The Best Mid-Range Phones To Buy Right Now

The Zoom Is Actually Useful
The new 3x optical zoom lens (50MP) isn’t just for show—it gives sharper results and better subject separation in portraits. Rare to see at this price.

50MP Selfie Cam = Creator-Friendly
If you do video calls, Reels, or YouTube Shorts, this front camera is a huge upgrade. Clearer shots, better colour, and 4K video support.

Glyph Lights = Functional Flair
The three rear LED strips are still here, with 26 addressable zones for alerts, timers, and camera fill lighting. It’s practical and fun.

Same Great OLED Display
The 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz screen is sharp, bright (3000 nits peak), and great for gaming, media, or general scrolling.

Battery and Charging Still Rock Solid
With a 5000mAh battery and 50W fast charging, the phone easily lasts all day and charges back up in under an hour.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Display: 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak

• Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

• RAM: 8GB / 12GB

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB (no microSD)

• Main Camera:

  • 50MP wide (OIS)

  • 50MP 3x periscope telephoto (OIS)

  • 8MP ultrawide (120˚)

• Selfie Camera: 50MP, 4K@30fps

• Battery: 5000mAh, 50W fast charging

• Software: Android 15, Nothing OS 3.1, 3 years of updates

• Build: Panda Glass, IP64, LED glyph interface

• Price: ~£449 / €455

Key Takeaways

• The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro keeps everything that made the base 3a great—but adds serious camera upgrades

• You get a true optical zoom lens, higher-res selfie camera, and the same great screen and software experience

• If you want a phone with standout design, clean Android, and better photo tools—without paying flagship prices—this is the one to buy

Looking for more options? See our full guide to the Best Budget Android Phones for 2025

FAQ

What makes the 3a Pro better than the 3a?
Mainly the periscope zoom camera (3x) and upgraded 50MP selfie cam—big improvements if you care about photography or video.

Does the phone still have the glyph lights?
Yes—the LED interface on the back is unchanged and supports full customization through Nothing OS.

How fast does it charge?
50W wired charging gets you to 50% in 19 minutes, 100% in under an hour.

Will it get Android updates for long?
You’ll get 3 major Android updates and at least 4 years of security patches.

Does it support wireless charging?
No, like the base model, the 3a Pro is wired-only charging.

Notable Features, What I Like About It

Looks Like a Flagship—Costs Less Than £350
The transparent back, glyph lights, and clean lines make it feel way more expensive than it is. This is the best-looking phone you can buy at this price.

Big, Bright OLED Display
The 6.77″ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh and 3000 nits peak brightness looks stunning in all lighting conditions. Great for media, socials, and games.

Camera Setup Punches Above Its Class
You’re getting a 50MP main, 50MP 2x telephoto, and an 8MP ultrawide. With OIS, HDR, and Nothing’s crisp image tuning, you’ll get sharp shots day or night.

Battery That Goes the Distance
The 5000mAh cell easily powers through a full day and then some. Top it up with 50W fast charging—it hits 50% in just 19 minutes.

Nothing OS 3.1 Feels Clean and Fast
It’s near-stock Android, with a few smart touches like app folders, custom glyph controls, and a slick interface that doesn’t lag or annoy.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Display: 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak

• Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

• RAM: 8GB / 12GB

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB (no microSD)

• Camera: 50MP wide + 50MP 2x telephoto + 8MP ultrawide

• Selfie: 32MP, 1080p video

• Battery: 5000mAh, 50W wired charging

• Software: Android 15, Nothing OS 3.1, 3 years of updates

• Build: IP64 rated, Panda Glass front, plastic frame

• Extras: Glyph Interface (26 zones), Circle to Search

• Price: ~$389 / £329 / €329

Key Takeaways

• The Nothing Phone (3a) offers a premium look and feel without the premium price

• The OLED screen is huge and super bright, making it a great media phone

• Battery life is excellent, and 50W charging keeps things topped up fast

• Glyph lights are more than a gimmick—they’re genuinely useful for alerts and camera fills

• If you want something different from Samsung, Google, or Apple—this is the one to try

Want more? Check out our guide to the Best Android Phones Under £400

FAQ

How long will the Nothing Phone (3a) get updates?
It will receive 3 major Android upgrades and security patches for at least 4 years.

Does it support wireless charging?
No, it’s wired charging only, but you get fast 50W charging over USB-C.

Is the camera any good?
Yes—both the main and telephoto sensors produce sharp, balanced images. OIS helps with night and low-light shots, too.

Is it waterproof?
It’s rated IP64, so it’s splash and dust resistant—but not fully submersible.

Does the glyph lighting do anything useful?
Yes—it’s customizable for notifications, ringtones, charging status, and even camera fill lighting.