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The mid-range smartphone segment is set to witness an exciting competition between the Google Pixel 9a and the Nothing Phone 3. Both devices bring premium features at an expected price of ₹45,990, making them direct competitors. From design to performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, these smartphones offer compelling specifications.
Google Pixel 9a maintains a compact and premium build with dimensions of 73.3 x 154.7 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 186g. The IP67-rated water resistance allows the device to withstand submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at 1 meter depth, providing durability against accidental spills. The phone is expected to be available in black and other color variants.
Nothing Phone 3 follows a sleek, bezel-less design with IP53 splash resistance. The transparent back panel with the Glyph Interface gives it a unique look, setting it apart from conventional smartphones. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front enhances durability. The phone’s slightly larger form factor contributes to an improved grip and viewing experience.
Google Pixel 9a is equipped with a 6.3-inch OLED display featuring a 1080 x 2424 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Always-on display enhances user experience by providing quick access to notifications. With ~421 PPI pixel density, content appears crisp and detailed.
Nothing Phone 3 features a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 1080 x 2400 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling. The HDR10+ support, 10-bit color depth, and 1,200 nits peak brightness provide a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio of 88.8% enhances visual appeal, offering a more expansive display area.
Google Pixel 9a is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, featuring a 3.1 GHz octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-A520 cores. The Mali-G715 MC7 GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, making it a capable device for multitasking and gaming. Running on Android 15, it promises an optimized and bloat-free software experience with long-term software support.
Nothing Phone 3 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, featuring a 3.0 GHz octa-core processor with Adreno GPU. Performance efficiency is backed by Nothing OS, a near-stock Android experience built for fluidity. The 380Hz touch sampling rate further enhances responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming.
Google Pixel 9a features a dual-camera setup with a 48MP wide-angle primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide sensor. Google’s Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, and AI-enhanced photography features optimize images, ensuring sharp details and superior low-light performance. The 13MP front camera supports 4K UHD recording, delivering high-quality selfies and video calls.
Nothing Phone 3 houses a triple-camera setup with a 64MP wide-angle sensor, 50MP telephoto lens, and a 32MP ultra-wide sensor. The Sony IMX766 sensor ensures excellent clarity, while OIS and EIS stabilization enhance video recording. Advanced features such as Night Mode, Extreme Night Mode, and HDR improve image quality. The 32MP front camera offers sharp selfies and 1080p video recording, making it a strong contender for content creation.
Google Pixel 9a packs a 5100mAh battery with 18W fast charging and 7.5W wireless charging support. The optimized power consumption from the Tensor G4 chipset ensures extended usage without frequent recharges.
Nothing Phone 3 offers a 5000mAh battery with an impressive 100W wired fast charging capability, significantly reducing downtime. Additionally, it supports 50W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, making it a versatile choice for users who prioritize battery efficiency.
Google Pixel 9a launches with Android 15, promising long-term updates, smooth performance, and Google’s AI-powered features. The integration of exclusive Pixel features like Magic Eraser, Call Assist, and Best Take further enhances usability.
Nothing Phone 3 runs on Android 14 with Nothing OS, providing a customized yet clean UI. The Glyph Interface on the back panel adds a futuristic touch, allowing for customizable notifications and interactions.
Both smartphones come with in-display fingerprint sensors and face unlock technology. Google Pixel 9a offers enhanced security updates and Google’s Titan M2 chip, making it highly secure for personal and professional use.
Nothing Phone 3 provides dual 5G SIM support, enhanced audio codecs (aptX, LDAC, AAC), and an overall immersive audio experience.
Both devices support WiFi 6E, USB Type-C connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS. Google Pixel 9a offers a more robust water resistance (IP67), whereas Nothing Phone 3 provides dual-band A-GPS support for enhanced navigation accuracy.
Google Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3 both deliver compelling features for a mid-range flagship experience.
For photography enthusiasts, Pixel 9a’s AI-driven computational photography offers more refined and natural images, while Nothing Phone 3’s triple-camera system excels in versatility and telephoto zoom.
For gaming and performance, Nothing Phone 3’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, higher refresh rate, and improved touch sampling provide an edge in responsiveness.
For software and updates, Google Pixel 9a guarantees long-term Android updates and exclusive Pixel features, making it a solid long-term investment.
For battery and charging, Nothing Phone 3 outshines with 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, significantly reducing charge times.
Both devices offer an excellent balance of features, making them strong contenders in the mid-range segment. The choice ultimately depends on preferences for camera performance, software experience, and battery efficiency.
