The Nothing Phone (3a) has a versatile camera and solid performance at an incredible price -- and it's easily the best phone at the price.

The Pixel 3a series is all set to be available for pre-orders starting March 11, meanwhile the Pro handset already has a new update.

Nothing is back at it again with its latest mid-ranger, the Phone 3a Pro - here's how the handset stacks up in today's uber-competitive Android scene.

In fact, for under $500, this is arguably the best phone available, especially for those who value a unique design, a capable camera setup, and a clean software experience. If you want a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank, the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a strong contender.

I am in love with the new Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. However, the thing Nothing wants me to love the most I could do without.

The camera specifications are middling on paper, but it's the cool-looking chassis and light-up backside that always gets us.

Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a unique-looking phone that brings an essential flagship feature to the sub-$500 category.

Nothing's latest mid-rangers are raising the bar for affordable camera features, while adding new hardware button for AI tools.

Pro are here, and at first glance, they seem nearly identical. Both devices sport the signature transparent design, the flashy Glyph LED lights, and Nothing OS 3.1 running on Android 15.  They even share the same Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset,

Nothing's Phone 3a Pro doesn't have iOS, but it does have a great camera and design — it also comes at a price that Apple's iPhone 16e can't beat.

With their sub-$500 prices, I pit the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Pixel 8a in a 10-round photo shootout to see which is the better camera phone on a budget.