How to choose the Nothing phone that's right for you

The smartphone market has felt somewhat predictable lately – foldable phones, AI integration and spec bumps that make the processor slightly faster.

So, if you're bored with your usual device, you might've stumbled upon Nothing.

If you're looking to swap, the hard part is deciphering their weird device naming and figuring out which of their devices actually fit into your life.

They look similar and share many of the same features, but the differences in cameras, build quality, and price are evident.

We've tested parts of the Nothing ecosystem to help you decide exactly which model will work for you.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing

What's different about a Nothing phone?

Before you look at the specific models, it's worth understanding the features unique to the Nothing ecosystem.

• Glyph interface: These are the signature lights on the back of the phone. They light up when you receive notifications, so you can see who's texting without needing to turn on your phone screen.
• Nothing OS: Nothing's phones are powered by Android and feature their own software. It's clean, minimalist and fast.
• Essential Space: This is Nothing's answer to AI – a dedicated physical button called the Essential Key. You can capture notes, screenshots and voice memos straight to a private AI-organised hub.
• Ecosystem: Nothing headphones and earbuds connect flawlessly via the Nothing X app. There's also an official Nothing online forum dedicated to making custom Nothing apps.
• Out-of-the-box accessories: The Nothing phones come with a transparent case!

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Nothing

Nothing Phone (3a)

Perfect for: anyone upgrading from a significantly older phone.

Now $599

For the majority of Aussies, the Nothing Phone (3a) is likely to hit that sweet spot – not too basic, not too expensive. It retains Nothing's iconic design and glyph lights, and has a large 6.77-inch screen for easy use.

Overall, I'd argue the phone is designed for real-world usability in ways that actually matter, whilst still being affordable. A two-day battery, 50-watt charging for fast battery top-ups, a triple camera system with up to 30x zoom and an IP64 dust and water-resistance rating.

Sure, it lacks wireless charging, but for the price, it's a great bargain.

Nothing Phone (3)

Perfect for: gamers and tech enthusiasts who want the best performance and cameras.

Was $1509, now $1185

If you do have the budget and you're after the absolute best in the ecosystem, the Nothing Phone 3 is your answer. It's premium with its materials and has an asymmetrical design that's nice to look at.

The extra money buys you an upgraded 'Glyph Matrix', which is a proper micro-LED display on the back that can feature custom notifications and games. It also packs a tighter 6.67-inch, 120Hz display and a 5150mAh battery that will stay powered for two days, which you can charge wirelessly.

If you love taking photographs too, the phone is packed with a quadruple 50MP camera system and an array of preset camera filters you can access through the Nothing OS.

I'd say this phone is an investment at full price that doesn't quite match the processing power of other flagship phones, but if you can find it at $1100, I'd say it's more than worth it.

READ MORE: Could this be the most unconventional smartphone on the market?

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

Perfect for: the photographer who needs a good zoom.

Was $849, now $649

The Nothing (3a) Pro is the sleeper hit of the line-up, especially now that it's dropped to almost the same price as the standard Phone (3a). The main reason you'd choose the Pro is because of slight upgrades to the camera hardware and its eSIM compatibility.

The Pro comes equipped with almost the same triple camera set-up on the back, but it has 3x optical zoom capabilities over the (3a)'s 2x optical zoom. This means you can get a digital zoom of up to 60x.

Other than that, the differences end at the camera, eSIM compatibility and physical design. So if you're after Nothing's best value phone, but a little bit more upgraded, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is for you.

Nothing Phone (3a) Lite

Perfect for: the tech minimalist who only wants to scroll, text and call.

Nothing strips the phone to the bare minimum, but at $439, it punches well above its weight with a generous package that feels far from cheap.

The phone keeps the signature transparent design but simplifies the lights to a single 'Glyph Dot', which we found to be a fun and unobtrusive notification (although it may be painfully minimal for some).

Practicality wins here, too, as the phone offers a microSD slot supporting up to 2TB of extra storage and a 6.77-inch, 120Hz display that's great at this price range.

To hit this price, you do lose stereo sound for a single bottom-firing speaker, and it features a capable, but stripped-back triple camera system. However, with a 5000mAh battery that comfortably lasts a day and a half, it is hard to argue against its value.

READ MORE: Nothing Phone (3a) Lite review: Budget king, or nothing special?

CMF by Nothing Phone Pro 2

Perfect for: tight budgets and anyone after the perfect first phone.

Now $379.98

Nothing actually has an even more budget-friendly sub-brand dubbed CMF, and its Phone 2 Pro marks the cheapest and thinnest phone in Nothing's range.

The phone has essentially the same specs as the Nothing Phone (3a) lite, although it trades the signature design and glyph lights for a better camera system and a modular design.

The best part is that you can find this cheaper, and it still has a dedicated Essential Key button, making it the true budget-friendly pick.

READ MORE: Nothing Headphones are a must-see, but are they a must-buy?