When it comes to choosing between the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A36, both phones sit in the competitive ₹30,000 ($400) price range but cater to very different audiences. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro stands out with its bold design, superior performance, and impressive camera system, while the Galaxy A36 leans on Samsung’s reputation for long-term software support and a polished user experience. Let’s dive deep into how these two phones compare and which one deserves your hard-earned money.
Design & Build: Quirky vs. Refined
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro continues Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic but swaps the glass back for a hard plastic build, making it more durable while keeping the iconic Glyph lighting—though only around the camera module this time. The unique vertical + horizontal dual-camera layout gives it a fresh look, and the added Essential Button (for quick screenshots with notes) adds a functional twist. With IP64 splash resistance, it’s decently protected against minor spills.
On the other hand, the Galaxy A36 opts for a more conventional yet premium design, featuring a glass back and polycarbonate frame. Samsung has refined the camera module into a single vertical stripe, giving it a cleaner appearance than its predecessor. It also boasts Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an IP69 rating, making it more durable against drops and water exposure than the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. If you prefer a sleek, familiar design with better protection, the Galaxy A36 has the edge—but if you want something that stands out, Nothing’s offering is the way to go.
Display: Brightness vs. Reliability
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but there are key differences. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ panel with a staggering 3000 nits peak brightness (1300 nits in High Brightness Mode), making it one of the brightest screens in this segment. It supports HDR10+ and 10-bit color, ensuring vibrant visuals for streaming.
The Galaxy A36, meanwhile, has a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1900 nits peak brightness (1200 nits HBM). While not as bright as the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, it benefits from Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and Samsung’s excellent color calibration. A unique advantage is its wet touch responsiveness, meaning you can still use it with wet fingers—a handy feature in rainy conditions.
Which one wins? If you prioritize outdoor visibility and HDR content, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro takes the lead. But if you want better durability and Samsung’s trusted AMOLED quality, the Galaxy A36 holds its own.
Performance: Smooth vs. Sluggish
Here’s where the Nothing Phone 3a Pro pulls far ahead. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm), the same chip found in the OnePlus Nord 4, delivering smooth performance for daily tasks and even casual gaming. With UFS 2.2 storage and LPDDR4X RAM, it scores 827,366 on AnTuTu—respectable for the price, though UFS 3.1 would’ve been ideal.
The Galaxy A36, unfortunately, struggles due to its underpowered Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. Paired with UFS 2.0 storage and LPDDR3X RAM, it feels sluggish in comparison, heating up during multitasking and struggling with demanding apps. Even Samsung’s optimized One UI 7 can’t fully compensate for the weak hardware.
Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the clear winner here, offering much better performance for the price.
Software & Updates: Clean Android vs. Long-Term Support
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro runs Nothing OS 3.1 on Android 15, offering a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware. Nothing promises 3 major Android updates and 4 years of security patches, which is decent but not industry-leading.
The Galaxy A36, on the other hand, comes with One UI 7 (Android 15) and Samsung’s 6 years of major updates—one of the best in the Android world. However, the weak processor holds back the software’s fluidity, making it feel less smooth than the Nothing Phone 3a Pro.
Which is better? If you value long-term updates, the Galaxy A36 is unbeatable. But if you prefer a cleaner, smoother UI, Nothing’s offering is superior.
Camera: Flagship-Level vs. Mediocre
on paper camera spe’s
| Camera Feature | Nothing Phone 3a Pro | Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, ƒ/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.57″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS | 50MP, ƒ/1.8, 1/1.96″, PDAF, OIS |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP, ƒ/2.0, 2x optical zoom, 50mm | – |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, ƒ/2.2, 120° FOV, 1/4.0″, 1.12µm | 8MP, ƒ/2.2, 123° FOV, 1/4.0″, 1.12µm |
| Macro Camera | – | 5MP, ƒ/2.4 |
| Front Camera | 32MP, ƒ/2.2, 1/3.44″, screen flash | 12MP, ƒ/2.2 |
| Zoom Capabilities | 2x optical, 4x in-sensor, 30x digital | Digital zoom only |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps |
| Front Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps |
| Special Features | Glyph light for fill light | Single Take, Super Slow-mo, AR modes |
| Flash | LED | LED |
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro boasts a 50MP main sensor (OIS) + 50MP telephoto (2x optical zoom) + 8MP ultrawide, delivering excellent dynamic range and natural colors. The 32MP front camera is also a standout, making it one of the best camera phones under ₹30,000.
The Galaxy A36, in contrast, has a 50MP main (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP macro setup no telephoto lens, meaning zoom shots suffer. While daylight photos are decent, night performance is poor, with noise and inaccurate colors. The 12MP selfie camera is also underwhelming compared to Nothing’s 32MP shooter.
Verdict: The Phone 3a Pro is the clear winner for photography enthusiasts.
Battery & Charging: Nearly Identical
Both phones pack 5000mAh batteries, but the Phone 3a Pro supports 50W fast charging (vs. 45W on the A36). Neither includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
Price & Variants
| Model | RAM + Storage | Price (₹) | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone 3a Pro | 8GB+128GB | 29,999 | Black, Grey |
| 8GB+256GB | 31,999 | Black, Grey | |
| A36 | 8GB+128GB | 30,999 | Black, Lavender, White |
| 8GB+256GB | 33,999 | Black, Lavender, White | |
| 12GB+256GB | 36,999 | Black, Lavender, White |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you want the best performance, camera, and unique design, the Phone 3a Pro is the superior choice. It excels in almost every area except long-term software support.
However, if you prioritize durability, Samsung’s ecosystem, and 6 years of updates, the A36 might appeal to you just be prepared for slower performance and weaker cameras.
