When choosing a new smartphone, two brands have been gaining attention for their unique approaches: Nothing and OnePlus. With the release of their respective models, the Nothing Phone 3a and OnePlus Nord CE4, many users are left wondering which one to pick. Both smartphones offer impressive features, but they cater to different preferences and needs. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the Nothing Phone 3a and the OnePlus Nord CE4 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Nothing Phone 3a:
The Nothing Phone 3a stays true to the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Featuring a sleek, transparent back design, it’s all about showcasing the technology inside, with LEDs that light up to give the phone a futuristic vibe. The transparent back and the iconic light strip offer a visually striking look that stands out in a crowd. If you’re someone who values a unique, bold design, the Nothing Phone 3a could be the choice for you.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
The OnePlus Nord CE4 follows a more traditional design with a clean, modern, and refined feel. It features a slim profile, rounded edges, and a smooth finish. The phone comes in a variety of colors, including Charcoal Ink, Silver Ray, and Blue Tide, which gives users some freedom to express their style. The Nord CE4’s design is subtle and polished, making it a great option if you prefer something a bit more classic and understated.
Display: Visual Experience
Nothing Phone 3a:
The Nothing Phone 3a sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen has a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness, which is great for gaming and everyday tasks. Whether you’re watching videos or scrolling through social media, the display is sharp and offers a good viewing experience.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord CE4 features a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display, also with a 90Hz refresh rate. The display is vibrant and fluid, delivering excellent color accuracy and a smooth user interface. While it’s slightly smaller than the Nothing Phone 3a’s display, it still provides a similar visual experience, making both phones excellent options for media consumption.
Verdict: Both phones have AMOLED screens with a 90Hz refresh rate, so you’re getting a great display experience either way. The choice really depends on whether you prefer a slightly larger screen (Nothing Phone 3a) or a more compact one (OnePlus Nord CE4).
Performance and Power
Nothing Phone 3a:
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, paired with 6GB/8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Snapdragon 695 offers smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming, though it’s not as powerful as some high-end processors. If you’re looking for a phone that handles multitasking and runs popular apps without issues, the Phone 3a does the job well.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
The OnePlus Nord CE4 also uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, paired with options for 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The performance is similar to the Nothing Phone 3a, offering smooth performance in everyday activities and gaming. However, the extra RAM option (12GB) in the Nord CE4 can provide a slight edge in handling more demanding tasks or heavy multitasking.
Verdict: The performance on both devices is nearly identical, with both powered by the Snapdragon 695. If you’re someone who wants more RAM for multitasking, the OnePlus Nord CE4 might be the better choice due to its 12GB RAM option.
Camera Quality: Capturing Moments
Nothing Phone 3a:
The Nothing Phone 3a has a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. The primary camera captures detailed and sharp images with accurate colors in well-lit conditions. The ultra-wide camera expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to capture wider shots. The phone also features a 16MP front-facing camera, perfect for selfies and video calls.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
The OnePlus Nord CE4 offers a 64MP primary camera, a 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 64MP primary sensor is capable of taking high-resolution photos, offering good detail and sharpness in various lighting conditions. The ultra-wide lens lets you capture wider scenes, and the depth sensor enhances portrait shots. The 16MP front camera is designed for high-quality selfies.
Verdict: Both phones offer solid camera setups, but the OnePlus Nord CE4 pulls ahead slightly with a higher-resolution main camera (64MP vs. 50MP). If you value high-res photos, the Nord CE4 may be the better choice, though the Nothing Phone 3a’s camera is no slouch either, especially for its price range.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
Nothing Phone 3a:
The Nothing Phone 3a comes with a 4500mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. With typical use, it should last a full day, and the fast charging feature is a nice bonus, allowing you to charge your phone quickly when needed.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
The OnePlus Nord CE4 is equipped with a 4500mAh battery as well, but it supports 65W fast charging. This is a major advantage, as it allows the phone to charge much quicker compared to the Nothing Phone 3a, reaching about 70% charge in just 15 minutes.
Verdict: Both phones offer similar battery life, but the OnePlus Nord CE4 wins when it comes to charging speed, thanks to its 65W fast charging. If quick top-ups are important to you, the Nord CE4 might be the better option.
Software and User Experience
Nothing Phone 3a:
The Nothing Phone 3a runs a near-stock version of Android 13, with a custom Nothing OS overlay. The software is clean, with minimal bloatware, and focuses on delivering a smooth, intuitive experience. The phone also offers some unique design elements like the LED light strip, which adds a touch of personality to the device.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
The OnePlus Nord CE4 runs OxygenOS, which is known for its smooth, fast, and user-friendly interface. OxygenOS is highly customizable and offers a near-stock Android experience with some additional features, like the ability to tweak the appearance of the UI and more control over system behaviors. OnePlus is also known for its quick software updates, which is a nice touch for long-term usability.
Verdict: Both phones offer great software experiences. The Nothing Phone 3a focuses on simplicity and unique design features, while the OnePlus Nord CE4 offers more customization options and consistent software updates.
Price and Value
Nothing Phone 3a:
The Nothing Phone 3a is positioned as a budget-friendly smartphone that provides excellent value for money. It balances design, performance, and camera quality at an affordable price point. If you’re looking for a phone that offers good performance with a unique design, the Nothing Phone 3a is a great option.
OnePlus Nord CE4:
The OnePlus Nord CE4, though slightly pricier than the Nothing Phone 3a, offers solid performance, excellent cameras, and faster charging at a competitive price. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for slightly better camera performance and faster charging, the Nord CE4 is a strong contender.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re after a smartphone with cutting-edge design and a futuristic look, the Nothing Phone 3a is hard to beat. Its transparent back and LED lighting offer a unique flair that sets it apart from the competition.
However, if you value performance, faster charging, and higher camera resolutions, the OnePlus Nord CE4 may be the better fit for you. With its 64MP camera, 65W fast charging, and more RAM options, the Nord CE4 is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in many areas.