Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G vs Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G: The Mid-Range Showdown -

Compare the Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G and Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G price, performance, camera, and battery life to find out which mid-range 5G smartphone suits you best.

The Rs. 30,000 Smartphone Dilemma

If you’re shopping for a powerful 5G smartphone under ₹35,000, two names stand out the Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G and the Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G. Both pack next-gen connectivity, polished design, and capable internals, making them top contenders in the mid-range segment. But which one gives you more value for your money? Here’s a detailed head-to-head comparison to help you decide.

Price in India: A Clear Cost Gap

Nothing continues its competitive pricing streak with the Phone 3a Pro 5G, starting at ₹27,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB variant and ₹31,999 for the 12GB + 256GB configuration.

Oppo, on the other hand, enters at a slightly higher tier. The F31 Pro Plus 5G is priced at ₹32,999 for 8GB + 256GB and ₹34,999 for the 12GB + 256GB version.

Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G offers a lower entry price for similar specs, appealing to cost-conscious buyers.

Design & Display: Transparency Meets Elegance

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G stays true to the brand’s signature design transparent back panel, LED glyph interface, and minimalist aesthetics. Measuring 163.5 x 77.5 x 8.3mm and weighing 211g, it carries a premium feel. The device features a 6.7-inch AMOLED LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2392 x 1080 resolution, ensuring smooth visuals.

By contrast, the Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G opts for a more conventional yet elegant design. It sports a 6.79-inch flat AMOLED screen with the same 120Hz refresh rate, offering up to 1600 nits brightness perfect for outdoor use. It’s also slimmer (7.7mm) and lighter (195g) than Nothing’s offering, available in three colors: Gemstone Blue, Himalayan White, and Festival Pink.

Verdict: Oppo wins on ergonomics and brightness, while Nothing stands out with its iconic design flair.

Camera Capabilities: Precision vs. Practicality

For photography enthusiasts, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G brings an impressive triple-camera system:

50MP main wide-angle lens with OIS + EIS
50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical and up to 60x digital zoom
8MP ultra-wide lens
50MP front camera

Both front and rear setups can shoot 4K at 30fps and 1080p at variable frame rates, delivering strong video versatility.

The Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G, however, simplifies things with a dual-camera setup:

50MP primary sensor with OIS
2MP monochrome depth sensor
32MP selfie camera

It supports 4K 30fps video, 1080p at 60fps, and slow-motion capture at 120fps (1080p) and 240fps (720p).

Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G wins for photography versatility and zoom performance. Oppo’s camera, while reliable, is more utility-focused.

Two Snapdragons, Two Approaches

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset — a solid performer tuned for balanced efficiency. It offers configurations of 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB, coupled with a 5,000mAh battery for consistent all-day use.

Meanwhile, Oppo equips its F31 Pro Plus 5G with the slightly more advanced Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. It pairs the same RAM and storage options as Nothing’s higher-tier model but pushes ahead with a massive 7,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging, reducing downtime dramatically.

Verdict: Oppo edges ahead in performance longevity and charging speed, while Nothing maintains a sleek, balanced power profile.

Style or Stamina?

Both phones cater to slightly different audiences. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G focuses on design purity, user interface fluidity, and camera performance ideal for creative professionals or design enthusiasts.

The Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G caters to heavy users and gamers, offering longer battery life, faster charging, and a slightly brighter, larger display.

If you prioritize a premium aesthetic and better optics, Nothing is the way to go. But if battery endurance and practicality are your top concerns, Oppo makes a compelling case.

The Balance Between Innovation and Usability

Tech analysts suggest that Nothing’s brand appeal lies in its design-led innovation its transparent aesthetic and glyph lighting provide a “distinct identity in a saturated market.” However, Oppo’s advantage lies in reliability and ecosystem strength, particularly in software support and charging technology.

According to consumer reports, buyers who prefer a “unique flagship feel without spending flagship money” often lean toward Nothing, while Oppo users cite “battery supremacy and stable camera performance” as key purchase reasons.

Impact & Market Outlook

The mid-range 5G segment has become one of the most competitive in India, with both brands targeting value-conscious consumers who demand near-flagship experiences. With these two models, Nothing continues to build its niche appeal, while Oppo reinforces its dominance in reliable, feature-rich smartphones.

Industry watchers predict that this competition will push innovation further, especially in camera technology and battery optimization areas where user expectations keep rising.

Choosing Your Ideal Mid-Range 5G

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G and Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G both deliver strong performance, but your choice depends on your priorities:

Choose Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G for its distinctive design, premium camera versatility, and minimalist user experience.
Choose Oppo F31 Pro Plus 5G for unmatched battery life, faster charging, and brighter display.

Both are solid mid-range contenders one celebrates design individuality, while the other focuses on all-round practicality.

(Disclaimer: All specifications, features, and prices mentioned are based on publicly available information and official listings at the time of writing. Prices may vary by retailer and region.)

ALSO READ: Musk’s xAI Hires Humans to Teach Grok How to Build Video Games

Breaking News