The Nothing Phone (3a) Promised Big Battery Upgrades… But Does It Deliver?
Nothing’s latest budget contender, the Phone (3a), boasts a bigger battery and optimized software for longer life. But in a world where even mid-range phones struggle with screen-on time, can it actually last a full day?
I tested it for a week—here’s the real deal on battery life, charging speed, and whether it’s worth your cash.
Battery Specs: What’s Under the Hood?
- 5,000mAh battery (up from Phone (2a)’s 4,700mAh)
- 45W fast charging (supports USB-PD, but no charger in-box)
- Nothing OS 3.0 optimizations (adaptive battery, background limits)
Real-World Battery Test: How Long Does It Last?
I pushed the Phone (3a) through my daily routine:
✅ Moderate Use (Social media, calls, Spotify): 7.5 hours screen-on time → 1.5 days standby.
✅ Heavy Use (Gaming, 5G, camera): 5 hours screen-on time → dies by bedtime.
✅ Standby Drain: Lost 4% overnight (better than most Androids).
Verdict: It’s not a marathon champ like the Redmi Note 13 Pro, but it’s reliable for average users.
Charging Speed: Is 45W Fast Enough?
- 0–50% in 23 mins (with a 45W charger).
- Full charge in 58 mins (slower than 65W+ rivals).
- No wireless charging (expected at this price).
Annoyance: No charger in the box—budget phones should include one.
Does Nothing OS 3.0 Help Battery Life?
Nothing’s software tweaks do make a difference:
- Adaptive brightness/refresh rate saves power.
- Aggressive app hibernation (but some apps reload annoyingly).
Should You Buy It?
👍 Good for: Casual users who want clean software + decent battery.
👎 Avoid if: You’re a power user or need all-day gaming.
Alternatives:
- Redmi Note 13 Pro (6,000mAh, faster charging).
- Samsung Galaxy A35 (better software support).
Final Thought
The Nothing Phone (3a) isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a solid upgrade with no major flaws. If you love Nothing’s design and near-stock Android, it’s worth considering—just keep a charger handy.