Latest news with #NothingPhone3aPro
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I actually prefer budget phones to flagships — but there's one thing phone makers need to fix
I'm a big fan of phones will small price tags. That's partly a reflection of my inherent cheapness — you'll have to use a crowbar to pry a dollar bill free from my wallet — but it's also an acknowledgment of a simple truth: the very best cheap phones can do nearly everything a flagship device can do these days. That's not to say you won't have to make compromises in some areas. Screamingly fast processors are generally reserved for more expensive phones, though unless you're regularly using demanding apps or graphically intensive games, you'll likely be just fine with the good-enough chipsets found in cheaper phones. More expensive models also benefit from better camera hardware and more extensive AI support, but there are enough lower-cost phones that hold their own in camera comparisons to make that trade-off less noticeable. As for AI, well, if you consider that feature a must-have for your phone, feel free to spend big on the latest flagships. For most people, though, AI-powered capabilities are a nice-to-have, not an essential part of the smartphone experience. That said, there remains one area where cheaper phones are clearly at a disadvantage. And it simply doesn't need to be that way. Cheap phones need more extensive software support from their device makers. That's especially true in this era where people want to hold on to their phones for longer, for reasons relating to both budgets and the environment. Our pick for the best cheap phone available right now — Google's Pixel 9a — stands out as a model of what phones under $500 could offer their users. Buy a Pixel 9a, and Google promises to deliver seven years of software and security updates. Notably, that's the same level of support you'd enjoy if you paid up for a flagship Pixel. But the Pixel 9a is clearly an outlier when it comes to software support. Scour the other sub-$500 phones we recommend, and you're not going to find any matching Google's pledge. Phone Price Software updates Security updates Google Pixel 9a $499 7 years 7 years Samsung Galaxy A36 $399 6 years 6 years iPhone 16e $599 5 years (unofficial) 5 years (unofficial) OnePlus 13R $599 4 years 6 years Nothing Phone 3a Pro $459 3 years 6 years Nothing Phone 3a $379 3 years 6 years Moto G Power 2025 $299 2 years 3 years Moto G 2025 $199 2 years 3 years The Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro are both fine low-cost alternatives to the Pixel 9a, particularly when you consider that Nothing equips its phones with dedicated telephoto lenses. But both devices are only set to receive 3 years of Android updates, along with an additional 2 years of security support. Samsung's Galaxy A series of midrange devices come the closest to matching what Google offers Pixel 9a buyers. A Galaxy A36 phone receives 6 years of software and security updates, as well the Galaxy A56 when that phone ships in the U.S. later this year. (It's currently available in other parts of the world with that six-year guarantee, though.) Motorola brings up the rear, as its latest Moto G phones feature 2 years of Android updates and a third year of security support. That's actually a step up from the 2024 Moto G series, which only supported one Android update. Expand your search to phones that cost a little more than $500, and you'll see some more extensive support — though Google still sets the pace. The $599 iPhone 16e gets the same access to iOS updates as Apple's other iPhone 16 models, which should mean at least 5 years, though recent iPhone models have been able to count on longer support. The OnePlus 13R — a terrific midrange model — limits Android updates to 4 years, though you do get six years of security support with that phone. If you're buying a cheaper phone, it's likely because you don't want to spend $799 or more on a smartphone, which you'd have to do by turning to a flagship. But when phone makers cap the software support on a device, you're not getting as much value from your low-cost purchase as you should. Let's say you buy a Moto G 2025 — and why not since you get epic battery life, a stylish design and surprisingly good camera performance in a $199 device. But you'll also run into Motorola's limited software support, which means Android 17 is the last update you'll be able to count on. Maybe having the latest OS isn't as much of a priority to you, but even if you hold on to the Moto G until security updates run out, you'll still be looking for a new phone by 2028. And those seemingly low-cost purchases start to add up. There's more than just frugality at stake here. Even with phone makers using more recycled materials for their devices, it's generally a more earth-friendly approach to space out your phone upgrades even longer than you are now. Extending software support is a seemingly easy way to build more sustainable devices. I think phone makers are starting to recognize this. As noted Motorola's 2025 Moto G phones have better support than their predecessors, and that's not the only company moving in the right direction. Samsung used to cut off support for its Galaxy A phones at 4 years instead of 6. The OnePlus 13R's software support policy is more generous than what OnePlus offered for the OnePlus 12R. And both the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro get an extra 2 years of security support compared to the Nothing Phone 2a. And Nothing has already confirmed that the Nothing Phone 3 is getting 5 years of Android updates plus seven years of security support. These are welcome changes, and I hope to see the trend continue with future phone releases. There should certainly be clear distinctions between flagship phones and more affordable models. But how long you're able to keep your phone shouldn't be one of those differences.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Nothing Phone 3 specs leak claims 3 key upgrades are coming — what we know
The Nothing Phone 3 is claimed to be the company's first true flagship phone. However, the truth of that claim depends entirely on the device's specifications. Thankfully, a recent leak on X by relatively unknown leaker Gadget Bits (via Android Authority) has given us an idea of the possible specs. According to their post, the Nothing Phone 3 will feature a 6.7-inch LTPO display with a 1.5k resolution. While this might be the same size as the current Nothing Phone 2's 1080p OLED display, the new display should offer more detail better power efficiency thanks to an LTPO display's ability to use variable refresh rates. Alongside the screen, the leak states that the Nothing Phone 3 will be coming with a 50MP main camera, a 50MP periscope camera with 3x zoom, a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 50MP front camera. The Nothing Phone 2, in comparison, features a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide and a 32MP main camera, with no telephoto camera at all. The rumored camera loadout for the Phone 3 is closer to the cameras we saw on the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, although that phone's ultrawide camera was only 8MP. 🚨 ExclusiveNothing Phone (3)- 6.7" 1.5k OLED LTPO display- 50mp + 50mp 3x periscope + 50mp UW- 50mp front- 5150mAh battery (typ) + 100W charging- Wireless + reverse wireless charging- NFC, eSIM- Nothing OS 3.5 on Android 15- Snapdragon 8s Gen 4Launching on July 1st 21, 2025 The next thing to take note of is that the phone will supposedly feature a 5,150 mAh battery, which is larger than any of the other phones in Nothing's roster. This larger battery, when combined with the power-saving screen, could help the Nothing Phone 3 find a place on our best phone battery life list. On top of that, the leaks state that the Nothing Phone 3 will feature 100W charging, which is a marked improvement from the 45W seen on the Nothing Phone 2, and the 50W featured on the newer Nothing Phone 3a. While some might have hoped that Nothing would include the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Nothing Co-founder Carl Pei recently confirmed in a YouTube video that the phone will feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. While we haven't had a chance to test a phone with this chip, Pei indicated that the Nothing Phone 3 will be faster and offer better performance than the Nothing Phone 2 and its Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. We also have a good idea of what the phone is going to cost users in the U.S., thanks to a recent leak on Bluesky. When Nothing first teased the device during Google I/O, it was stated that the phone would cost £800 in the U.K. The leak states that the phone will cost $799 for the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, the 16GB/512GB configuration will cost around $899. The Nothing Phone 3 is looking to be a marked improvement over the current models, at least if this leak is accurate. However, it's always worth taking anything like this with some healthy scepticism, especially if it's from a relatively unknown source. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Nothing Phone 3 will not come with LED Glyph lights but there's something new
The Nothing Phone 3 launch countdown has begun, with just a few days left until the official debut on July 1. The UK-based smartphone brand has been teasing the launch for a few weeks, providing a small glimpse of its first 'true flagship' phone. This year, Nothing is killing the Glyph Interface, which was introduced in both the Phone 1 and Phone 2 models. Now, the company has started to tease a new rear panel element called 'Glyph Matric,' which has a dotted matrix-style lighting. This will likely give the smartphone a whole new look and feel, and we are being honest, this move may be adopted positively among the buyers. Therefore, if you have been waiting to get your hands on the Nothing Phone 3 model, then here's everything you need to know. Also read: Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Nothing Phone 2a Plus: Is it the upgrade you have been waiting for? Nothing has shared a new teaser on microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), revealing that it's replacing the Glyph Interface with the new Glyphic Matrix. The post caption said, 'When lights become language', with the teasing showcasing dotted LED lights on the top right corner of the smartphone. This new revelation gave slight hope to fans about the design, but the placement of the Glyphic Matrix does not match the tipped design render of the Phone 3 model. There are also assumptions around the internet that the leaked Phone 3 design was simply a prototype for the Phone 3a Pro model. Also read: Nothing Phone 3a vs Phone 3a Pro: Which model offers better value, features, and performance? As of now, Nothing has revealed the purpose or functioning of the Glyph Matrix, but we expect it to be customisable. Therefore, we may have to wait until launch to know how this design revelation will work out for the Nothing Phone 3 model. Alongside the new Glyph Matrix, Nothing has also revealed that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 will power the Phone 3, bringing 5 years of software updates and 7 years of security patches. We also expect to see AI-powered features and greater integration into the Nothing OS. Also read: Nothing Phone 3a Pro Unboxing: First look at the design Reportedly, the Nothing Phone 3 is expected to be priced at $799 in the US. However, in India, the price of the smartphone could cost around Rs.68000 in India for the base storage variant. The smartphone could offer a 12GB RAM + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB storage option during launch.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Nothing Phone 3 confirmed to launch with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: All details
Nothing is launching its new generation of flagship smartphone, the Phone 3, on July 1, 2025. Alongside the smartphone, the company is also introducing its first-ever headphone, entering the category of the new audio wearable market. Now, the official launch is just a few days away, the Nothing has started to tease the products, providing us with a small glimpse into what's coming. Now, in the latest revelation, Nothing has confirmed that the Phone 3 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. The company says that it's the 'most advanced processor in a Nothing smartphone to date. Therefore, if you have been keeping an eye on all things about the Nothing Phone 3 model, then you know what is expected to be announced during the launch. Also read: Oppo F29 Pro 5G vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Which latest mid-ranger is worth the hype? Nothing is teasing the upcoming Phone 3 model as its 'first true flagship' model. Now, the UK-based tech giant has officially announced the performance upgrade, highlighting that the smartphone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. Nothing also shared a detailed video on its official YouTube channel with Carl Pei detailing the new chipset. Carl Pei said, 'Compared to Phone (2), it's going to be 36% faster on CPU, 88% stronger on GPU, and 60% stronger on the NPU. But what it means in practice, it will feel a lot snappier.' Also read: Nothing Phone 3 likely to launch in July- Here's what we know so far Well, this processor may raise some eyebrows among buyers since the processor is not as flagship as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It is said to be a cut-down version in terms of the GPU. Additionally, it does not come with an Oryon CPU, lacks K video recording, 4K/120fps slow-motion video, and more, which we usually expect from a flagship device. While it misses out on some features, it is still a powerful processor with impressive architecture. Therefore, it will be quite interesting to see the real-world usage of the processor with the Nothing Phone 3 model. This year, Nothing is focusing on refining the design, performance, software, and bringing AI to the smartphone. While the official specifications are under the covers, the Nothing Phone 3 is expected to feature a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1600nits peak brightness. It will likely feature a triple camera setup that may include a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Lastly, it is expected to be backed by a 5000mAh battery.
Tom's Guide
16-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Trump Mobile launching with gold phone and unlimited data — here's how it stacks up
Donald Trump, apparently not otherwise occupied by his day job of being President of the United States, not only wants to sell you your next cell phone but provide the mobile wireless service for that device. Technically, the phone is being developed by the Trump Organization, the business run by the president's children that's launched a number of side hustles related to his presidency. Indeed, the T1 Phone from the Trump Organization appears to be exactly that, with its announcement date of today (June 16) timed to mark the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump announcing his first run for the presidency. The gold-toned T1 Phone is supposed to ship in August for $499, and the Trump Organization says it will be built in the U.S. That's in keeping with a stated goal of the president, who wants to return more manufacturing jobs to the U.S., especially tech devices. Just last month, President Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on Apple unless it moved iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. — a tricky demand since the U.S. lacks the kind of manufacturing facilities and equipment to build phones at the scale Apple needs. Even before the phone arrives, the Trump Organization plans to launch its own wireless service called, appropriately enough, Trump Mobile. The carrier's lone plan, the 47 Plan, features unlimited data for $47.45/month — prices that coincide with Trump's two terms in office. Trump Mobile is what's known as a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, in that it will rely on other carriers' towers for cellular service. In a statement announcing the launch of Trump Mobile, the Trump Organization says it offering "5G service through all three major cellular carriers," which would mean AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Setting aside any political leanings or ethical concerns about a business tied to the president entering the mobile market — just for starters, the president appoints the head of the FCC, which is tasked with regulating the mobile industry — should you consider either the T1 Phone or getting your wireless service from Trump Mobile? Here's what we know so far about the phone and how Trump Mobile's advertised plan compares to other wireless options. The Trump Organization has posed a few specs for the T1 Phone, though some key details are missing. The phone will feature a 6.8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. A 5,000 mAh battery that supports 20W charging speeds supplies the power. There's no indication the phone will offer wireless charging. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Images of the phone depict a triple-camera array, though the listed specs suggest a less-than-robust setup. While the main camera uses a 50MP sensor, those other rear cameras are apparently a 2MP depth sensor and 2MP macro lens. While it's not uncommon for sub-$500 phones to lack a dedicated telephoto lens — the Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro are two exceptions — many devices in the T1 Phone's price range do feature an ultrawide lens. The Pixel 9a, our current pick for the best cheap phone under $500, has a dual-lens setup with an ultrawide camera joining the main shooter. The T1 Phone promises 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage. Information about the system-on-chip that will power the phone isn't listed. In terms of design, the back of the phone looks to feature a giant T1 logo on top of a smaller logo of the American flag. While the phone isn't supposed to arrive until August, the Trump Organization is taking pre-orders now, though you'll have to put up a deposit $100 — around one-fifth of the total cost to secure your order. Considering this is the Trump Organization's first stab at making a phone, I'd be inclined to hold on to my money until there was a shipping product, especially since you're able to bring your current phone to the Trump Mobile service if you decide to make that MVNO your wireless carrier. For what it's worth, a reporter for 404 Media tried placing a pre-order for the T1 Phone. According to his account, the website failed and his credit card was charged $64.70. So should you turn to Trump Mobile for your wireless coverage? If you do, you'll have just one plan — the $47.45/month 47 Plan, which promises unlimited data with 5G coverage. However, only 20GB of that unlimited data is guaranteed to be high-speed data. In terms of perks, the Trump Organization says the 47 Plan includes free international calling to 100 countries, with families of military service members receiving free calls to overseas bases. Other perks include device protection, 24/7 roadside assistance and teleheath services. In an interview with Fox Business, Eric Trump — both the president's son and the executive vice president of the Trump Organization — touted the low cost of the 47 Plan. "It's going to be cheaper, 47 bucks a month," he said. "You're going to have more internet. More international dialing for free, hundreds of countries. International dialing for free. It is the biggest bang for the buck." A $47.45/month unlimited plan certainly undercuts what the big carriers charge for unlimited data. T-Mobile's Essentials Saver plan costs $50/month after an autopay discount, and AT&T has a $51/month Value Plus plan. At Verizon, the Unlimited Welcome plan starts at $65/month, but the carrier's prepaid options include a $50/month unlimited plan. Those unlimited plans from the major carriers are pretty bare-bones in terms of perks, though, and certainly lack the extras Trump Mobile's 47 Plan promises. Unlimited plan Monthly cost High-speed data cap Trump Mobile 47 Plan $47.45 20GB AT&T Value Plus plan $51 Speeds can be slowed if network is congested Boost Mobile Unlimited plan $25 30GB Mint Mobile $30 (with upfront annual payment) None T-Mobile Essentials Saver $50 50GB Verizon Unlimited Welcome $65 Speeds can be slowed if network is congested Visible Plus plan $35 50GB The 47 Plan compares less favorably to unlimited data offerings from fellow MVNO outfits. Visible currently offers my pick for the best unlimited data plan with its $35/month Visible Plus plan, which delivers fast Ultra Wideband 5G from Verizon's network. What's more, that plan features 50GB of high-speed data, dwarfing the 20GB in the Trump Mobile plan. A current promotion at Visible running through the end of June cuts the Visible Plus rate to $30/month for the next three years when you sign up with a 'SAVE5' promo code. If you don't mind paying for a year of cellular service in advance, Mint Mobile also offers a low monthly rate on unlimited data. A year's worth of service normally costs $30/month or an upfront payment of $360, though currently Mint is discounting that with $20/month or $240. Mint gets its wireless coverage from T-Mobile, which also owns Mint. It's also notable that Mint has no cap on high-speed data. Boost Mobile is building out its own network, with supplemental coverage from AT&T and T-Mobile to extend its reach nationwide. That carrier has a $25/month unlimited plan with a 30GB on high-speed data. Boost also says it will lock in that rate for as long as you're a customer, meaning no price hikes. In other words, Trump Mobile may be touting the low cost of its cell phone plan. But multiple carriers beat it on price.
