The Nothing Phone 3a Pro launch in India on 4 March. It has a budget-friendly smartphone with a unique design and promising specs. But how does it handle intense gaming sessions of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)?
In this article, we examine the phone’s gaming capabilities, testing frame rates, thermal performance, battery efficiency, and more. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, find out if this phone deserves a good gaming phone record.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro Key Specs for Gaming
Before jumping into the BGMI test, let’s take a quick look at the specifications of the Nothing Phone 3a Pro :
- Display: The Nothing Phone 3a Pro has a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness and 1300 nits HBM brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: It is powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and Adreno 710 GPU with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS-2.2 storage.
- Software: The Phone 3a Pro runs on Nothing OS 3.1 with Android 15 out of the box (up to 3 years major Android upgrades).
- Battery: It has a massive 5000mAh battery and 50W charging support. But the charger is not included in the box
Nothing Phone 3a Pro Benchmark for Gaming
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro Overall antutu benchmark score is 811,584
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro Geekbench single core score is 1207
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro Geekbench multi core score is 3,326
BGMI Gaming Test Setup
We tested BGMI on the Nothing Phone 3a Pro using three graphics settings to evaluate performance across different loads:
- Graphics Settings: Smooth + Extreme (60 FPS), Ultra HD + Ultra (40 FPS), HDR + Extreme (60 FPS)
- Session Length: 1-hour continuous play
- Monitoring Tools: We monitored real-time FPS using Game FPS Counter, checked for frame drops, and recorded battery drain and device temperature after 1 hour of continuous gameplay..
Performance Analysis: Frame Rates & Stability
1. Smooth + Extreme (60 FPS):
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro, this setting maintains a stable 59-60 FPS even during firefights. No stutters or frame drops, thanks to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3’s efficient throttling.
2. HDR + Extreme (60 FPS):
Surprisingly, the device managed 55-60 FPS here, though occasional drops to 50 FPS in dense environments. Enable “Competitive Mode” in settings for smoother gameplay.
3. Ultra HD + Ultra (40 FPS):
At higher graphics, the phone averaged 35-40 FPS. Minor dips occurred during parachute drops but stabilized quickly. Ideal for players prioritizing visual detail.
Thermal Performance: Does It Overheat?
After an hour of BGMI:
- Surface Temperature: Peaked at 42°C (back panel) and 40°C (screen). Warm but not uncomfortable.
- Cooling System: The vapor chamber effectively dissipates heat, preventing aggressive throttling.
Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a Pro heating control capabilities are good, but avoid direct sunlight during extended sessions.
Battery Life: How Long Can You Game?
- 60 FPS (Smooth + Extreme): 12% battery drain per hour.
- Ultra HD + Ultra: 15% drain per hour.
With the 5,000mAh battery, expect 6-8 hours of gameplay on smooth settings. The 50W charger takes 70% charge in 40 minutes—great for quick returns.
Audio & Haptics: Immersive Experience?
- Speakers: Dual stereo speakers deliver clear directional audio (footsteps, gunfire).
- Haptics: Sharp vibration feedback enhances immersion, especially with HD rumble in BGMI.
Competitor Comparison
How does it stack against rivals in the ₹25-30K range?
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3a Pro | Poco X6 Pro | Realme Narzo 70 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg FPS (HDR+Extreme) | 55-60 FPS | 60 FPS (stable) | 50-55 FPS |
| Cooling | Vapor chamber | LiquidCool 2.0 | Graphite sheet |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
While the Poco X6 Pro edges ahead in raw performance, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers a balanced blend of style, software polish, and reliable gaming.
Conclusion: Should You Buy It for BGMI?
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a solid choice for BGMI enthusiasts who want smooth gameplay, a vibrant 120Hz display, and reliable battery life. While hardcore gamers might prefer devices with flagship chipsets, this phone strikes a perfect balance for mid-range users. Pair it with a cooler for marathon sessions, and you’re battle-ready.
FAQ Section
Q1. Can the Nothing Phone 3a Pro run BGMI at 90 FPS?
A: No. BGMI currently caps at 60 FPS on Android, and the phone’s hardware reliably supports up to 90 FPS.
Q2. Does it support 4D vibration in BGMI?
A: Yes! The HD haptics sync with in-game actions for immersive feedback.
Q3. How much storage does BGMI occupy on the device?
A: Approximately 2.5GB (post-update). The 256GB variant offers ample space.
Q4. Is a charger included in the box?
A: No, a 50W fast charger is unavailable in the box.