The smartphone landscape is ever-evolving, with the Nothing Phone 3a and OnePlus Nord 4 emerging as prominent contenders in the mid-range segment. While both devices share similar features, such as camera specifications and screen dimensions, they each come with distinct characteristics that set them apart, including differences in build materials and processing capabilities.
This article aims to provide a thorough comparison between the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Nothing Phone 3a, guiding readers in making an informed purchasing decision.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs Nothing Phone 3a: A Detailed Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a robust metallic chassis, providing enhanced durability compared to the Nothing Phone 3a, which has a plastic build. While the former is adept at withstanding wear and tear, the latter is more prone to scratches but lighter in weight.
Specifications Overview
Let’s break down the specifications of both devices to see how they stack up against each other:
| Specification | OnePlus Nord 4 | Nothing Phone 3a |
| Display | 6.74″Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7″AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) |
| Operating System | Android 14 with OxygenOS 14.1 | Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1 |
| RAM Options | Up to 16 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB |
| Storage Options | Up to 512 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 8 MP | 50 MP + 50 MP + 8 MP |
| Front Camera | 16 MP | 32 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 5500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 100W wired fast charging | 50W fast charging |
| Price | Starting at $395 for 256GB | Starting at $379 for 256GB |
Performance Insights
Both smartphones are adept at multitasking, handling basic applications with ease. However, when it comes to gaming performance, the OnePlus Nord 4 surpasses the Nothing 3a with quicker load times and superior overall consistency, thanks to its more advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 3a offers a well-optimized system, ensuring minimal lag and a clean, streamlined user experience without unnecessary bloatware, setting the stage for smooth operation.
Despite both phones featuring a 50 MP rear camera, the OnePlus Nord 4 exhibits enhanced image processing capabilities, delivering superior photo quality.
Display and Brightness Analysis
Both models offer similar display sizes, but they differ in design. The bezels on the Nothing Phone 3a are more pronounced than on the OnePlus Nord 4. However, the Nothing Phone 3a shines outdoors with its higher brightness capacity, making it more suitable for bright environments:
- Peak Brightness of Nothing 3a: 3000 nits
- Peak Brightness of OnePlus Nord 4: 2150 nits
It’s important to note that while the Nothing Phone 3a is exceptionally bright, it lacks HDR support—a feature that the OnePlus Nord 4 proudly offers for enhanced viewing experiences on platforms like Netflix.
Battery Performance and Charging Features
Battery life is one area where the OnePlus Nord 4 takes a noticeable lead, boasting a 5500 mAh battery compared to the 5000 mAh found in the Nothing Phone 3a. Additionally, the charging capabilities favor the Nord 4 significantly, supporting ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 100W, as opposed to the Nothing’s 50W. Moreover, the OnePlus model comes bundled with a charging brick, which is not included with the Nothing Phone 3a.
Conclusion: Which Smartphone Reigns Supreme?
Ultimately, the OnePlus Nord 4 emerges as the superior choice, thanks to its robust processor, longer battery life, and faster charging options. While the Nothing Phone 3a boasts a brighter display, its lack of HDR support may deter potential buyers. Those looking for the best overall value in a mid-range smartphone would do well to consider the OnePlus Nord 4.