Nothing Teases Arcanine Pokémon on X: Could This Be a Hint for the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Plus?
Nothing has a solid lineup for 2025, and recently, it was revealed that the brand might soon launch the Nothing Phone (3) series. This series is expected to include three smartphones: the Nothing Phone (3), positioned as the flagship, along with the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Plus.
In a recent teaser, Nothing shared an image of the Pokémon Arcanine on its social media platform, X. While this may seem unrelated, it could hint at upcoming developments. Back in October 2024, a smartphone with the model number A059 was spotted on the IMEI database, with a tipster associating it with Arcanine. At that time, it was speculated to be the Nothing Phone (3). However, when the same model appeared on Geekbench, featuring the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, doubts arose about whether Nothing would equip its flagship with a less powerful processor than the Nothing Phone (2). Later, the GSMA database confirmed that the A059 model corresponds to the Nothing Phone (3a). The database also revealed a Plus variant (A059P) and a CMF Phone (2) with the model number A0001.
— Nothing (@nothing) January 21, 2025
This new teaser is likely for the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Nothing Phone (3a) Plus. Reports suggest that the flagship Nothing Phone (3) might launch with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in Q1 2025.
Considering the recent teaser, which is believed to be for the Nothing Phone (3a) series, it is likely that the Phone (3a) may launch earlier than the CMF Phone (2). With the teaser out, it aligns with Nothing’s earlier hints via a YouTube video that either the Nothing Phone (3a) or the CMF Phone (2) could launch in April 2025. Now, it appears more probable that the CMF Phone (2) will debut in April.
Here is what we can expect from Nothing Phone (3a)
Regarding specifications, the Nothing Phone (3a) is expected to feature the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, as previously spotted on Geekbench under a different name. The main camera is anticipated to offer a 26mm focal length, capable of recording 4K videos at 60FPS and 1080P slow-motion videos at up to 480FPS. Additional camera features may include Super Macro, Super EIS, and Super Night modes, though these names could change. The front camera is expected to have a 29mm focal length, supporting 1080P recording at 30FPS, which is a reduction from the Phone (2a)’s 60FPS capability. While high-resolution RAW photography might not be supported, the inclusion of in-sensor zoom technology aims to enhance clarity.
Reports suggest that the Nothing Phone (3a) will feature a telephoto lens, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Plus might include a periscope lens. Previous models in the series were equipped with 50MP dual rear cameras, comprising main and ultra-wide lenses. Given Nothing’s history of offering high-megapixel ultra-wide cameras under Rs 30,000, the Phone (3a) series is likely to follow suit.
A UL Demko listing indicates that the Nothing Phone (3a) will feature a 4,290mAh battery, smaller than the 5,000mAh cell found in the Phone (2a). Additionally, the Phone (3a) series is not expected to include a charging adapter in the box, consistent with previous releases.
The Nothing Phone (3a) series will come pre-installed with Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0. This software update introduces a revamped notification panel, new lockscreen clock styles, system widgets, a redesigned Gallery app, updated typography, and other enhancements. While display specifications remain unconfirmed, the Phone (3a) series might retain a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz support, similar to the Phone (2a). The design is expected to follow the boxy, flat-sided aesthetic seen in previous Nothing phones, along with a refreshed Glyph LED layout on the rear. An under-display optical fingerprint scanner is also anticipated.
The Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Plus are expected to include eSIM support, a first for the brand, alongside options for dual nano-SIM or eSIM+nano-SIM configurations.
