Nothing Phone (3a) vs Samsung Galaxy A56: Comparison

Hey smartphone fans! Today I'm comparing two of the most intriguing mid-range phones: the design-focused Nothing Phone (3a) and Samsung's AI-powered Galaxy A56. Both phones bring premium features to the $300-500 price range, but they pursue dramatically different philosophies in what makes a compelling smartphone.

I've been testing both devices extensively for six weeks, evaluating everything from camera performance to battery endurance to real-world usability. In this detailed comparison, I'll break down which phone delivers better value and help you decide if Nothing's unique aesthetic or Samsung's established ecosystem fits your needs better. Let's dive in!

Nothing Phone (3a) & Samsung Galaxy A56. Source: Canva

Nothing Phone (3a) vs Samsung Galaxy A56: Quick Overview

Here's the bottom line: The Nothing Phone (3a) and Samsung Galaxy A56 both feature 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED displays, 5000mAh batteries, and solid mid-range processors. Nothing leads with distinctive Glyph Interface lighting, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, cleaner Nothing OS experience, and unique transparent design at $329. Samsung counters with Exynos 1580 processor, superior IP67 waterproofing, 45W faster charging, macro camera, extensive Galaxy AI features, and industry-leading 6 years of software updates at $499.

For most people, I'd recommend the Nothing Phone (3a). Its superior Snapdragon performance delivers smoother gaming, the telephoto lens provides better versatility than Samsung's macro, and the cleaner software experience feels refreshing. However, grab the Samsung Galaxy A56 if you prioritize long-term software support with 6 Android updates, need robust IP67 waterproofing, value Samsung's AI features and ecosystem integration, or prefer faster 45W charging over Nothing's 33W.

Table of Contents:

• Nothing Phone (3a) vs Galaxy A56: Full Comparison
• Galaxy A56 vs Nothing Phone (3a): Design
• Nothing Phone (3a) or Galaxy A56: Owner Reviews
• Nothing Phone (3a) and Galaxy A56 Alternatives

Nothing Phone (3a) vs Samsung Galaxy A56: Full Comparison

Specification	Nothing Phone (3a)	Samsung Galaxy A56
Image
Display	6.77" AMOLED, 1080 x 2412, 120Hz	6.7" Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340, 120Hz
Peak Brightness	3000 nits	1900 nits
Protection	Panda Glass	Gorilla Glass Victus+
Processor	Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm)	Exynos 1580 (4nm)
RAM	8GB / 12GB	8GB / 12GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB	128GB / 256GB
Rear Camera	50MP main (f/1.8) + 50MP telephoto (2x) + 8MP ultrawide	50MP main (f/1.8, OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro
Front Camera	32MP	12MP
Video Recording	4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps	4K@30fps
Battery	5000mAh	5000mAh
Charging	33W wired	45W wired
Waterproof Rating	IP64	IP67
Weight	201g	198g
Thickness	8.4mm	7.4mm
OS	Android 15, Nothing OS 3.0	Android 15, One UI 7
OS Updates	3 years	6 years
Security Updates	6 years	6 years
Special Features	Glyph Interface, transparent design	Galaxy AI, Circle to Search, Object Eraser
Price (base model)	$455	$549

Processor performance reveals interesting trade-offs. The Nothing Phone (3a)'s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 delivers consistently smoother gaming performance with fewer frame drops during intensive titles. During my testing, demanding games like Genshin Impact ran noticeably better on the Nothing device. However, Samsung's Exynos 1580 leads in multi-core benchmarks, making it superior for productivity tasks like photo editing and multitasking between multiple apps. Both handle everyday scrolling, browsing, and social media identically.

Camera systems pursue different priorities. Nothing's 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom provides genuine versatility for portraits and distant subjects - something rare at this price point. The 2x zoom maintains excellent detail without digital degradation. Samsung counters with optical image stabilization on the main camera, delivering steadier handheld shots and superior video recording. The 5MP macro lens handles close-up photography, though realistically most users rarely utilize this feature. For overall photography versatility, Nothing's telephoto proves more useful than Samsung's macro in daily shooting scenarios.

Display quality slightly favors Nothing with higher 3000-nit peak brightness versus Samsung's 1900 nits, providing better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. Both screens deliver vibrant colors and smooth 120Hz scrolling that makes UI interactions feel fluid. Samsung's Super AMOLED technology offers marginally deeper blacks, though the difference proves negligible during normal use. The real advantage comes from Samsung's superior Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection compared to Nothing's Panda Glass - Victus+ provides better drop and scratch resistance based on Corning's testing.

Waterproofing represents a significant practical difference. Samsung's IP67 rating withstands full submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it worry-free for pool parties, beach trips, or accidental toilet drops. Nothing's IP64 rating only protects against splashes and rain - not full water immersion. For anyone regularly near water or wanting peace of mind against spills, Samsung's superior waterproofing justifies consideration.

Charging speed favors Samsung with 45W fast charging that reaches 65% in 30 minutes and full charge in 68 minutes. Nothing's 33W charging lags behind, requiring roughly 90 minutes for full charge. This difference matters for users who frequently need quick top-ups between activities. Both phones include identical 5000mAh batteries that easily last full days of moderate use, though neither supports wireless charging.

Software philosophy diverges dramatically. Nothing OS delivers a cleaner, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware and thoughtful customizations like the unique Glyph Interface. The LED light patterns on the back provide distinctive visual notifications - genuinely useful and genuinely cool. Samsung's One UI 7 packs extensive features including Galaxy AI tools like Circle to Search, Object Eraser for photo editing, and deep integration with Samsung's ecosystem. However, One UI includes considerably more pre-installed apps and Samsung services. The critical difference: Samsung promises 6 years of Android updates versus Nothing's 3 years, making the Galaxy A56 a better long-term investment.

Galaxy A56 vs Nothing Phone (3a): Design & Build

Both phones embrace modern aesthetics while expressing distinctly different design languages.

Nothing Phone (3a) Design:

Samsung Galaxy A56 Design:

The Nothing Phone (3a) makes an immediate visual statement with its transparent back revealing internal components and the signature Glyph Interface LED strips. The design isn't just cosmetic - those LEDs serve as customizable notification lights that actually enhance usability. At 8.4mm thick and 201g, it's slightly bulkier than the Samsung, though the weight feels evenly distributed. The aluminum frame with Panda Glass protection provides solid build quality, though not quite matching Samsung's Gorilla Glass Victus+ durability. The flat edges and matte finish resist fingerprints beautifully.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 embraces Samsung's refined "Galaxy design language" with a cleaner, more conventional appearance. The slimmer 7.4mm profile makes it feel more premium in hand, and the lighter 198g weight proves noticeable during extended one-handed use. The Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back provides superior drop protection compared to Nothing's glass. The polished metal frame and milky matte finish (in some colors) look sophisticated. Samsung's design won't turn heads like Nothing's transparent aesthetic, but it exudes understated elegance that won't look dated in two years.

Button placement and ergonomics differ subtly. Nothing positions the power button comfortably for thumb reach, while Samsung's volume buttons sit slightly higher. Both phones feature USB-C ports and dual SIM trays, though neither offers expandable storage via microSD card. The Nothing Phone (3a)'s unique design makes it instantly recognizable, while Samsung's A56 blends into the premium smartphone crowd - choose based on whether you value distinctive aesthetics or refined conventionality.

Nothing Phone (3a) or Samsung Galaxy A56: Owner Reviews

Let's examine what real users are saying about these mid-range contenders:

Nothing Phone (3a) Owner Reviews:

Praises: "The Glyph Interface is genuinely useful, not just a gimmick. I can identify callers without flipping the phone over, and the notification patterns are customizable enough to actually matter. Design draws compliments everywhere."

"Gaming performance crushes my friend's Galaxy A55. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 handles everything smoothly without thermal throttling. Clean software without Samsung bloatware feels incredibly refreshing after years of One UI."

***

Drawbacks: "Only 3 years of OS updates feels disappointing when Samsung promises 6 years. Worried about long-term software support and whether the phone will feel outdated by 2028."

"IP64 waterproofing isn't confidence-inspiring. Already nervous about using it near the pool or in heavy rain. Wish Nothing matched Samsung's IP67 rating for peace of mind."

Samsung Galaxy A56 Owner Reviews:

Praises: "Six years of Android updates means this phone will stay current until 2031. Finally a mid-range device with flagship-level software support. The Galaxy AI features are surprisingly useful for everyday tasks."

"45W charging is noticeably faster than my previous phone. The IP67 waterproofing provides genuine peace of mind - already survived one accidental drop in the sink without issues."

***

Drawbacks: "One UI feels bloated with pre-installed Samsung apps I'll never use. The cleaner interface on Nothing phones looks appealing. Gaming performance occasionally stutters during intense moments."

"The macro camera is basically useless. Would much prefer a telephoto lens like Nothing offers for actual versatile photography. Feels like Samsung included it just to claim 'triple camera.'"

Nothing Phone (3a) and Galaxy A56 Alternatives

If neither phone perfectly matches your requirements, consider these compelling alternatives:

1. Google Pixel 9a: Pure Android experience with excellent camera AI, Tensor G4 processor, 7 years of updates, wireless charging, and superior computational photography at $499.
2. OnePlus Nord 5: Performance-focused option with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, 80W fast charging, alert slider, and clean OxygenOS at $399.

The Google Pixel 9a targets photography enthusiasts wanting best-in-class computational photography and AI features. Google's Tensor G4 processor delivers exceptional photo processing that rivals flagship phones, with features like Magic Eraser and Best Take. The 7 years of updates exceeds even Samsung's support commitment. Trade-offs include slightly lower peak performance during gaming and a smaller battery. If camera quality and long-term software support matter most, the Pixel 9a deserves consideration despite matching Samsung's $499 price.

The OnePlus Nord 5 appeals to performance enthusiasts who prioritize speed above all else. The blazing 80W charging fully charges the phone in under 40 minutes - dramatically faster than both competitors. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 provides excellent gaming performance matching or exceeding Nothing's chipset. OxygenOS offers a middle ground between Nothing's minimalism and Samsung's feature density. The main compromises are weaker waterproofing and slightly less premium build quality, but for power users who value performance and charging speed, OnePlus delivers exceptional value.

Should You Buy the Nothing Phone (3a) or Samsung Galaxy A56?

After six weeks of intensive real-world testing, both the Nothing Phone (3a) and Samsung Galaxy A56 prove that mid-range phones in 2025 deliver exceptional value.

Choose the Nothing Phone (3a) if you prioritize distinctive design and smooth performance. The Glyph Interface isn't just visual flair - it genuinely enhances daily usability with customizable notifications. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 delivers superior gaming performance, and the telephoto camera provides more practical versatility than Samsung's macro lens. The cleaner Nothing OS experience feels refreshing without Samsung's bloatware. At $455, it undercuts Samsung by $100 while delivering flagship-level design. Just accept the limitations of IP64 waterproofing and shorter 3-year update commitment.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy A56 if long-term value and ecosystem integration matter most. The industry-leading 6 years of Android updates means this phone remains current until 2031 - exceptional for mid-range devices. IP67 waterproofing provides genuine peace of mind, while 45W fast charging eliminates battery anxiety. Galaxy AI features integrate beautifully with Samsung's ecosystem if you own Galaxy Buds, smartwatches, or tablets. The superior Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection better withstands drops. At $549, you're paying premium for Samsung's proven reliability and long-term support.

For most buyers seeking exceptional value, the Nothing Phone (3a) delivers superior bang-for-buck at $455. It provides 85% of the Galaxy A56's capabilities at 66% of the cost, with better gaming performance and more distinctive design. The Galaxy A56 excels for users who prioritize longevity, comprehensive waterproofing, and Samsung ecosystem integration over immediate cost savings. Your choice depends on whether you value upfront savings and unique design or long-term support and established reliability.