Nothing
Nothing Phone (3)
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 · Glyph 2.0
86
/ 100
From $799
VS
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
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
| 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.