In the fiercely competitive mid-range Android smartphone market, two names stand out — the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Nothing Phone 3a. Both are priced attractively and come packed with features, but which one truly offers better value in 2025?
From performance to design, camera to battery life, this detailed comparison will help you decide which phone is the right pick for your needs.
OnePlus Nord 4 vs Nothing Phone 3a: Key Specifications at a Glance
Feature | OnePlus Nord 4 | Nothing Phone 3a |
Display | 6.74″ Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz |
Processor | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
Operating System | Android 14 (OxygenOS 14.1) | Android 15 (Nothing OS 3.1) |
RAM | Up to 16GB | 8GB / 12GB |
Storage | Up to 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
Rear Cameras | 50MP + 8MP | 50MP + 50MP + 8MP |
Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
Battery | 5500mAh, 100W fast charging | 5000mAh, 50W fast charging |
Price | Starting at $395 | Starting at $379 |
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord 4 features a metal body, giving it a premium and sturdy feel. However, metal can be prone to dents if dropped. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 3a has a plastic build, which is lighter and less susceptible to dents but can get scratched more easily.
If you prioritize durability and premium aesthetics, Nord 4 takes the edge here.
Performance: Power Users Take Note
In day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and light multitasking, both phones perform admirably. However, in gaming and intensive applications, the OnePlus Nord 4 clearly pulls ahead.
- OnePlus Nord 4 uses the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, which offers better CPU and GPU performance.
- Nothing Phone 3a is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a slightly less powerful but efficient chip.
While Nothing OS provides a cleaner, bloat-free experience, Nord 4’s superior hardware translates into faster app loads, smoother frame rates, and better thermal control under stress.
Display & Brightness: Clear Visibility vs. Rich Features
Both phones offer AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors. However, there are some key differences:
- Nothing Phone 3a wins in peak brightness with up to 3000 nits, making it more visible in harsh sunlight.
- OnePlus Nord 4 supports Netflix HDR playback, which the Nothing Phone lacks.
So, if you’re a binge-watcher or HDR content lover, Nord 4 may suit you better. But for those spending more time outdoors, the Nothing 3a’s brighter panel is a big plus.
Camera Comparison
On paper, the Nothing Phone 3a has a more versatile triple camera setup — 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 8MP lens. The OnePlus Nord 4, meanwhile, offers a dual camera setup — 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide.
However, software optimization plays a big role in actual photography. The Nord 4 offers sharper, more color-accurate photos with better dynamic range, especially in daylight.
Front camera-wise, Nord 4 also has a 32MP selfie shooter, compared to the 16MP on Nothing 3a.
Battery & Charging: Speed vs. Size
Battery life is solid on both phones, but the OnePlus Nord 4 pulls ahead with a larger 5500mAh battery and 100W wired fast charging. In comparison:
- Nothing Phone 3a comes with a 5000mAh battery and 50W fast charging.
- Nord 4 includes a charging brick, while Nothing 3a does not — you’ll need to buy one separately.
So if fast charging and power-packed battery endurance matter to you, Nord 4 is the better choice.
Software Experience
The Nothing Phone 3a runs Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.1, which is clean, minimal, and close to stock Android — no bloatware or unnecessary apps.
In contrast, the OnePlus Nord 4 runs Android 14 with OxygenOS 14.1, which has slightly more features but comes with a few pre-installed apps that you may want to uninstall.
Final Verdict: Which Phone Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for:
- Raw performance
- Better gaming experience
- Faster charging and longer battery life
- HDR content support and a metal body
Then the OnePlus Nord 4 is the winner.
Checkout list of Best Oneplus Phone Under Rs. 25000
But if you:
- Prefer a clean, bloat-free Android experience
- Spend more time outdoors and need better screen brightness
- Want a slightly cheaper alternative
Then the Nothing Phone 3a can still be a solid choice.
See Comparison of Motorola Edge 60 Pro vs Nothing Phone 3aÂ
I am Priyanshu Raj I have a great interest in technology and I am associated with smartphones, gadgets and latest technology from last many years and few months ago I thought to share this technology value with you people too, so I started a blog website named TechTrendsPool.com where I keep bringing news and reviews related to technology every day.
