In early 2025, the budget smartphone market got a big shake-up with the launch of Nothing’s Phone 3a and 3a Pro, alongside Apple’s iPhone 16e. These devices target users who want premium features without breaking the bank. The Nothing Phone 3a starts at $379 (roughly ₹32,000), the 3a Pro at $459 (roughly ₹38,700), and the iPhone 16e at $599 (roughly ₹50,500). With such a price gap, the question is: which phone gives you the best value for your money? In this article, we’ll compare their design, display, cameras, performance, battery life, and software to help you decide which one is worth buying.
Why Compare These Phones?
The Nothing Phone 3a, 3a Pro, and iPhone 16e are aimed at budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features like good cameras, smooth displays, and decent performance. However, their price points and ecosystems (Android vs. iOS) make them appeal to different users. If you’re wondering whether to go for the affordable Nothing phones or spend extra for the iPhone 16e, this comparison will break it down for you. We’ll also explore if the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, being closer in price to the iPhone 16e, can compete with Apple’s offering.
Design: Unique vs. Timeless
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro: Bold and Funky
The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro stand out with their unique design. Both phones feature a transparent back with the signature Glyph LED lights. These lights aren’t just for show—they can notify you about calls, app notifications, or battery status. For example, they flash in specific patterns to indicate different alerts, which is both fun and functional. The 3a Pro has a glass back with a plastic frame, while the 3a uses similar materials but with a slightly less premium finish.
At 6.77 inches, these phones are larger and heavier than most budget devices, which might feel bulky for some users. However, the design feels fresh and modern, especially for those tired of the same old smartphone look. The Nothing phones also have an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, which is decent for the price.
iPhone 16e: Classic and Minimal
The iPhone 16e sticks to Apple’s tried-and-true design. It has a sleek, minimalist look with a single camera on the back, giving it a clean and classy appearance. Available in Black and White, it uses a premium aluminum frame and glass back, with an IP68 rating for better water and dust resistance. The 6.1-inch size makes it more compact and easier to hold compared to the Nothing phones.
If you prefer a timeless, no-nonsense design, the iPhone 16e feels premium and polished. However, some might find it boring compared to the Nothing phones’ bold aesthetic.
Which Design Should You Choose?
If you like unique, eye-catching designs with functional LED lights, the Nothing Phone 3a or 3a Pro is the way to go. If you want a compact, premium, and minimalist look, the iPhone 16e is better. It depends on whether you value individuality or a classic style.
Display: Smoothness vs. Quality
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro: Big and Smooth
Both Nothing phones feature a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling, gaming, and animations feel buttery smooth. The display gets bright, with 1300 nits for outdoor use and up to 3000 nits for HDR content. In daily use, it maxes out at around 800 nits, which is good enough for most scenarios. The AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it great for watching videos or playing games.
iPhone 16e: Compact but Dated
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the display is sharp and colorful, the 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated in 2025, especially when budget Android phones like the Nothing 3a offer 120Hz. The iPhone’s peak brightness is 1200 nits, which is slightly lower than the Nothing phones but still good for outdoor visibility.
Display Verdict
The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro win for their larger, smoother 120Hz AMOLED displays, ideal for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 16e’s display is great for its size but lags behind due to the 60Hz refresh rate.
Cameras: Versatility vs. Simplicity
Nothing Phone 3a: Decent Triple Camera
The Nothing Phone 3a has a triple camera setup:
- 50MP main sensor
- 8MP ultrawide
- 50MP telephoto (2x zoom)
This setup covers most photography needs, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The main camera takes sharp, vibrant photos with good detail, while the ultrawide is decent but softer in low light. The 2x telephoto is a rare feature in budget phones, making it great for portraits or close-ups. The 32MP front camera is good for selfies.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Zoom Powerhouse
The 3a Pro steps it up with:
- 50MP main sensor
- 8MP ultrawide
- 50MP periscope telephoto (3x zoom)
The periscope lens is a standout, offering 3x optical zoom, which is rare at this price. It delivers sharp, detailed shots even at a distance. The main and ultrawide cameras are similar to the 3a but slightly better in low light. The 50MP front camera is excellent for selfies and video calls.
iPhone 16e: Single but Strong
The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP “Fusion Camera” that doubles as a 2x telephoto via cropping. While it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses, Apple’s computational photography makes it shine. Photos are sharp, with natural colors and great dynamic range. The 2x zoom is decent but not as good as the Nothing 3a Pro’s periscope lens. The 12MP front camera is reliable for selfies.
Camera Comparison
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the clear winner for versatility, thanks to its triple camera setup and 3x periscope zoom. The Nothing Phone 3a is also good but limited to 2x zoom. The iPhone 16e’s single camera is excellent for point-and-shoot photography but lacks the flexibility of the Nothing phones. If you love zooming or need multiple lenses, go for the Nothing phones. For simple, high-quality shots, the iPhone 16e is enough.
Performance: Power vs. Optimization
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro: Solid Mid-Range
Both Nothing phones use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. This chip handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming well. In benchmarks, it lags behind the iPhone 16e, but real-world performance is smooth, thanks to Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15. The 120Hz display also makes the phone feel faster when scrolling or navigating.
iPhone 16e: Beastly Performance
The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same as the iPhone 16. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, it’s a powerhouse. It scores nearly 3x higher than the Nothing phones in benchmarks and excels in gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The A18 also supports Apple Intelligence, which includes AI features like Image Playground and Genmoji.
Performance Verdict
The iPhone 16e is the performance king, ideal for heavy users or gamers. The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro are great for everyday use but can’t match the iPhone’s raw power. If you don’t need top-tier performance, the Nothing phones are good enough.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs. Speed
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro: Big and Fast
Both Nothing phones have a 5000mAh battery, which lasts a full day of heavy use or up to two days with light use. They support 50W fast charging, reaching 50% in about 20 minutes. However, there’s no wireless charging, which is a downside at this price.
iPhone 16e: Optimized but Slower
The iPhone 16e has a 4005mAh battery, smaller than the Nothing phones but optimized by iOS. It lasts a full day and sometimes longer, outperforming some phones with larger batteries. Charging is slower, taking 30 minutes to reach 50% with a 20W charger. It supports Qi wireless charging, which the Nothing phones lack.
Battery Verdict
The Nothing phones win for battery size and charging speed, while the iPhone 16e is better optimized and offers wireless charging. Choose based on whether you prioritize fast charging or wireless convenience.
Software: Android vs. iOS
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro: Minimal and Useful
The Nothing phones run Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15, offering a clean, minimal interface with a robotic aesthetic. You can customize it to feel like stock Android if you prefer. A unique feature is the Essential Space, accessed via a dedicated button. It takes screenshots, saves notes, or records voice memos, making it great for productivity. However, Nothing promises only three years of OS updates, which is shorter than Apple.
iPhone 16e: Polished and AI-Powered
The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence, including AI features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT-integrated Siri. These are fun but not essential for everyone. iOS is smooth, secure, and tightly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, making it ideal for users with other Apple devices. Apple typically provides 5-6 years of updates, ensuring long-term support.
Software Verdict
The Nothing phones offer a fresh Android experience with a useful AI feature, but their update support is limited. The iPhone 16e provides a polished iOS experience with longer updates and AI tools. Choose based on your ecosystem preference and whether you value customization or longevity.
Specification Table
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3a | Nothing Phone 3a Pro | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $379 (₹32,000) | $459 (₹38,700) | $599 (₹50,500) |
| Display | 6.77″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits | 6.77″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR, 60Hz, 1200 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | A18 Bionic |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB | 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB | 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP 2x tele | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP 3x periscope | 48MP Fusion (2x telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 50MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 50W charging | 5000mAh, 50W charging | 4005mAh, 20W charging, Qi wireless |
| Software | Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15) | Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15) | iOS 18 |
| IP Rating | IP64 | IP64 | IP68 |
| Unique Features | Glyph LEDs, Essential Space | Glyph LEDs, Essential Space | Apple Intelligence, Action Button |
Should You Buy the Nothing Phone 3a, 3a Pro, or iPhone 16e?
Nothing Phone 3a: Best for Budget Buyers
At $379 (₹32,000), the Nothing Phone 3a is a steal. It offers a big AMOLED display, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, decent cameras, and long battery life. If you want a stylish Android phone with good performance for the price, this is a great choice. However, its 2x telephoto lens is less versatile than the 3a Pro’s.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Best Value for Features
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro, at $459 (₹38,700), is the sweet spot for most users. It has everything the 3a offers, plus a 3x periscope zoom lens and a better front camera. It’s closer in price to the iPhone 16e but offers more cameras, a smoother display, and faster charging. If you’re platform-agnostic and want the most features for your money, the 3a Pro is the way to go.
iPhone 16e: Best for Apple Fans
The iPhone 16e, at $599 (₹50,500), is the most expensive but appeals to Apple ecosystem users. Its A18 chip is unmatched, and iOS offers long-term updates and AI features. The single camera is great for casual photography, but it lacks versatility. If you prefer iOS, want a compact phone, or already own Apple devices, the iPhone 16e is worth it.
Is It Worth It?
- Nothing Phone 3a: Worth it if you’re on a tight budget and want a feature-packed Android phone.
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Worth it for its excellent value, especially if you love photography or want a big, smooth display.
- iPhone 16e: Worth it if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem or need top performance, but it’s overpriced compared to the Nothing phones.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro offer incredible value with their unique design, smooth displays, versatile cameras, and fast charging. The 3a Pro, in particular, is a strong competitor to the iPhone 16e, offering more features for less money. However, the iPhone 16e shines with its powerful A18 chip, long software support, and premium build, making it ideal for Apple loyalists.
If you’re open to Android and want the most bang for your buck, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the best choice. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Nothing Phone 3a is still excellent. For those who prioritize iOS and raw performance, the iPhone 16e is a solid but pricey option. Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!
