In 2025, the mid-range smartphone market is packed with impressive contenders. Three of the most talked-about phones under $600 are the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro 5G, Google Pixel 8a, and Samsung Galaxy A55.
Each one brings its unique strengths — but which one truly delivers the best combination of performance, camera, design, and value?
Let’s break them down side-by-side to help you make the right buying decision.
📊 Spec Comparison Table
| Feature | Nothing Phone (3a) Pro 5G | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (US) | ~$499 | $499 | $449 |
| Display | 6.7” FHD+ OLED, 120Hz | 6.1” OLED, 120Hz | 6.6” FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Google Tensor G3 | Exynos 1480 |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB + 256GB | 8GB + 128/256GB | 8GB + 128/256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (main) + 50MP (ultrawide) | 64MP (main) + 13MP (ultrawide) | 50MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 13MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 45W wired + 15W wireless | 4492mAh, 18W wired + wireless | 5000mAh, 25W wired (no wireless) |
| OS | Nothing OS 3.0 (Android 15) | Android 15 (Pixel UI) | One UI 6.1 (Android 14) |
| Build & Protection | Glass back, IP54 | Plastic back, IP67 | Gorilla Glass + IP67 |
| Extras | Glyph Interface, Dual SIM, In-display FP | Face unlock, Titan M2 chip, 7-year updates | Samsung Knox, microSD (select markets) |
| Software Updates | 3 years OS, 4 years sec. | 7 years OS & security | 4 years OS, 5 years sec. |
| Weight | ~200g | 188g | 213g |
📱 Design & Build: Futuristic vs Functional
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro leads the pack in design innovation with its transparent rear and Glyph Interface 2.0, offering customizable lighting patterns for notifications, charging, and more. It feels premium and unique.
- Pixel 8a takes the safe route with a plastic back but offers IP67 water resistance and a compact, lightweight design that’s pocket-friendly.
- Galaxy A55 is the most premium-feeling Samsung A-series yet with aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and IP67 rating. It’s a solid, mature design — but more traditional.
✅ Winner: Tie — Nothing for uniqueness, Samsung for durability
🖥️ Display: Bigger or Brighter?
- Nothing 3a Pro: 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED with 120Hz refresh rate. Great for multimedia and gaming, though not LTPO.
- Pixel 8a: Smallest screen at 6.1 inches. Still OLED, crisp, and color-accurate — great for one-handed use, not binge-watching.
- Galaxy A55: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, vivid and bright with Vision Booster tech. Excellent for outdoor usage.
✅ Winner: Samsung Galaxy A55 – best overall display brightness + visual performance
🚀 Performance & Software Experience
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro uses the efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 paired with 12GB RAM, delivering smooth multitasking, light gaming, and better thermals.
- Pixel 8a features Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI features, voice typing, photo editing, but it’s less efficient and prone to heating under heavy loads.
- Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480 is capable for everyday use, but lags behind in gaming and heavier tasks compared to Snapdragon.
All three are fast in day-to-day use, but:
✅ Winner: Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – best combo of speed, RAM, and thermal efficiency
📸 Cameras: Google Leads in Image Processing
- Pixel 8a wins hands-down in image processing, especially with Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and AI-based Magic Editor.
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s 50MP dual camera delivers natural-looking photos with improved low-light performance (post updates), but lacks the Pixel’s computational edge.
- Galaxy A55 adds a macro camera, but its results feel oversharpened and less consistent.
✅ Winner: Pixel 8a – still the best mid-range camera phone for photography lovers
🔋 Battery & Charging
- Nothing 3a Pro packs a 5000mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging, plus reverse charging support.
- Pixel 8a’s 4492mAh battery gets the job done, but 18W wired charging feels dated in 2025.
- Galaxy A55 also has 5000mAh, but only 25W wired charging and no wireless support.
✅ Winner: Nothing Phone (3a) Pro – faster charging and wireless charging support
🧑💻 Software Updates & Ecosystem
- Pixel 8a crushes the competition here with 7 years of OS and security updates, futureproofing it till 2032.
- Nothing 3a Pro offers 3 years of OS and 4 years of security, still decent.
- Samsung A55 delivers 4 years of OS and 5 years of security updates, solid but not Pixel level.
✅ Winner: Pixel 8a – unbeatable long-term software support
🔐 Security & Features
- Pixel 8a: Titan M2 chip, Face Unlock, Pixel-exclusive AI features.
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro: In-display fingerprint, Glyph notifications, dual SIM.
- Galaxy A55: Samsung Knox, Secure Folder, DeX (via third-party apps), in-display fingerprint.
✅ Winner: Pixel 8a for privacy, Samsung A55 for security options.
🎯 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design & Uniqueness | Nothing Phone (3a) Pro |
| Display Quality | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
| Performance | Nothing Phone (3a) Pro |
| Camera System | Google Pixel 8a |
| Battery & Charging | Nothing Phone (3a) Pro |
| Software Longevity | Google Pixel 8a |
| Overall Value | Nothing Phone (3a) Pro |
🏆 Editor’s Choice: Nothing Phone (3a) Pro 5G
Why? It strikes the perfect balance between performance, design, battery, and uniqueness at a competitive price. It’s ideal for users who want style and power without overspending.
🛍️ Buy If You:
- Love bold design + customization (Glyph)
- Want good gaming & charging
- Prefer a bloat-free Android experience
📌 Alternatives:
- Choose Pixel 8a if you care most about photography and software updates.
- Choose Galaxy A55 if you want a solid all-rounder with Samsung’s ecosystem and display quality.