nothing's trademark exposed aesthetic and cutting-edge engineering, while meticulously optimising the integration of advanced hardware. The Phone (3a) Series also upgrades its durability to an IP64 rating and achieves Nothing's lowest carbon footprint on a smartphone to date, with 51.3kg of CO2e.
Camera
The Nothing Phone (3a) Series introduces Nothing's most advanced camera system to date, featuring an upgraded 50MP main sensor and a Sony ultra-wide sensor, along with optical zoom for the first time. All powered by TrueLens Engine 3.0 combining advanced computational algorithms, AI processing, and multi-frame technology to deliver professional-grade, true-to-life photography.
Phone (3a) telephoto camera
Ready to pull you closer to your subject, Phone (3a)'s telephoto camera features a powerful 50MP sensor combined with a fast f/2.0 aperture for detailed shots at its 50mm equivalent focal length. The 2x optical reach lays the foundation for a quality zoom, while the high resolution enables up to 4x lossless in-sensor zoom. When you need to zoom in even further, the Phone (3a) harnesses AI clarity-enhancing algorithms for 30x ultra zoom.
Phone (3a) Pro periscope camera
Flagship telephoto zoom meets ultimate versatility with Phone (3a) Pro's powerful periscope zoom. A total upgrade in hardware, it combines a large 1/1.95-inch Sony LYTIA 600 sensor with a 70mm equivalent focal length and a fast f/2.55 aperture. All this translates to excellent zoom and much more. With optical image stabilisation, Phone (3a) Pro's periscope camera can capture quality photos across lighting conditions, whether indoors or at night, while the optical 3x zoom is a photographer-favourite, portrait-perfect focal length. The high-resolution 50MP sensor delivers lossless in-sensor zooming at up to 6x and when boosted with AI clarity-enhancing algorithms, it unlocks 60x ultra zoom. Where Phone (3a) Pro surpasses even flagship smartphones is its telemacro capture. Able to focus as close as 15cm from a subject, it breaks through periscope limitations that hold back flagship phones.
Main camera
The Phone (3a) features a 50MP main sensor co-engineered with Samsung, integrating on-sensor deep learning processing software algorithms trained on millions of photography scenarios to enhance image clarity, reduce noise, and provide true-to-life accuracy.
The Phone (3a) Pro's 50MP main sensor further elevates the experience with advanced sensor technologies, offering 43 per cent faster auto-focus and double the pixel full well capacity, allowing for more detail in harsh lighting conditions. Zooming out, the Phone (3a) Series' ultra-wide camera boasts a 120o field of view, enabling you to capture more in each frame, while the upgraded Sony sensor enhances low-light performance.
Front camera
Finally, the Phone (3a) boasts a 32MP front camera, while the Phone (3a) Pro features an upgraded 50MP front camera capable of recording high-quality 4K videos with adaptive AI stabilisation and night video enhancement, improving brightness by +74.4% and reducing noise by 33.7 per cent.
Performance
The Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, with breakthrough performance powering select Snapdragon experiences and turbo-charged by Nothing OS optimisations, is on hand to cut down on waiting and level up living. Phone (3a) Series also games faster, delivers more stable frame rates, and goes for longer, thanks to the powerful Snapdragon processor. Getting into some numbers, the CPU is up to 33% faster than Phone (2a), while the Qualcomm® AdrenoTM GPU delivers 11% better graphics. Plus, you get select Snapdragon Elite GamingTM features typically reserved for flagship devices.
Phone (3a) Series is 92% better at processing AI tasks than Phone (2a), making it more future-proofed for whatever AI developments are on the horizon. It also takes full advantage of Nothing OS and Essential Space, saving you time with things like on-device voice to text transcription. RAM Booster uses a combination of physical and virtual RAM to allow users to access up to 20GB, plus a larger 4,500 mm2 vapor chamber reduces temperature by 23 per cent vs. Phone (2a).
Battery and Charging
Phone (3a) Series also lasts longer. With the optimised Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 mobile platform using 8% less power for typical tasks, enjoy 30 minutes more power every day. Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro both have large 5000mAh batteries, delivering up to two days of use on a full charge. With upgraded fast charging now at 50W, Phone (3a) Series delivers a full day's power (50 per cent) in under 20 minutes.
Display
Balancing size and quality, Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro's displays are immersive and brilliant. At 6.77 inches, their flagship size means on-screen content has room to breathe.
Slightly taller and with less rounded corners than past Nothing phones, Phone (3a) Series' displays represent a maturity and confidence befitting of a second-generation device.
At Full HD+ resolution, visuals look crisp with 387 pixels in every inch of screen, and with a fluid 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The standard touch sampling rate is 480Hz, a 100% increase from Phone (2a), and 1000Hz touch sampling rate when in Gaming Mode, swiping through Phone (3a) Series is smooth, and responsive.
Fire up auto brightness and your Phone (3a) climbs up to 1300 nits all by itself, making it viewable under a scorching sun. But peak brightness now reaches 3000 nits, a 131% increase from Phone (2a).
Nothing OS
Nothing OS 3.1 is a fast, smooth foundation tuned for stability, utility and customisation, built with Android 15 at its core - there have also been updates to the Nothing Gallery, Camera and Weather apps. Phone (3a) Series peels back a new level of personalisation. Dial distraction back with a monochromatic theme, hide app labels to clean up your home screen, customise the lock screen and quick settings so everything you need is at your fingertips, and you can even shake up your apps. Phone (3a) Pro also supports eSIM (excluding India).
Phone (3a) Series will get updates for 6 years starting from when the device first became available on nothing.tech. This includes three years of Android updates and six years of security updates in addition to corrective and functionality updates.
Essential Space (early access)
Essential Space is a new, AI-powered hub for notes, ideas, and inspirations. Taking the friction out of logging and recalling content, it can capture, process and remember - just like a second memory.
To make sure Essential Space is always a click away, Nothing created the Essential Key. Easy for a thumb to find and press, it's on the right side of Phone (3a) Series. Press the Essential Key to capture and send content to Essential Space, long-press to record a voice note, and double-tap to head straight to all your saved content. Nothing is made better by its community, and so too is Essential Space. That's why Essential Space Early Access will be available to all customers who purchase a Phone (3a) or Phone (3a) Pro. Early Access will open the doors to the full Essential Space experience, including upcoming features set for launch in the coming months such as Camera Capture, Smart Collections, Focused Search and Flip to Record.
Availability:
Phone (3a) will be available in Black, White, and Blue
8+128GB
12+256GB
Phone (3a) Pro will be available in Grey and Black
12+256GB
Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro will launch in GCC with leading retailers — Jarir, Amazon, Noon, Sharaf DG, Lulu, Xcite, Jumbo, Virgin, EROS on March 20, 2025.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Tahawul Tech
a day ago
- Tahawul Tech
The home of the future is here… and it knows what you need before you do
Picture a bedroom that dims the lights based on your sleep routine, a washing machine you can start when you're on the go and a living room that sets the perfect ambiance with just a voice command. This isn't a scene from 2050, but a rapidly emerging reality as home technology gets more intuitive, and proactive. Welcome to the era of intelligent living, where the smart home doesn't just follow commands; it anticipates your needs. From smart to intuitive Until now, smart homes were largely about remote controls and automation: turning off lights with a tap on your phone, or asking a voice assistant to set a timer. The next evolution takes things a step further. Smart home technology is evolving to deliver homes that learn the residents' habits, interpret the environment, and make independent decisions to improve their quality of life. This shift is powered by advances in AI and machine learning, allowing appliances and devices to go beyond basic connectivity. Think of a robotic vacuum that learns your daily schedule and quietly cleans when you're out. Some of this tech is already available. Samsung recently revealed its Home AI, which includes a broad range of new products, such as Bespoke AI Refrigerators, the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo, Washers, and Dryers, designed with this kind of learning in mind. Managing this AI home is simplified through a central control hub that even connects third party devices through SmartThings without the need for a separate hub device. SmartThings, Samsung's global IoT platform, allows for secure and seamless integration across Galaxy mobile devices, smart TVs, home appliances and partner devices for consistent and personalised everyday experiences. What's even more exciting is how seamlessly these capabilities will come together in the years ahead. A truly smart home goes beyond responding, it actually cares for residents' wellbeing. Wellness is fast becoming the next frontier in home innovation. Future-forward homes are being designed to monitor sleep patterns through wearable tech and adjust lighting, temperature, and even noise levels to promote rest and recovery. Smart kitchens will offer nutritional suggestions based on what's in your fridge, while integrated fitness ecosystems can provide real-time feedback on your workouts and recovery. 'It's not hard to imagine your home acting like a silent wellness coach; nudging you toward better habits without being intrusive.' As remote work and hybrid lifestyles continue, the home is also evolving into a multifunctional space that balances productivity with inspiration. The future home will include AI-powered assistants that extract key insights from meetings, manage calendars intuitively, and help streamline work. But it's not all business. Art and self-expression will find a place too. Screens will become canvases, displaying curated collections from top museums or even your latest AI-generated artwork. Your living space becomes an extension of your personality, adapting dynamically to mood and moment. Many of these features are already in our hands, or at least within reach. AI-integrated devices, smart hubs like Samsung SmartThings, and wearables that sync with home ecosystems are laying the groundwork. What's coming next is greater interconnectivity and a more natural interface between humans and technology. How safe is it? For those who view smart homes through a dystopian lens, Samsung is applying defense-grade security to its appliances. Enhanced Knox security on devices across the lineup allows users to enjoy their AI Home experience with peace of mind. Trust Chain, which is part of Knox Matrix, is applied to all Wi-Fi enabled Samsung appliances launching in 2025. Users can continuously monitor products' security status in real time through the dashboard. Knox Vault is also applied to Samsung home appliances for the first time, to store sensitive user information, such as passwords and authentication information, in a separate hardware chip to ensure protection. Furthermore, to protect against the potential of future quantum attacks, Samsung's security is also equipped with post-quantum cryptography (PQC), a part of Knox Matrix Credential Sync, for its screen-applied products. AI is also being used to improve product maintenance, so you're never stuck with a broken fridge on the day of the big dinner party. Samsung's SmartThings Home Care, for instance, utilises AI to diagnose each appliance's status, and if signs of malfunction are detected, it sends a notification in advance. In addition, a technical support representative can also help, based on pre-diagnosis results. The home of the future isn't just about bells and whistles. It's about creating a living space that supports you, adapts to you, and occasionally even surprises you with how much it 'gets' you. With homes that can think, feel, and care, the future is already knocking. This opinion piece is authored by Shafi Alam, Senior Director and Head of Direct to Consumer and Corporate Marketing Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics.


Tahawul Tech
a day ago
- Tahawul Tech
Global second-hand smartphone market sees annual drop
Recent CCS Insight data has highlighted a 2% year-on-year drop in global second-hand smartphone shipments marking the first annual drop recorded in more than three years. The research organisation noted that the decline comes as operators face increasing consumer preference for SIM-free handsets bought directly from manufacturers or online platforms. An estimated 27.1 million devices were sold globally in the organised secondary market in the first quarter of the year, down from 27.6 million in Q1 2024. However, Ben Hatton, Market Analyst at CCS Insight, described the Q1 slowdown as 'nothing more than a blip', pointing to a positive long-term outlook in the coming quarters. A key growth opportunity is expected to come from trade-in programmes. Indeed, data showed that just 31 per cent of European consumers currently trade in or sell old phones, highlighting an untapped supply of more than 100 million devices annually. As tighter European regulations restrict device imports, the research company noted that despite a slow Q1, strong device buybacks in late 2024 show vendors with internal trade-in schemes are better positioned for long-term supply stability. Simon Bryant, VP of research at CCS Insight, highlighted Samsung's Galaxy Club in the UK as a model to watch, stating such initiatives 'help businesses lock consumers into trade-in agreements, improving take-back and supporting higher residual values for the leading brands in the secondary market'. Looking ahead, Hatton noted 'more mature' markets like France and the UK, which fell 11 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, will remain key to gauging the recovery of the second-hand European smartphone sector for the remainder of 2025. Source: Mobile World Live Image Credit: Stock Image


Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Arabian Post
Powerhouse Chaebols Propel South Korea's Economy to New Heights
A coalition of South Korea's top 100 firms generated an economic contribution of 1,615.2 trillion won in 2024, marking a 3.9 percent rise from the previous year, according to CEO Score data released on 18 June. Samsung Electronics led the charge with a 7 percent increase to 157.5 trillion won, accounting for 9.8 percent of the total haul. This growth reflects an integrated model of wealth distribution across stakeholders—suppliers, workers, government, shareholders and communities. Total sales of these firms reached 2,122.4 trillion won, growing 6.6 percent year-on-year, underlining the deep economic interlinkages driving expansion. Hyundai Motor secured the second position with a contribution of 115.2 trillion won, followed by Kia at 86.6 trillion won, which spectacularly posted the steepest increase thanks to surging supplier payments. Among the top ten contributors were LG Electronics, Hyundai Mobis, GS Caltex, SK Energy, Posco, Samsung C&T and LG Chem. In contrast, LG Energy Solution saw a pronounced drop of 28.3 percent to 19.2 trillion won, weighed down by lower stakeholder payouts. ADVERTISEMENT Industry breakdown highlights that electronics and IT firms contributed about 370 trillion won, followed by petrochemicals at 312 trillion won and the auto sector at 303.5 trillion won. Construction, shipbuilding, steel and distribution made further sizeable additions, reflecting a diverse industrial base. The dominance of chaebol giants—especially Samsung—continues unabated. Samsung and its affiliates, constituting nearly a quarter of national GDP, help drive national innovation and exports. Beyond scale, these conglomerates are embracing strategic shifts. Government figures show a record R&D investment of 83.6 trillion won by South Korean firms, with Samsung alone ploughing 30.2 trillion won into innovation, followed by SK hynix at 4.5 trillion won, Hyundai at 4.3 trillion won, and LG Electronics at 3.4 trillion won. Despite stepping up R&D budgets by 15.3 percent, only 40 domestic firms made the global top 2,000 by R&D outlays, compared to 681 in the US and 524 in China—underscoring scope for further thrust in innovation. Within semiconductors, South Korea continues to hold a dominant global footprint, commanding approximately 60 percent of the DRAM market and 52.6 percent of NAND, led by Samsung and SK hynix. Notably, SK hynix claimed 36 percent of DRAM market share in Q1 2025, overtaking Samsung's 34 percent. This data reveals a dual narrative: chaebol behemoths remain the backbone of the economy, but a growing reliance on innovation and global competitiveness is reshaping the corporate landscape. Hyundai's pivot to electric vehicles, Kia's ramped-up supplier integration and LG's diversification into chemicals and energy solutions are emblematic of this shift. However, concentration risk persists. Samsung and its affiliates form a significant share of GDP and exports, but reliance on a limited set of heavyweights may expose the economy to global headwinds. The comparative lag in R&D-intensive mid-sized firms risks stifling long-term resilience. Nevertheless, public policy is responding. Regulatory tweaks aimed at supporting corporate research and streamlining licensing protocols, alongside financial incentives and infrastructure development, suggest a proactive stance to broaden innovation beyond the chaebol core. As South Korea navigates economic turbulence—from fluctuating global demand to supply chain uncertainties and U.S.–China tech tensions—the measured expansion of stakeholder-driven value and intensification of R&D efforts signal a strategic repositioning.