The iQOO Neo 10R and Nothing Phone 3a are two of the latest mid-range contenders, each with their own different approach. iQOO prioritizes raw performance, while Nothing focuses on a more balanced experience with clean software and a design-centric identity, complete with the Glyph interface.
But when it comes to everyday use, which one actually offers the better deal?
Design and Build
Both phones have distinct design choices that set them apart. The iQOO Neo 10R uses a glass front with Schott Xensation Up for protection but opts for a plastic back and frame, which is standard for its price range. It does, however, come with IP65 water and dust resistance, meaning it’s protected against dust and low-pressure water jets.
The Nothing Phone 3a takes a different route. It continues the brand’s signature transparent back design but now features three LED light strips for notifications, a camera fill light, and customization options. However, it only has IP64 protection, which means it can handle splashes but isn’t as resistant as the iQOO Neo 10R.
In terms of size, they are nearly identical, but the Nothing Phone 3a is slightly heavier at 201g, compared to the 196g iQOO Neo 10R. This weight difference is minor but could be noticeable if you prefer lighter devices.
Display
The iQOO Neo 10R has a clear advantage when it comes to display specs. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4500 nits. These numbers put it in flagship territory, at least in terms of smoothness and outdoor visibility. The resolution is 1260 x 2800 pixels, making it sharper than the Nothing Phone 3a’s 1080 x 2392 display.
Nothing’s approach is different. The 6.77-inch AMOLED panel maxes out at 120Hz and peaks at 3000 nits, which is still plenty bright. However, it lacks the extreme refresh rate of iQOO’s phone, which could be a deciding factor for those who prioritize smooth scrolling or gaming.
Performance and Software
This is where the iQOO Neo 10R takes a clear lead. It comes with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a toned-down version of Qualcomm’s top-tier chipset. It features a 3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 core, which should ensure high-end performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
The Nothing Phone 3a, in comparison, runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. While it’s a solid mid-range chip, it lacks the firepower of the 8s Gen 3, especially in GPU-heavy tasks. The Adreno 735 in the iQOO Neo 10R is significantly more powerful than the Adreno 710 in the Nothing Phone 3a.
Both phones run Android 15 out of the box with their skins on top. Funtouch OS 15 on the iQOO Neo 10R leans towards feature-packed customization, while Nothing OS 3.1 maintains a cleaner, near-stock Android experience.
If you prefer minimalism, the Nothing Phone 3a may be the better pick. Software support could be the another deciding factor—Nothing promises six years of Android updates and security patches, whereas iQOO offers three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates for the Neo 10R.
Cameras
The Nothing Phone 3a wins on sheer versatility for cameras. It packs a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The inclusion of a telephoto lens immediately makes it more flexible for different shooting conditions. The phone also supports 4K video recording at 30fps with gyro-EIS stabilization.
Meanwhile, the iQOO Neo 10R sticks to a dual-camera setup—a 50MP main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide. While its main sensor is solid, the lack of a telephoto lens limits its zoom capabilities. On the selfie side, both phones offer a 32MP camera, though the Nothing Phone 3a is limited to 1080p video recording, whereas the iQOO Neo 10R can record at 4K 60fps.
For those who rely heavily on zoom and portrait shots, the Nothing Phone 3a has the better setup. But if you’re only concerned with the main and front cameras, the differences might not be drastic.
Battery and Charging
The iQOO Neo 10R takes the lead here with a 6400mAh battery, compared to the 5000mAh battery in the Nothing Phone 3a. That’s a significant difference, which should translate into longer endurance, especially with the more efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
Both phones support fast charging, but with slightly different speeds:
- iQOO Neo 10R: 80W wired charging, reaching 50% in 26 minutes and 100% in 55 minutes
- Nothing Phone 3a: 50W wired charging, reaching 50% in 19 minutes and 100% in 56 minutes
Nothing’s faster initial charge speed is useful for quick top-ups, but iQOO’s larger battery should make up for it in endurance. Additionally, the iQOO Neo 10R supports reverse wired charging, which is missing on the Nothing Phone 3a.
Verdict
Both phones cater to different audiences. If performance and battery life are your main priorities, the iQOO Neo 10R is the better pick, thanks to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 144Hz display, and 6400mAh battery. It’s a practical choice for power users and gamers.
On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 3a focuses on design, camera versatility, and a cleaner software experience. The LED Glyph lights make it stand out, while the 50MP telephoto camera adds shooting flexibility. It’s a better option if you prioritize aesthetics and a balanced camera setup.
Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value raw performance or a more refined software and camera experience.
