If you happen to’re out there for an inexpensive mid-range telephone with premium options, the Nothing Cellphone (3a) and the Xiaomi Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G are two of the strongest contenders.
Each deliver so much to the desk, however some key variations might make or break your determination.
Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at main distinctions between these units and what they imply for you so you may select the proper telephone.
Design & Construct
Nothing has shortly constructed a popularity on eye-catching, distinctive designs, and the Cellphone (3a) isn’t any exception. With its clear again, Glyph lighting system, and cyberpunk aesthetic, it’s a telephone that calls for consideration.
Whereas principally plastic, it nonetheless feels premium, and the IP64 score ensures some safety towards mud and splashes.
Luke Baker
The Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G, then again, is extra conventional however nonetheless fashionable. It opts for a glossy, curved physique with a shiny opalescent end that modifications beneath mild.
The squircle digital camera module is centrally positioned, which makes for a symmetrical look, although it may be a bit awkward for pictures.
Crucially, it boasts an IP68 score, providing a lot better mud and water resistance than the Nothing’s providing. It’s additionally lighter at 190g in comparison with the Cellphone (3a)’s 201g, making it barely extra snug to carry over lengthy durations.
Simon Chandler/Foundry
If sturdiness is a precedence, the Word 14 Professional takes the sting with its superior water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 safety. However in the event you worth a telephone that appears and feels utterly totally different from the rest in the marketplace, the Cellphone (3a) is the clear winner.
Cameras
The digital camera programs on these two telephones take very totally different approaches. The Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G wows on paper with its 200Mp foremost sensor, full with OIS and AI-enhanced picture processing.
This interprets to distinctive element, notably in well-lit situations, and the evening mode does a strong job of brightening low-light pictures with out making them look synthetic. Nonetheless, its 8Mp ultrawide and 2Mp macro cameras are nothing particular, with the latter being borderline redundant.
Luke Baker
The Cellphone (3a) takes a extra balanced strategy with its triple-camera setup. The 50Mp foremost sensor is supported by a 50Mp 2x telephoto, providing better flexibility than Xiaomi’s setup. Nonetheless, the ultrawide lens is a weak 8Mp, and it lacks autofocus.
The Glyph lighting system doubles as a gentle fill mild, which is a enjoyable contact for inventive pictures, however the general picture processing can typically be a bit too contrast-heavy.
Simon Chandler/Foundry
For sheer megapixels and element, the Word 14 Professional takes the lead and is the higher telephone for foremost digital camera outcomes.
However the Cellphone (3a) wins in versatility with its telephoto lens. If zooming is extra vital to you than sheer decision, Nothing’s mannequin is the higher choose.
Efficiency & Software program
The Cellphone (3a) is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, whereas the Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G runs on the Dimensity 7300 Extremely.
Each are strong mid-range chips, however the Snapdragon usually edges out in effectivity and sustained efficiency.
Luke Baker
The Nothing OS 3.1 is a key promoting level, providing a bloat-free, super-smooth Android 15 expertise with a novel aesthetic. It additionally comes with six years of software program help, which is a superb promise on this value vary.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS (constructed on Android 14) is much less visually distinctive and comes with some pre-installed apps, although it’s nonetheless a responsive expertise. Xiaomi guarantees three years of Android updates and 4 years of safety patches, which is first rate however not fairly on par with Nothing’s dedication.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
In order for you a near-stock, visually hanging Android expertise with longer help, the Cellphone (3a) is the winner. If you happen to don’t thoughts a barely heavier Android pores and skin and are drawn to Xiaomi’s ecosystem, the Word 14 Professional will serve you nicely.
Different variations
Elsewhere, the Word 14 Professional has a sharper 1.5K decision (2712 x 1220) in comparison with the Cellphone (3a)’s 1080p panel. Nonetheless, each max out at 3000 nits and 120Hz refresh charge, making them equally vibrant and {smooth}.
It additionally has a barely bigger 5110mAh battery, in comparison with the Cellphone (3a)’s 5000mAh cell, and features a 45W charger within the field, whereas Nothing makes you purchase one individually.
The Cellphone (3a) will get you from absolutely useless to round 70% charged in simply half an hour, whereas the Word 14 Professional will attain barely decrease 64% in the identical time – however that’s a minimal distinction.
Luke Baker
Lastly, each telephones have stereo audio system, however the Word 14 Professional’s are tuned with Dolby Atmos for a richer sound expertise.
Worth & Availability
The Nothing Cellphone (3a) begins at £329 for the 8GB/128GB variant within the UK and goes as much as £379/$379 for the 12GB/256GB mannequin in each the UK and US. The telephone is obtainable to buy outright on Nothing’s web site.
The Xiaomi Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G is barely cheaper at £299 for the 8GB/256GB mannequin, making it a powerful worth choose. You should buy it straight from the Xiaomi’s web site.
Nonetheless, as with earlier entries within the Redmi sequence, the Word 14 Professional 5G isn’t accessible within the US.
Verdict
For most individuals, the Nothing Cellphone (3a) edges forward with its distinctive design, cleaner person interface, and longer software program help.
However in the event you’re all about pictures and don’t thoughts Xiaomi’s software program quirks and also you just like the design, the Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G is a strong various at a barely lower cost.