If you happen to’re available in the market for an reasonably priced mid-range telephone with premium options, the Nothing Telephone (3a) and the Xiaomi Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G are two of the strongest contenders.
Each convey loads to the desk, however some key variations may make or break your determination.
Let’s take a better take a look at main distinctions between these units and what they imply for you so you’ll be able to select the fitting telephone.
Design & Construct
Nothing has rapidly constructed a status on eye-catching, distinctive designs, and the Telephone (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, however, is extra conventional however nonetheless trendy. It opts for a smooth, curved physique with a shiny opalescent end that adjustments below gentle.
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 significantly better mud and water resistance than the Nothing’s providing. It’s additionally lighter at 190g in comparison with the Telephone (3a)’s 201g, making it barely extra comfy to carry over lengthy intervals.
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 if you happen to worth a telephone that appears and feels utterly completely different from anything in the marketplace, the Telephone (3a) is the clear winner.
Cameras
The digital camera methods on these two telephones take very completely different approaches. The Redmi Word 14 Professional 5G wows on paper with its 200Mp principal sensor, full with OIS and AI-enhanced picture processing.
This interprets to distinctive element, notably in well-lit circumstances, and the night time mode does a strong job of brightening low-light photographs 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 Telephone (3a) takes a extra balanced strategy with its triple-camera setup. The 50Mp principal 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 delicate fill gentle, which is a enjoyable contact for artistic pictures, however the total picture processing can generally 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 principal digital camera outcomes.
However the Telephone (3a) wins in versatility with its telephoto lens. If zooming is extra essential to you than sheer decision, Nothing’s mannequin is the higher choose.
Efficiency & Software program
The Telephone (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 singular aesthetic. It additionally comes with six years of software program assist, which is a superb promise on this worth 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
If you’d like a near-stock, visually placing Android expertise with longer assist, the Telephone (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 effectively.
Different variations
Elsewhere, the Word 14 Professional has a sharper 1.5K decision (2712 x 1220) in comparison with the Telephone (3a)’s 1080p panel. Nonetheless, each max out at 3000 nits and 120Hz refresh charge, making them equally brilliant and {smooth}.
It additionally has a barely bigger 5110mAh battery, in comparison with the Telephone (3a)’s 5000mAh cell, and features a 45W charger within the field, whereas Nothing makes you purchase one individually.
The Telephone (3a) will get you from totally 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 Telephone (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 out there 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 robust worth choose. You should purchase it immediately from the Xiaomi’s web site.
Nonetheless, as with earlier entries within the Redmi sequence, the Word 14 Professional 5G isn’t obtainable within the US.
Verdict
For most individuals, the Nothing Telephone (3a) edges forward with its distinctive design, cleaner consumer interface, and longer software program assist.
However if you happen to’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 cheaper price.