Nothing Reveals the Design of the Phone (3a) Pro and Explains Why It’s So Weird

Nothing has shared details about the design process behind its upcoming Phone (3a) Pro smartphone, revealing the placement of the periscope camera, Glyph lighting, and other elements. The developers also talked about the challenges of designing the device and the desire to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Image Source: Nothing

The development of the device began with sketches on paper, then moved on to digital models and included experiments with components. As noted by Nothing, the designers faced three main tasks – to create an attractive appearance, ensure practicality and fit all the necessary elements inside the case.

Image Source: Nothing

One of the main design challenges was the periscope module for the 3x optical zoom that the device received. Its excessively large dimensions affected the arrangement of the cameras, and during development, engineers had to test dozens of layout options before choosing the final design. The presented images show that the smartphone retains the signature style of Nothing with a transparent back panel and Glyph LED backlight, but the camera has become noticeably larger.

Image Source: Nothing

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro will offer users 3x optical and 60x digital zoom, while the basic version of the Phone (3a) will be limited to 2x optical and 30x digital zoom. Another advantage of the new products will be 50W fast charging. According to the company, the battery will be able to charge up to 50% in just 19 minutes, and a full charge will take 56 minutes, which also gives the device an advantage over mid-range competitors such as the upcoming Pixel 9a, Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, which will offer less fast charging.

Image Source: Nothing

Both new Nothing phones are likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, at least as Nothing has hinted at in previous posts. There will also be a mysterious side button that was spotted in teasers. It could function similarly to the Action Button on the iPhone, allowing you to customize quick commands.

In terms of memory, the Phone (3a) Pro will likely only be available in 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the standard model will have more configurations – 8 or 12GB RAM and 128 or 256GB storage. Another feature will be a separate button for the camera. The developers considered an option with a red mark on the button, but abandoned it in favor of a glossy finish that will match any color of the case.

Nothing has also reworked the Glyph interface — it still consists of three main segments, like the Phone (2a) series models, but now there will be more settings. In addition to the Phone (3a) Pro, the company is preparing to release a standard version of the Phone (3a), as well as a flagship Phone (3), the design of which is still kept secret.