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Nothing Phone (3) — Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 · Glyph 2.0
Nothing

Nothing Phone (3)

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 · Glyph 2.0

86
/ 100
From $799
VS
Pixel 9a — Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499
Google

Pixel 9a

Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499

86
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nothing Phone (3) lands at 86 and Pixel 9a at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Nothing Phone (3) if…

  • ✓Distinctive transparent design
  • ✓Nothing OS is refreshingly clean
  • ✓Improved cameras

Pick Pixel 9a if…

  • ✓Cheapest Gemini-ready Pixel
  • ✓7-year updates
  • ✓Improved 5100 mAh battery
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photography

Pixel 9a

Stills and video quality across lenses

Pixel 9a leads on camera (92 vs 86).

Battery life

Pixel 9a

Screen-on time and charging

Pixel 9a leads on battery (90 vs 88).

Performance

Nothing Phone (3)

Chipset speed for gaming and heavy apps

Nothing Phone (3) leads on gpu (86 vs 80).

Display

Nothing Phone (3)

Panel quality, brightness, refresh rate

Nothing Phone (3) leads on display (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Pixel 9a

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Pixel 9a more score per dollar ($499 vs $799).

Nothing Phone (3) 86
vs
86 Pixel 9a

Score breakdown

Nothing Phone (3)
86
cpu 88
gpu 86
camera 86
battery 88
display 92
design 96
Pixel 9a
86
cpu 84
gpu 80
camera 92
battery 90
display 88
design 84

Specs side-by-side

Nothing Phone (3) versus Pixel 9a — full spec comparison
Spec Nothing Phone (3) Pixel 9a
Display
▲ 6.77″ LTPO AMOLED 120Hz
6.3″ OLED 120Hz
Chipset
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
Google Tensor G4
RAM
▲ 12/16 GB
8 GB
Storage
▲ 256/512 GB
128/256 GB
Battery
5000 mAh
▲ 5100 mAh
Charging
100W + 50W wireless
—
OS
—
Android 15, 7-yr updates

Nothing Phone (3)

Pros
  • +Distinctive transparent design
  • +Nothing OS is refreshingly clean
  • +Improved cameras
Cons
  • −Snapdragon 8s trails 8 Elite
  • −Still carrier-light in US
  • −Glyph is a toy to some

Pixel 9a

Pros
  • +Cheapest Gemini-ready Pixel
  • +7-year updates
  • +Improved 5100 mAh battery
Cons
  • −Slower charging (23W)
  • −Tensor G4 throttles
  • −Plastic back

FAQ: Nothing Phone (3) vs Pixel 9a

Which is better, Nothing Phone (3) or Pixel 9a? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nothing Phone (3) worth the price? +

At $799, Nothing Phone (3) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in design.

Is Pixel 9a worth the price? +

At $499, Pixel 9a delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in camera.

Does Nothing Phone (3) or Pixel 9a last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for photography, Nothing Phone (3) or Pixel 9a? +

Pixel 9a — leads on camera (92 vs 86). Stills and video quality across lenses.

Which is better for battery life, Nothing Phone (3) or Pixel 9a? +

Pixel 9a — leads on battery (90 vs 88). Screen-on time and charging.