The highly anticipated Nothing Phone 3a Pro is generating plenty of buzz online, but not all of it is positive. Leaked design renders of the device have left tech enthusiasts, particularly on social media, expressing their disappointment. The phone, which is expected to be released on March 4, 2025, has some netizens taking to Reddit to voice their displeasure, with many criticizing the aesthetics of its camera module and overall design.
Carl Pei’s Nothing brand has made waves in the smartphone industry with its distinct designs, making waves with its previous releases. From the bold and unique Glyph interface to the modular aspects of the CMF series, the company has built a reputation for innovation. However, it seems that the excitement for the upcoming Nothing Phone 3a Pro is waning, as leaked images reveal a design that’s far from what fans were hoping for.
On Reddit, some users have been very vocal about their dissatisfaction with the device's aesthetic, particularly the camera module. One user complained, "The 3a camera module is just weird. The 3a Pro looks fine," with another chiming in, "Idk, the 3a Pro's camera placement looks really haphazard? I still don't get why Nothing hasn't figured out how to integrate the flash as one of the Glyph lights."
The design leak has been a source of frustration for others too, with some expressing that the camera module design might trigger trypophobia – a condition characterized by an aversion to clusters of small holes or patterns. "I like the way they both look, but that camera module on the 3a Pro is hideous and triggers my trypophobia," wrote one concerned user.
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is expected to sport a design similar to its predecessors, with a transparent back that the company has become known for. The leaked images show a giant camera ring on the back of the device, which bears some resemblance to the camera modules seen on the OnePlus 13 and Vivo X200 series. What’s more, the camera ring features the signature Glyph interface on both sides, offering the same glowing aesthetic seen in previous models.
The back of the phone is designed to be fully transparent, revealing the inner components of the device – a trademark of Nothing's design ethos. However, it’s the camera module that’s taking the brunt of the criticism. The circular camera ring, while unique, doesn’t seem to have the same sleek, refined appeal that earlier Nothing devices have been lauded for.
Despite the mixed reception of the design, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is still packing some impressive specifications. According to the leak, the phone will feature a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED LTPS display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The screen is protected by Panda Glass, ensuring that users won’t have to worry about scratches and smudges.
The device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Photography enthusiasts will likely appreciate the triple-camera setup on the back, which is rumored to include a 50MP primary lens, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 50MP 3x telephoto shooter. There’s also talk of a 50MP front-facing camera for those selfie lovers out there.
One interesting feature that has been teased is the inclusion of an iPhone 16-style action button. This button is said to trigger AI-related tasks, adding some convenience to the user experience. It’s expected that the device will run on Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15.
Although the Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s design has stirred up mixed feelings, there’s still a lot of excitement surrounding the phone’s functionality and features. As the March 4 launch date approaches, we’re likely to get more information on how the device performs in real-world use, and whether its cutting-edge specs can win over critics.
The company’s ambitious goals for the budget-friendly 3a series will be tested by this design leak, but with the power of Nothing OS and a solid spec sheet, the phone still has plenty of potential to stand out in a crowded market.
Will the Nothing Phone 3a Pro be able to overcome its controversial design and win over fans? Only time will tell, but as the launch date approaches, fans are eager to see if it can deliver on its promise of a unique and high-performing smartphone.