TL; DR
- Nothing’s latest cryptic teaser, Arcanine Pokémon, hints at the Phone 3a series (Pokédex 0059 = model A059).
- Expected features: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, telephoto/periscope cameras, eSIM support, and Nothing OS 3.5 on Android 15.
- Launch likely in Feb/March 2025, potentially before the flagship Phone 3.
Nothing seems to be playing mind games again, teasing something cryptic, but we might have cracked part of the mystery. The latest teaser features what looks like an Arcanine Pokémon—a peculiar choice, but it might just be their way of hinting at the upcoming Nothing Phone 3a. Here’s the logic behind this theory.
The Pokédex number, 0059, intriguingly aligns with the rumored model number of the Nothing Phone 3a, A059. Coincidence? Maybe not. The codename for this device is reportedly asteroids, fitting Nothing’s usual naming. Following this pattern, the speculated Nothing Phone 3a Plus could bear the codename asteroids_plus with the model number A059P.
If this theory holds, the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Plus could launch ahead of the flagship Nothing Phone 3, expected around July 2025. This would mirror the staggered release strategy we saw in previous years, like with the Nothing Phone 2a in March 2024.
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What to Expect from the Nothing Phone 3a Series
As leaked earlier, both phones would feature the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, previously seen in other mid-range phones like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and realme 14 Pro+. For the cameras, the Nothing Phone 3a could pack a telephoto lens, while the 3a Plus might go a step further with a periscope telephoto—both being a first for the brand.
Moreover, eSIM support might finally debut in this series, marking a notable upgrade. Both devices are likely to ship with Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15, which could bring refinements to the minimalist interface Nothing is known for.
Alongside the Phone 3a series, the company could also announce the CMF Phone 2, codenamed galaga, with the model number A001.
Launch Timeline
If Nothing follows its usual timeline, the Nothing Phone 3a could debut as soon as late February 2025 or early March 2025. Alternatively, the company could also surprise us by unveiling the “flagship” Nothing Phone 3. Nothing thrives on unpredictability, after all.
ALSO READ: [Exclusive] Nothing’s 2025 Surprise: Three New Smartphones on the Horizon
Phone 3a and 3a Plus, or Phone 3?
Of course, all of this hinges on cryptic teasers and leaks, so take it with a grain of salt. Whether it’s the Nothing Phone 3a, 3a Plus, or the flagship Phone 3, it’s clear Nothing is gearing up for an exciting start to 2025. Until then, we’ll just have to keep piecing together the clues. Stay tuned.
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