London, UK – February 14, 2025
British consumer technology brand Nothing has officially announced that its upcoming Phone 3a series will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, marking a strategic shift back to Qualcomm’s chipset ecosystem for its mid-range smartphone lineup. The confirmation came directly from CEO Carl Pei, who shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting key improvements in the upcoming model, particularly in terms of performance and camera capabilities.
In his post, Pei emphasized that the company is “going back to the Qualcomm Snapdragon series with the Phone (3a),” signaling a return to its original chipset supplier after last year’s A-series models featured MediaTek Dimensity processors. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among tech enthusiasts, as the Phone 3a series is set to launch on March 4, 2025.
Why Nothing is Returning to Qualcomm Snapdragon for the 3a Series
Nothing’s decision to switch back to Qualcomm for its new mid-range offering comes after a year of experimenting with MediaTek’s Dimensity chipsets in its A-series models. While the Dimensity chips delivered strong performance and efficiency, the Snapdragon series has long been regarded as the preferred choice for seamless software integration, power efficiency, and sustained performance, particularly within the Android ecosystem.
Advantages of Qualcomm Snapdragon for the Phone 3a Series
- Better Performance Optimization – Snapdragon processors are known for their efficient architecture, optimized for long-term software updates, gaming performance, and AI-driven enhancements.
- Improved Camera Processing – Qualcomm’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) technology offers superior computational photography features, promising sharper images, enhanced low-light performance, and improved video stabilization.
- Software Stability and Compatibility – Nothing’s Nothing OS is built with a clean, near-stock Android experience, and Snapdragon chips are better optimized for Android updates, ensuring long-term stability.
- Enhanced 5G Connectivity – Snapdragon’s integrated 5G modems are known for better network reception and power efficiency, crucial for global markets where 5G adoption is expanding rapidly.
This shift underscores Nothing’s commitment to refining its smartphone lineup by focusing on a chipset that aligns better with its ecosystem goals and provides an optimized user experience.
Phone 3a Series: Expected Features and Specifications
While Nothing has yet to fully disclose the specifications of the Phone 3a series, leaks and industry reports suggest that the device will be positioned as a premium mid-range smartphone, offering key improvements over its predecessor.
1. Snapdragon 7-Series or 8-Series Chipset
Given its price positioning and previous chipset choices, the Nothing Phone 3a could feature a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, both of which offer:
- Flagship-level performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Better AI-driven camera enhancements.
- Optimized battery efficiency for longer usage.
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is likely to be the preferred choice, as it strikes a balance between affordability and high performance, making it an ideal chipset for a mid-range device.
2. Camera Upgrades: Improved Sensors and AI Processing
Carl Pei has already hinted at notable camera improvements, which could include:
- A 50MP primary sensor, with optical image stabilization (OIS) and AI-driven image processing.
- A better ultra-wide sensor, improving landscape and low-light photography.
- Enhanced Night Mode and Portrait Mode algorithms.
Given Nothing’s focus on minimalistic design and high-quality hardware, the camera system could rival more expensive smartphones in its segment.
3. Transparent Design and Glyph Interface Refinements
The signature transparent design with the Glyph Interface is expected to make a return, potentially with new lighting features and expanded functionality. The Glyph Interface has been a standout feature in Nothing’s previous smartphones, allowing users to:
- Customize LED notifications for different apps and contacts.
- Use the lights as a fill flash for photography.
- Create unique ringtones and vibration patterns.
Nothing is likely to enhance the interactivity of the Glyph Interface in the Phone 3a series, making it more than just an aesthetic element.
4. 120Hz OLED Display and Upgraded Battery Life
The Nothing Phone 3a is expected to feature a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery smooth scrolling and an immersive visual experience. Additionally, with Snapdragon’s power-efficient architecture, users can expect:
- At least 5,000mAh battery capacity, ensuring all-day battery life.
- Fast charging capabilities, potentially supporting 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
5. Software and Long-Term Updates
Nothing has positioned Nothing OS as a clean, bloat-free Android experience, and with the Snapdragon chipset, users can expect longer-term Android updates and security patches. The Phone 3a series will likely ship with Nothing OS 3.0 based on Android 15, ensuring the latest software experience at launch.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
The Nothing Phone 3a series will enter a fiercely competitive mid-range smartphone market, taking on established players like:
- Google Pixel 7a / Pixel 8a – Known for its superior camera processing and Google’s long-term software support.
- Samsung Galaxy A55 5G – Offers Samsung’s One UI ecosystem, strong battery life, and premium design.
- OnePlus Nord 3 / Nord CE 4 – A close rival, offering powerful hardware and OxygenOS software.
Despite strong competition, Nothing has built a loyal following, thanks to its unique design, attention to software quality, and transparent branding strategy.
Implications for Nothing and the Smartphone Industry
Nothing’s return to Qualcomm signals a refinement of its long-term strategy, focusing on:
- Better performance optimization through a well-integrated hardware-software approach.
- Leveraging Qualcomm’s ecosystem to enhance connectivity, imaging, and gaming experiences.
- Strengthening Nothing’s brand identity in a crowded mid-range market.
Furthermore, Nothing’s continued innovation with the Glyph Interface and its transparent design philosophy continue to set it apart from conventional smartphone brands.