Nothing Phone (3) vs. Google Pixel 9a: The Ultimate Affordable Flagship Showdown
SMARTPHONE SHOWDOWN
The Rise of “Affordable Flagships”: Nothing Phone (3) vs. Google Pixel 9a
Published on October 26, 2024
A New Breed of Flagships
Flagship smartphones used to mean spending a lot of money. But now, there’s a new category taking over the market — “affordable flagships.” These are phones that give you that premium design, fast performance, great cameras, and software support… without the ₹80,000+ price tag.
Two names leading this new wave are Nothing Phone (3) and Google Pixel 9a. Both bring solid flagship-like experiences at a price that doesn’t burn your wallet. But which one is better for you? Let’s break it down.
Design and Build Quality
Nothing Phone (3) sticks to its signature transparent back design with Glyph lighting, aluminum frame, and a clean look that stands out in a sea of boring slabs. It feels premium and futuristic in hand.
Google Pixel 9a continues Google’s soft matte finish with a neat camera bar. It may look simpler than the Nothing, but it’s minimal, light, and comfortable to hold.
???? Winner: Nothing Phone (3) for unique looks, Pixel 9a for a clean and lightweight feel.
Display — Smooth and Bright
| Feature | Nothing Phone (3) | Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Size | ~6.7-inch OLED | ~6.1-inch OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Resolution | FHD+ | FHD+ |
| Brightness | Very bright (1,600+ nits peak) | Good brightness (~1,400 nits peak) |
The Nothing offers a larger, faster 120Hz display with vibrant colors, great for watching videos or gaming.
The Pixel’s 90Hz panel is smooth too, but slightly smaller — perfect for one-hand use and pocket friendliness.
???? Winner: Nothing Phone (3) takes the edge for display specs, but Pixel 9a is great for compact lovers.
Performance and Software
Nothing Phone (3) is expected to run on a flagship-grade Snapdragon chipset with Nothing OS 3.0. It’s clean, fast, and lightly skinned, giving that “near stock” Android vibe.
Google Pixel 9a runs pure Android with Android 15, powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip (or similar). It may not have raw gaming power like Snapdragon flagships, but Google optimizes it beautifully for everyday use.
???? Both phones focus on a smooth and bloat-free experience. Pixel has the advantage of faster software updates and AI features, while Nothing adds a more custom feel.
Camera — Smart vs Stylish
| Feature | Nothing Phone (3) | Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | Dual 50MP (wide + ultra-wide) | 64MP main |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 13MP |
| Software | Nothing Camera app | Google Camera + AI |
| Strength | Vibrant photos, fun design | Excellent AI processing, best in class HDR |
Pixel phones are known for their photography, and the 9a is no exception. It brings Google’s magic HDR, portrait, and low-light algorithms to the mid-range market.
Nothing Phone (3) focuses on giving users a stylish camera setup with good sensors and punchy colors.
???? Winner: Pixel 9a for photo quality and consistency.
Battery and Charging
| Feature | Nothing Phone (3) | Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ~4700–5000mAh | ~4500mAh |
| Charging | Fast (up to 45W wired) + wireless | Slower (around 18–20W) |
| Battery Life | All day | All day |
The Nothing Phone (3) has the faster charging speeds and likely a slightly bigger battery.
Pixel 9a focuses more on efficiency and AI-based battery optimizations.
???? Winner: Nothing Phone (3) for charging speed.
Price & Where to Buy
Nothing Phone (3)
Check Price on AmazonGoogle Pixel 9a
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