The mid-range smartphone market is heating up, and two standout contenders in 2025 are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G and the Nothing Phone (3a). Both phones target users looking for premium features at an affordable price, but they cater to slightly different preferences. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into a head-to-head comparison across design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and price to help you decide which phone is the better pick for you.
1. Design and Build Quality
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G sports a sleek, modern design with a curved body and a glossy opalescent finish that shifts under light. It features a glass back with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. At 190g, it’s relatively lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use. The phone boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a significant advantage for durability, and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added scratch and drop resistance.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nothing Phone (3a) stands out with its signature transparent back and Glyph LED lighting system, featuring three LED strips for notifications and aesthetics. While the back is glass, the middle frame is plastic, which slightly detracts from the premium feel but keeps the weight at 201g. It has an IP64 rating, offering basic protection against dust and splashes but falling short of the Redmi’s water resistance.
Verdict: The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G takes the lead with its IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it more durable. The Nothing Phone (3a) wins for those who prioritize a unique, eye-catching design with its Glyph LEDs.
2. Display
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 3000 nits. This ensures vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent visibility in bright sunlight. The smaller display size compared to the Nothing Phone makes it slightly more compact.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nothing Phone (3a) comes with a larger 6.77-inch AMOLED display, also with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 3000 nits peak brightness. The larger screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming, though it makes the phone slightly bulkier.
Verdict: The displays are nearly identical in quality, with the same resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. The Nothing Phone (3a) edges out slightly for those who prefer a larger screen, while the Redmi is better for users who want a more compact device.
3. Performance
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G delivers solid mid-range performance. It handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming with ease, though it’s slightly less efficient than Snapdragon chips in sustained performance. It comes with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, sufficient for most users.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nothing Phone (3a) is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which offers better efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Dimensity 7300 Ultra. It also supports up to 12GB RAM but offers a higher 512GB storage option, giving it an edge for users needing more space. Benchmark tests (e.g., Geekbench and AnTuTu) show the Nothing Phone (3a) slightly outperforming the Redmi in certain scenarios due to better optimization.
Verdict: The Nothing Phone (3a) takes a slight lead in performance due to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3’s efficiency and higher storage option, making it better for power users.
4. Camera
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G boasts a 200MP main camera with OIS and AI-enhanced processing, delivering exceptional detail in well-lit conditions. It also includes an 8MP ultrawide and a 2.5x telephoto lens. The night mode performs well, producing bright, natural-looking low-light shots. The 20MP front camera is decent for selfies but not class-leading.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nothing Phone (3a) features a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, both the main and telephoto supporting OIS. It excels in versatility, particularly for zoom shots, and performs strongly in low-light and night mode photography. The 50MP front camera delivers sharper, more detailed selfies compared to the Redmi.
Verdict: The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G wins for its high-resolution 200MP main sensor, ideal for daylight photography. The Nothing Phone (3a) is more versatile with its 3x telephoto lens and better selfie camera, making it preferable for zoom and low-light photography.
5. Battery and Charging
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G has a 5,110mAh battery with 120W fast charging, allowing it to charge fully in under 30 minutes. It also includes a charger in the box. Battery life is excellent, lasting over a day with moderate use, though gaming drains it faster.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nothing Phone (3a) comes with a 5,000mAh battery and 50W fast charging, but it does not include a charger. Despite the smaller battery, it performs comparably in battery life tests due to better optimization, matching the Redmi in real-world scenarios like YouTube streaming. However, its charging speed is slower, taking nearly the same time to charge despite the smaller capacity.
Verdict: The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G wins with its larger battery, faster charging, and included charger, making it more convenient for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
6. Software
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G runs HyperOS based on Android 14. It’s responsive but comes with pre-installed bloatware, which may annoy users seeking a clean experience. Xiaomi offers 3-4 years of software updates, which is decent but not exceptional.
Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nothing Phone (3a) runs Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15, offering a bloat-free, smooth, and visually unique experience. It promises six years of software support, a significant advantage for long-term use and future-proofing.
Verdict: The Nothing Phone (3a) dominates with its cleaner, more modern software and longer update commitment, making it the better choice for software enthusiasts.
7. Price and Value
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
Priced at approximately ₹22,640 for the 8GB/128GB variant, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is the more affordable option. It offers excellent value for users prioritizing camera resolution, durability, and fast charging.
Nothing Phone (3a)
Starting at ₹24,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant, the Nothing Phone (3a) is slightly more expensive but offers bank discounts that can bring it closer to ₹22,999. Its unique design, better software, and higher storage options justify the price for some users.
Verdict: The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is the better value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Nothing Phone (3a) appeals to those willing to pay a slight premium for design and software.
Which Phone is Best?
Choose the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G if:
You want the best main camera resolution (200MP) for detailed daylight photos.
Durability is a priority (IP68 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2).
You need faster charging (120W) and a charger included.
You’re looking for the most affordable option.
Choose the Nothing Phone (3a) if:
You value a unique design with Glyph LEDs.
You prefer a larger display for media and gaming.
You want a cleaner, bloat-free software experience with longer updates (6 years).
You need versatile cameras with better zoom and selfie performance.
Final Verdict
Both phones are excellent mid-range options, but the Nothing Phone (3a) edges out slightly as the better overall choice for most users. Its unique design, cleaner software, longer software support, and versatile camera system make it a compelling pick, especially for those who value aesthetics and future-proofing. However, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is the better value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize camera resolution, durability, and fast charging.
What’s your take? Are you team Redmi or team Nothing? Let us know in the comments below!
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