The rumor mill is churning with whispers of a new Nothing phone, and it seems we might be getting not one, but two new devices from the company very soon. A new listing on the TDRA certification website suggests that a Nothing Phone (3)a is in the works, potentially launching alongside the highly anticipated Phone (2) on March 4th. This unexpected development has sparked a flurry of speculation about what this new model might offer and how it will fit into Nothing’s growing smartphone lineup.
Nothing, the tech company founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has been making waves with its unique design philosophy and focus on minimalist aesthetics. Their first phone, the Phone (1), garnered significant attention with its distinctive Glyph Interface, a series of LED lights on the back that illuminate for notifications and charging. Now, with the Phone (2) confirmed to launch in March, the appearance of this “3a” model adds another layer of intrigue to Nothing’s plans.
The TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) listing, spotted by eagle-eyed tech enthusiasts, reveals a device with the model number “A065” under the “Nothing” brand. While the listing doesn’t explicitly mention the name “Phone (3)a,” the timing and the fact that it’s a new device strongly suggest this is the rumored mid-range offering.
This strategy of releasing a more affordable “a” series alongside a flagship model mirrors Google’s Pixel lineup, where the “a” series phones offer a similar experience to their flagship counterparts but with some compromises to achieve a lower price point. Could Nothing be adopting a similar tactic to broaden its market reach?
What can we expect from the Nothing Phone (3)a?
Details are scarce at the moment, but based on the “a” series concept and industry trends, here are some possible features:
- Slightly less powerful processor: Perhaps a Snapdragon 7 series chip instead of the flagship 8 series expected in the Phone (2).
- Reduced camera capabilities: Maybe a main sensor with fewer megapixels or fewer auxiliary lenses.
- Less premium materials: Potentially a polycarbonate frame instead of aluminum.
- Smaller battery or slower charging: A slight reduction in battery capacity or charging speed compared to the Phone (2).
However, the Phone (3)a could still retain some of the Phone (2)’s key features, like the Glyph Interface, a smooth display with a high refresh rate, and a clean Android experience.
This dual release strategy could be a smart move for Nothing. The Phone (2) is expected to be a significant step up from the Phone (1), potentially with a higher price tag. By introducing a more affordable Phone (3)a alongside it, Nothing can cater to a wider audience and attract those who are drawn to the brand’s design and philosophy but may not be willing to pay a premium price.
Of course, all of this is speculation for now. We’ll have to wait for official confirmation from Nothing to get the full picture. But one thing is certain: March 4th is shaping up to be a very interesting day for Nothing fans.
