Nothing
Nothing OS 3.0: New Lock Screen, Quick Settings Panel, Release Date, and More
Nothing OS has evolved from just any other Android UI to one of the most unique and feature-rich interfaces currently found in the smartphone space. Backed by the runaway success of Nothing OS 2.5 in 2023, there has been much anticipation for Nothing OS 3.0, due later this year.
Nothing OS 3.0 Release Date and Expectations
Nothing OS 2.5 was released in December, which means two months after the stable rollout of Android 14. With Google launching Android 15 with its Pixel 9 series this August, expectations are that Nothing OS 3.0 will follow this October if the previous schedule holds.
In May, Nothing released the Android 15 Developer Preview Beta 1 for the Phone (2) and (2a). Very soon, the updates for the next beta version will be known. Nothing is notorious for their really fast adoption of new Android updates; however, with such massive UI changes and additions of many features, testing periods could get longer.
Device Compatibility
All the Nothing devices launched till now are eligible for three years of major updates, except the CMF Phone 1 that will have two. Essentially, this means all existing Nothing phones will get Nothing OS 3.0 support. Here’s the update list:
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (1)
- CMF Phone 1
Nothing Phone (2a) and (2a) Plus are the newest devices; it is going to reach them first, probably in the September or October month, before reaching other models.
Nothing OS 3.0 Expected Features
1. New Lock Screen Customization:
New clock styles and customizations for widgets are coming. The users can now make the clock face small to see more notifications. This update features mid-aligned clocks with various design elements, somewhat similar to how Apple does its lock screen.
2. Revamped Quick Settings Panel
Nothing OS 3.0 will pack a long-delayed refresh to the Quick Settings panel that’s finally coming. In this new design, tiles would appear smaller and more discreet, turning red when toggled on, further improving the look of the interface and sticking way closer to Nothing’s aesthetic language.
3. Interactive Dot Animations:
Not much information is available about the above-mentioned animations, but they can be used to add a bit of life and interaction to app icons and widgets. For instance, a widget that adjusts the screen brightness could implement some sort of animation that will demonstrate, in an eye-pleasing way, precisely by how much the brightness has changed.
4. Community and Gallery Apps:
Nothing is building standalone apps for its community and gallery and move away from purely Web-based interfaces to far more unified mobile experiences.
5. Private Space:
Another massive feature of Android 15 that might make its way onto Nothing OS 3.0 is Private Space. This feature enables the hiding of apps, locking, and even cloning of apps for better privacy and convenience. Carl Pei also asked about these features being added to Nothing OS for its followers on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Nothing also recently announced the Android 15 closed beta program for Nothing Phone (2a). It will be based on Nothing OS 3.0 with new features and improvements. What are some of the features you’d like to see in the UI? Let us know in the comments.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro has finally arrived, and we got our hands on a review unit sent by Nothing. In this article, we will share our first impressions after using the phone for a few days.
Unboxing Experience
Nothing has always made its packaging unique, and this time is no different. The box opens from the back, revealing a sleek new design. Inside the box, you get the phone, a Type-C charging cable, a SIM ejector tool, and documentation. However, unlike previous models, the cable is no longer transparent.
New Design & Build Quality
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro has a new camera bump with a triple-camera setup, including a periscope camera. The back of the phone is now glass, giving it a premium feel, unlike the previous plastic design.
Nothing has also changed the Glyph Lights, making them circular instead of vertical. The phone still features three Glyph Light sections, including a progress bar.
The device feels grippy and comfortable to hold, and at 211 grams, it has a solid build. The phone also comes with an IP64 rating, making it resistant to water splashes.
Display & Features
The phone features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2392 pixels). It supports HDR with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even outdoors, with 1300 nits HBM and 800 nits typical brightness. Instead of Gorilla Glass, Nothing has used Panda Glass, which offers similar durability, but I’m not sure about it.
A new Essential Space feature has been introduced, activated via a special button below the power key. This allows quick access to screenshots, notes, and reminders, powered by AI.
Performance & Software
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, the same as in the standard (3a) model. It comes with Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 14, with a promise of three years of major updates and six years of security updates.
In benchmark tests:
- Geekbench scores: Single-core – 1163, Multi-core – 3256
- AnTuTu score: Around 715,399
The UFS 2.2 storage could be a downside, as UFS 3.1 would have been a better choice for long-term performance.
Battery & Charging
The phone has a 5000mAh battery with 50W fast charging. A full charge takes about 56 minutes with a compatible charger. However, wireless charging is not available, which might disappoint some users.
Gaming Performance
The phone currently supports 90 FPS in BGMI, and an upcoming update might enable 120 FPS. Gaming tests showed no major frame drops, and thermals were well managed, keeping the phone cool.
Camera System
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features a triple-camera setup:
- 50MP Primary Camera
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera
- 50MP Periscope Camera (3x Optical Zoom, OIS)
The periscope camera delivers clear and detailed zoom shots, especially at 3x and 6x zoom. It supports up to 60x digital zoom, though the quality degrades beyond 10x.
The camera app now includes custom presets for different photography styles, allowing users to adjust focus, exposure, and filters.
Pricing & Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is priced at:
- Rs 32,000 for 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
- Rs 33,000 for 12GB RAM + 256GB storage (with bank offers available)
Pros:
- Unique design & glass back
- Periscope camera with 3x optical zoom
- Bright AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Essential Space AI feature
Cons:
No wireless charging
UFS 2.1 storage instead of UFS 3.1 Some color inconsistency in ultra-wide and main cameras (can be fixed via updates)
Overall, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers a fresh design, great cameras, and smooth performance, making it a solid mid-range option for users who want a unique smartphone experience.
London-based tech brand Nothing has announced that its upcoming Nothing Phone (3a) series will be manufactured in India. The company aims to support India’s growing manufacturing industry, invest in the local economy, and drive innovation.
Earlier, Nothing also made its Phone (1), Phone (2), and Phone (2a) in India at a Tamil Nadu factory. The new Phone (3a) Series will be produced in Chennai, where the factory employs over 500 people, with 95% of them being women. This facility plays a big role in producing Nothing’s latest smartphones.
Nothing’s Growth in India
Nothing is growing fast in the Indian smartphone market. According to Counterpoint Research, the company saw an impressive 577% growth in 2024. This success is mainly due to the Phone (2a) series and its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF by Nothing. The company also recently announced that it has crossed $1 billion in lifetime revenue since launching in October 2020.
Better After-Sales Support & Retail Expansion
To improve customer service, Nothing is expanding its after-sales support in India. It now has five exclusive service centers and a larger network of partner service locations. The company has also expanded its retail presence from 2,000 to 7,000 stores across India.
Nothing Phone (3a) Launch Details
The Nothing Phone (3a) Series is designed in London but will be made in India. The company has already teased the transparent design of the new phone. The official launch is set for March 4th, 2024.
Nothing is all set to launch its highly-anticipated Phone (3a) on March 4. The company has been teasing the phone, and the latest reveal confirms an exciting new feature—a dedicated camera button on the side. This button will allow users to quickly open the camera app and also function as a shutter button for taking photos and videos.
Improved Camera Performance
The Nothing Phone (3a) is expected to focus heavily on camera performance. It will come with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom—a first for the brand. Alongside the telephoto lens, the phone will feature a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide sensor, promising improved photography capabilities.
Expected Specifications
Rumors suggest that the Phone (3a) will have a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience. It is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and pack a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
Leaked and Official Reveals
Recently, a leaked image showed the Nothing Phone (3a) with a protective case applied. While the full design remains a mystery, the new triple-camera setup was clearly visible. Later, Nothing officially confirmed the triple-camera design, along with slight changes to the Glyph LED lights on the back. However, the complete rear design of the phone has yet to be revealed.
With the launch just around the corner, more details are expected to surface soon.