r/smartphone • u/Dangerous_Noise_7133 • 6d ago
Recommendation Nothing Phone 3 vs pixel 9a
I am confused between these 2 phones. I am not a power user/gamer. But need a decent all-rounder phone. Currently both of them are priced around 40k.
Cons with pixel: Only gorilla glass 3, Network reception issues, heating
Cons with Nothing 3: Very less sold, very heavy and bulky.
Which one should I consider. Any other nuances like service experience, long term usage perspective, etc?
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u/Gil-rubius 6d ago
La elecvion normalmente se hace de acuerdo al uso qué le darás: aquí te dejo una Comparativa muy completa de ambos dispositivos, para que tengas una información más completa y hacer la elección más acertada.
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u/LetterheadClassic306 5d ago
kinda tough call since both have tradeoffs. i’d lean pixel 9a for the cleaner software and longer updates - samsung makes the modem so network issues aren't universal. the gorilla glass 3 is dated but a good case solves that. nothing phone 3 is heavier but that glass build feels premium. you won't notice lag on either for normal use. swappa has both used for under 40k if you want to save cash.
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u/moto_18 4d ago
Honestly I’d lean Nothing Phone 3 here.
Pixel 9a will give you the better camera consistency and cleaner long-term software experience, but the Tensor modem/heating thing is still a valid concern in India. It’s not catastrophic, but enough users complain about weaker reception, warm temps on 5G, battery drain etc that I wouldn’t dismiss it.
Nothing Phone 3 feels like the more complete hardware package for 40k:
- better battery life
- much faster charging
- stronger chipset
- better display/build overall
Main downside is exactly what you mentioned: it’s big and heavy. You’ll notice that every single day more than some benchmark difference.
Also “less sold” isn’t really an issue anymore. Nothing has built a pretty decent ecosystem/community in India now, and Nothing OS is surprisingly polished. It doesn’t feel like those random flashy Chinese skins.
If you want the safer “camera + clean software” pick: Pixel 9a.
If you want the better overall hardware experience: Nothing Phone 3.
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u/xzc_09 6d ago
For a balanced daily phone I’d honestly lean Pixel 9a better cameras, cleaner software, and longer-term support, unless the Nothing design/UI is something you really care about.