OPPO F29 Pro vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Which One Should You Buy and Why?

OPPO recently introduced the F29 Pro, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy SoC, Hunter Antenna Architecture, and a high-capacity battery with fast charging. For those seeking a powerful mid-range smartphone under Rs 30,000, the OPPO F29 Pro stands out as a great option.

However, there are several worthy alternatives to consider. One such competitor is the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, which was launched starting at Rs 29,999. So, which device offers the best value for your money? Let's break it down.

OPPO F29 Pro vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: What's the Difference?

Design

The OPPO F29 Pro 5G sports a sleek fibreglass back with a circular camera module. It comes with MIL-STD 810H certification, a 360-degree Armour Body for enhanced drop resistance, and impressive IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings. Additionally, the device is resistant to 18 everyday liquids and comes with a slim and lightweight design, weighing around 180 grams.

In contrast, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro (Review) stands out with its distinctive design, featuring a centered circular camera module surrounded by three LED strips. It's slightly bulkier than the OPPO F29 Pro, weighing approximately 211 grams. The Nothing phone only features an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance.

Display

When it comes to displays, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G boasts a 6.7-inch Full HD+ (1,080 x 2,412 pixels) quad-curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers a 6.77-inch Full HD+ flat AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, along with a Panda Glass back and a plastic frame.

Performance

The OPPO F29 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. Both devices offer up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, but when it comes to storage, the F29 Pro supports up to 256GB of UFS 3.1, whereas the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is limited to UFS 2.1. You can check out our review of the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro for a detailed performance analysis.

Camera

In terms of optics, the OPPO F29 Pro 5G features a 50MP primary rear sensor paired with a 2MP secondary sensor and a 16MP front-facing camera. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers a more versatile camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS support.

For selfies, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out with a 50MP front camera. While the OPPO F29 Pro lacks a dedicated periscope and ultra-wide camera, it compensates with AI-powered features like Clarity Enhancer and AI Eraser 2.0 for an improved photography experience.

Software and Battery

On the software front, both phones run Android 15 with their respective custom skins. However, OPPO provides two years of software updates, while Nothing offers three years of updates. In terms of battery, the OPPO F29 Pro packs a massive 6,000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC charging, whereas the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features a 5,000mAh battery with 50W fast charging support.

Pricing

OPPO F29 Pro -

8GB/128GB - ₹27,999
8GB/256GB - ₹29,999
12GB/256GB - ₹31,999

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro -

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

Verdict

If you prioritize a great display, durable build, and a massive battery with fast charging, the OPPO F29 Pro is a solid choice. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers a better camera setup, longer software support, and boasts a flashy design that stands out in a crowd. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities.