Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs OnePlus 13R: Which One to Consider and Why?

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is set to go on sale at 12 noon today through Flipkart. It's a strong competitor in the mid-range segment, but there are other options that offer similar or even better performance.

One of the top contenders is the OnePlus 13R, which offers flagship-level performance and premium features at a competitive price. With both devices aiming to dominate the premium mid-range segment, the question is-which one offers better value for your money? Let's break it down.

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro vs OnePlus 13R: What's the Difference?

Design

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro (Review) stands out with its unique design, featuring a centered circular camera module surrounded by three LED strips, along with a Panda Glass back and a plastic frame. On the other hand, the OnePlus 13R offers a more premium feel with its aluminum frame and glass back.

When it comes to water and dust resistance, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro has an IP64 rating, while the OnePlus 13R offers slightly better protection with an IP65 rating. Both phones are a bit bulky, but if you prefer a solid metal-and-glass build, you can go for the OnePlus 13R. However, if you want a flashy-looking phone that attracts the crowd, you can choose the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.

Display

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13R comes with a slightly smaller 6.7-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED panel, also supporting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

In terms of brightness, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, while the OnePlus 13R takes it further with a peak brightness of up to 4500 nits. If display quality and brightness are your priorities, the OnePlus 13R is the better choice.

Performance

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, a 4nm mid-range processor built to handle multitasking, gaming, and AI tasks efficiently. In comparison, the OnePlus 13R comes with the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering better overall performance.

Camera

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is equipped with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS support. On the other hand, the OnePlus 13R features a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor.

For selfies, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro takes the lead with a 50MP front camera, which offers higher resolution and better autofocus compared to the 16MP front camera on the OnePlus 13R. Both phones offer impressive camera setups, but if you prioritize selfies, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is the better option.

Software and AI Features

On the software side, both phones run Android 15 with their custom skins. However, OnePlus offers four years of software updates, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro only promises three years of OS updates.

Both devices come with a suite of AI features, but the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out with its "Essential Space" - an AI-powered hub designed to organize notes, ideas, screenshots, and audio recordings, boosting productivity and workflow. If performance and long-term software support are your priorities, the OnePlus 13R is the better option.

Battery

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro comes with a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 50W fast charging. In comparison, the OnePlus 13R offers a larger 6,000mAh battery with faster 80W wired charging. Neither phone supports wireless charging.

Pricing

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is offered in three storage configurations:

8GB/128GB - ₹29,999
8GB/256GB - ₹31,999
12GB/256GB - ₹33,999

The OnePlus 13R has a higher starting price:

12GB + 256GB - ₹42,999
16GB + 512GB - ₹49,999

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro vs OnePlus 13R: Which One Should You Buy?

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a great choice if you're on a budget but still want premium features and a unique design. While the OnePlus 13R is a bit expensive, it offers better performance with its flagship processor, a brighter display, and longer software support, making it the superior option for those who value performance and longevity.