Nothing Phone 3(a) Pro: Autocross-Tested & Ready to Race

Nothing Phone 3(a) Pro: Autocross 2025 Review

The Nothing Phone 3(a) Pro isn't your average smartphone. We put it to the test at the high-octane Autocross 2025 event at the Buddh International Circuit, subjecting it to a full day of intense use. From blazing sun to roaring engines, here's our verdict.

Design: A Head-Turner

The Phone 3(a) Pro's transparent back and unique Glyph Interface immediately drew attention. The customizable LED lights around the camera are initially gimmicky, but proved surprisingly useful in low-light conditions. The Essential Key on the side, for quick access to Essential Space, is a neat addition, although I did occasionally confuse it with the power button.

Display: Bright and Crisp

The 6.77-inch display, boasting up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, performed flawlessly under direct sunlight. Even when compared side-by-side with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the clarity and vibrant colors (HDR10+, 10-bit color, 120Hz refresh rate) held their own. Zooming in on the action was effortless.

Cameras: Zoom Capabilities Impress

The star of the show is the 50MP periscope lens. 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom captured stunning detail, even from across the track. While 60x digital zoom resulted in some artifacting (as expected), the overall image quality was impressive. The main 50MP camera produced punchy photos, although colors were slightly oversaturated. 4K video recording was smooth, thanks to the rear camera's OIS.

Performance and Battery: A Winning Combination

Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage, the phone handled everything thrown at it – photo editing, video recording, and even Genshin Impact on high settings – without a hitch. Minimal heating was noticeable. The 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasted the entire day, even with heavy use. 50W wired charging is supported (no wireless charging, unfortunately).

Connectivity and Audio: Solid Performance

Call quality remained clear despite the noisy environment. Audio output was loud, though bass was slightly lacking. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. Dual SIM support is available (physical + eSIM, but eSIM not in all regions).

Verdict: Style and Substance

The Nothing Phone 3(a) Pro is more than just a pretty face. It’s a robust performer with a stunning display, excellent camera capabilities, reliable battery life, and a design that sets it apart. At ₹29,999, it’s a compelling option for those seeking a unique and capable smartphone.