If you happen to’re available in the market for an reasonably priced mid-range telephone with premium options, the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G are two of the strongest contenders.
Each convey quite a bit 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’ll be able to select the best telephone.
Design & Construct
Nothing has rapidly constructed a popularity on eye-catching, distinctive designs, and the Phone (3a) isn’t any exception. With its clear again, Glyph lighting system, and cyberpunk aesthetic, it’s a telephone that calls for consideration.
Whereas largely plastic, it nonetheless feels premium, and the IP64 score ensures some safety in opposition to mud and splashes.
Luke Baker
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, alternatively, is extra conventional however nonetheless fashionable. It opts for a glossy, curved physique with a shiny opalescent end that adjustments below gentle.
The squircle digicam module is centrally positioned, which makes for a symmetrical look, although it may be a bit awkward for images.
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 Phone (3a)’s 201g, making it barely extra snug to carry over lengthy intervals.
Simon Chandler/Foundry
If sturdiness is a precedence, the Note 14 Pro takes the sting with its superior water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 safety. However for those who worth a telephone that appears and feels utterly completely different from anything available on the market, the Phone (3a) is the clear winner.
Cameras
The digicam methods on these two telephones take very completely different approaches. The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G wows on paper with its 200Mp primary 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 Phone (3a) takes a extra balanced strategy with its triple-camera setup. The 50Mp primary sensor is supported by a 50Mp 2x telephoto, providing higher flexibility than Xiaomi’s setup. Nonetheless, the ultrawide lens is a weak 8Mp, and it lacks autofocus.
The Glyph lighting system doubles as a smooth fill gentle, which is a enjoyable contact for inventive images, however the total picture processing can generally be a bit too contrast-heavy.
Simon Chandler/Foundry
For sheer megapixels and element, the Note 14 Pro takes the lead and is the higher telephone for primary digicam outcomes.
However the Phone (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 Phone (3a) is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, whereas the Redmi Note 14 Pro 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 help, which is a good 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 respectable however not fairly on par with Nothing’s dedication.
Simon Chandler / Foundry
If you’d like a near-stock, visually putting Android expertise with longer help, the Phone (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 Note 14 Pro will serve you nicely.
Different variations
Elsewhere, the Note 14 Pro has a sharper 1.5K decision (2712 x 1220) in comparison with the Phone (3a)’s 1080p panel. Nonetheless, each max out at 3000 nits and 120Hz refresh price, making them equally vivid and {smooth}.
It additionally has a barely bigger 5110mAh battery, in comparison with the Phone (3a)’s 5000mAh cell, and features a 45W charger within the field, whereas Nothing makes you purchase one individually.
The Phone (3a) will get you from totally useless to round 70% charged in simply half an hour, whereas the Note 14 Pro will attain barely decrease 64% in the identical time – however that’s a minimal distinction.
(*14*)Luke Baker
Lastly, each telephones have stereo audio system, however the Note 14 Pro’s are tuned with Dolby Atmos for a richer sound expertise.
Value & Availability
The Nothing Phone (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 Note 14 Pro 5G is barely cheaper at £299 for the 8GB/256GB mannequin, making it a robust worth choose. You should buy it straight from the Xiaomi’s web site.
Nonetheless, as with earlier entries within the Redmi collection, the Note 14 Pro 5G isn’t obtainable within the US.
Verdict
For most individuals, the Nothing Phone (3a) edges forward with its distinctive design, cleaner consumer interface, and longer software program help.
However for those who’re all about images and don’t thoughts Xiaomi’s software program quirks and also you just like the design, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a strong different at a barely cheaper price.
