I tried the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite
The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is an entry-level smartphone offering a minimal transparent design, core features, and a competitive price, though it won't be available in North America.
Takeways• Nothing Phone (3a) Lite offers an entry-level price point and transparent design.
• Features include a minimal Glyph interface, Nothing OS 3.5, and core hardware for daily use.
• Not available in North America, targeting the UK, Europe, and other regions.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is an affordable new entry in the Phone 3 lineup, maintaining a transparent design with a reduced Glyph interface and running Nothing OS 3.5. It offers a larger, thinner, and lighter form factor compared to the standard Phone 3, prioritizing everyday usability over high-end performance.
Nothing Phone (3a) Design
• 00:00:05 The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, priced between $290-$330, features a transparent design on the back, available in black and a nicer-looking white model. Its Glyph interface is significantly minimalized to a single dot for notifications and calls, and it launches with Nothing OS 3.5, including a widget-sharing feature. Pre-installed apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are present but uninstallable, and a 'Lock Glimpse' feature displays random wallpapers with article links, which can also be disabled.
Performance and Availability
• 00:01:12 While the Phone (3a) Lite is bigger, thinner, and lighter than the Phone 3, it has a lower resolution and less bright 120Hz AMOLED screen. It includes an essential key, a triple camera setup, a Dimensity 7300 Pro processor, and 8GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks but not extreme gaming. A 5,000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging and an IP54 rating are included, but the phone will not launch in North America, focusing on regions like the UK and Europe.