Nothing Phone (3a) Pro vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and Motorola Edge 50 Pro represent compelling options. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro focuses on delivering exceptional battery life and a unique design, while the Motorola Edge 50 Pro prioritizes blazing-fast charging and a streamlined software experience. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is the better choice. Its significantly longer 43:17h battery endurance, coupled with a respectable 50W charging speed, outweighs the Motorola Edge 50 Pro’s faster 125W charging, given the latter’s shorter active use score of 11:59h.

PHONES
Phone Names Nothing Phone (3a) Pro Motorola Edge 50 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, March 042024, April 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 25Available. Released 2024, April 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, glass backGlass front, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 3.05 x 0.33 in)161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 2.85 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - India only· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight211 g (7.44 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionPanda Glass, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)
Resolution1080 x 2392 pixels (~387 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.77 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~92.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1300 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)P-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 810Adreno 720
OSAndroid 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.1Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto) (15cm - ∞), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm50 MP, f/1.4, 25mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.0, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/2.76"50 MP, f/1.9, 21mm (wide), 0.64µm, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging50W wired, 50% in 19 min, 100% in 56 min125W wired, 100% in 18 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GrayLuxe Lavender, Black Beauty, Moonlight Pearl, Vanilla Cream
ModelsA059PXT2403-2
Price€ 380.00€ 410.57 / $ 399.00 / £ 369.99 / ₹ 22,995
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery43:17h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (43:17h endurance)
  • Potentially better multi-core performance with Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 CPU
  • Long-term battery health with 1400 cycles

  • Slower charging speed compared to Motorola Edge 50 Pro
  • Limited camera specification details

Motorola Edge 50 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 125W wired charging (0-100% in 18 min)
  • 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging
  • Clean, near-stock Android experience

  • Significantly shorter battery life (11:59h active use)
  • Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 may offer less multi-core performance

Display Comparison

Both the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro and Motorola Edge 50 Pro feature displays capable of reaching approximately 1300 nits of peak brightness – the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro hitting 1307 nits and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro at 1295 nits. This ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While neither specification sheet indicates LTPO technology, the comparable brightness levels suggest similar panel quality. The focus here isn’t on display tech differences, but on consistent high brightness for outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Unfortunately, detailed camera specifications are absent. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to expect both phones to feature capable main sensors. The focus will likely be on computational photography and software processing. Without sensor size or aperture data, a direct comparison is impossible, but the Motorola Edge 50 Pro’s brand history suggests a stronger emphasis on camera features and image quality. We'll need independent testing to determine which phone delivers superior photos and videos.

Performance

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro employs the SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Although both are 4nm chipsets, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro features a more complex CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with a 1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A720, 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720, and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520 – compared to the Edge 50 Pro’s 1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715, and 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510. This suggests the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro may offer slightly better multi-core performance, though real-world differences will depend on software optimization. The Edge 50 Pro’s higher clocked A715 core may provide a small edge in single-core tasks.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 43:17h score. This is substantially higher than the Motorola Edge 50 Pro’s 11:59h active use score. While the Edge 50 Pro compensates with incredibly fast 125W wired charging (0-100% in 18 minutes) and adds 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s 50W wired charging (50% in 19 min, 100% in 56 min) is sufficient for most users, especially considering the longer battery life. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro also claims 1400 battery cycles, suggesting greater long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro if you need a phone that will comfortably last through a full day and beyond, even with heavy usage, and appreciate a distinctive aesthetic. Buy the Motorola Edge 50 Pro if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds and prefer a cleaner, near-stock Android experience, and are willing to compromise on overall battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro throttle under sustained load, and how does it compare to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Motorola Edge 50 Pro?
While detailed thermal testing is unavailable, the 4nm process node of both chipsets suggests relatively efficient power management. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3’s slightly more complex CPU configuration *could* lead to higher peak temperatures, but Nothing’s software optimization will play a crucial role in mitigating throttling. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro’s simpler CPU design might offer slightly better sustained performance, but the difference is likely to be minimal in most real-world scenarios.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro compare to the 125W charging on the Motorola Edge 50 Pro in terms of long-term battery health?
While 125W charging is significantly faster, it generates more heat, which can contribute to faster battery degradation over time. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s 50W charging is gentler on the battery, and the claimed 1400 battery cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health. The slower charging speed may be a trade-off for increased longevity.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications for both phones a significant concern, and what should potential buyers look for in independent reviews?
Yes, the absence of sensor size, aperture, and OIS details is a concern. Potential buyers should prioritize independent reviews that focus on image quality in various lighting conditions, dynamic range, and video stabilization. Pay attention to comparisons with other phones in the same price range to assess the camera performance accurately.