London, UK – February 14, 2025 – Nothing, the London-based consumer technology company, has officially confirmed that its highly anticipated Phone 3a series will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. This announcement, made by CEO Carl Pei in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), marks a significant shift for the company, which previously utilized MediaTek Dimensity chipsets in its A-series models.
“I’m happy to announce that we are going back to the Qualcomm Snapdragon series with the Phone (3a),” Pei stated in the video. He also highlighted that the new series will bring improvements in the camera system and overall performance compared to its predecessors.
This decision to return to Qualcomm Snapdragon processors for the Phone 3a series signals Nothing’s commitment to delivering a premium user experience. Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are renowned for their powerful performance, energy efficiency, and advanced features, making them a popular choice for high-end smartphones.
While the specific Snapdragon processor to be featured in the Phone 3a series has not yet been revealed, speculations suggest that it could be the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. This mid-range chipset offers a compelling combination of performance and power efficiency, making it a suitable choice for the Phone 3a series.
The move to Qualcomm Snapdragon processors is expected to bring a significant boost in performance to the Phone 3a series. According to Pei, the new processor will deliver a 25% increase in CPU performance and a 72% boost in NPU performance compared to the Phone 2a Plus. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced AI capabilities.
The improved NPU performance is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests that Nothing is focusing on enhancing the AI capabilities of its smartphones. With the rise of AI-powered features in smartphones, a powerful NPU is crucial for delivering a seamless and intelligent user experience.
In addition to the processor upgrade, the Phone 3a series is also expected to bring improvements in the camera system. While details are scarce, Pei hinted at significant enhancements in image processing and overall camera performance. This could mean improved image quality, better low-light photography, and enhanced video recording capabilities.
The Phone 3a series is rumored to feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience. It is also expected to run on Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, and retain the brand’s signature Glyph interface.
The Glyph interface, introduced with the original Nothing Phone, is a unique system of LED lights on the back of the device that can be customized for notifications, charging status, and other functions. It adds a distinctive touch to Nothing smartphones and sets them apart from the competition.
The Phone 3a series is scheduled to launch on March 4th, and more details about its specifications and features are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. The launch of the Phone 3a series is highly anticipated by tech enthusiasts, as it marks Nothing’s return to the premium smartphone segment.
With its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, improved camera system, and unique Glyph interface, the Phone 3a series has the potential to make a significant impact in the smartphone market. It will be interesting to see how the Phone 3a series stacks up against its competitors and whether it can live up to the hype surrounding its launch.
About Nothing
Nothing is a London-based consumer technology company founded by Carl Pei, one of the co-founders of OnePlus. The company aims to create innovative and aesthetically pleasing tech products that simplify and enhance people’s lives. Nothing’s first product, the Ear (1) wireless earbuds, was launched in 2021 and received critical acclaim for its unique design and sound quality. The company has since launched the Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2), both of which have garnered attention for their transparent design and innovative features.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and the inventor of CDMA, OFDMA and SC-FDMA technologies. The company pioneers many essential 4G, 5G and next-generation wireless technologies that drive the convergence of mobile, computing, and communications across all industries. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors are widely used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices, powering billions of devices around the world.
