iQOO Neo 10R vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Mid-Rangers
When it comes to mid-range phones, two of the most anticipated phones in 2025 are the iQOO Neo 10R and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. Both phones have attracted attention with their excellent specs at a price that won’t break your bank. Choosing between them, however, is a dilemma. Let’s weigh their differences so you can make the best decision.
1. Performance: Which One Has More Muscle?
A phone’s performance then becomes the deciding factor for most users, and in this case, iQOO Neo 10R stands victorious. It is powered by the high-end Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip that offers an excellent balance of performance and power efficiency. With gaming, video, and multitasking, Neo 10R offers seamless and lag-free performance.
On the other hand, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is fueled by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a robust processor in itself but not at the same level as the brute force of the Neo 10R. While the Nothing Phone is more than sufficient for normal use, the iQOO Neo 10R is meant for heavy usage.
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10R wins here with superior performance and faster processing.
2. Camera: Which One is More Photographically Competent?
The two phones both feature 50MP main cameras, but the Nothing Phone 3a Pro takes the cake in terms of flexibility. It features a periscope 50MP lens and 3x optical zoom, allowing telephoto shots to be taken and offering a more dynamic photography experience. This is perfect for individuals who love pushing the boundaries of zoomed-in camera work or taking images of far-away objects more clearly.
Meanwhile, the iQOO Neo 10R is more interested in improved video features, with 4K video recording at 60fps, while the Nothing Phone 3a Pro can only record at 30fps. For those who are more interested in video quality, the Neo 10R is the champion.
Verdict: If camera versatility is paramount, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is the winner. For those who value video, the iQOO Neo 10R is the winner.
3. Display: Smoother and Larger Screens
The display, meanwhile, both phones boast AMOLED screens that provide rich colors and inky blacks. But the iQOO Neo 10R boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with an ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, which means buttery smooth scrolling and an amazing experience while gaming or watching highly motioned content.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro has a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with a lesser 120Hz refresh rate, which is also smooth but slightly less so compared to the iQOO Neo 10R. Both handsets are great fun to operate, but the iQOO takes the crown with the more rapid refresh rate.
Verdict: iQOO Neo 10R for the larger screen and more rapid refresh rate.
4. Battery and Charging: Powering Up
Battery life is something that’s worth a lot in any smartphone purchase, and both phones offer decent longevity, but the iQOO Neo 10R is clearly the winner here with its 80W fast charging. It charges 50% in just 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for anyone that requires a quick top-up of battery life.
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro, while it has 50W fast charging, recharges slower than that. While both phones will easily last a full day of use, the iQOO Neo 10R offers faster recharging for those who are always on the go.
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10R takes the prize for faster charging speeds.
5. Design: Style Meets Functionality
In terms of design, both the smartphones have high-end designs but to taste differently. The iQOO Neo 10R is simpler in design with sleek lines and an age-old look. Its professional design is ideal for those who are fond of subtle and elegant designs.
Conversely, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro continues the brand’s signature look with its Glyph Interface, a unique lighting system on the rear of the phone that lights up in different patterns to act as a notification and charging system. The style element will turn heads and appeal to individuals who would love their phone to stand out.
Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3a Pro gets it for its eye-popping, one-of-its-kind design.
6. Software Experience: Custom Skins and Updates
Both phones use Android 15 but with different customized interfaces. The iQOO Neo 10R comes with Funtouch OS 15, which is feature-rich but could take some adjusting to if one is accustomed to the vanilla Android environment. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro, meanwhile, comes with Nothing OS 3.1, which is in line with its minimalist, clean design interface reminiscent of the company’s design ethos.
Verdict: Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers a cleaner, more intuitive software experience.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the iQOO Neo 10R and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is all about your individual needs as a user:
- If you care most about performance, video shooting, and faster charging, the iQOO Neo 10R is the choice.
- If camera versatility, various aesthetics, and an uncluttered software experience matter to you, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is your best option.
Both devices are excellent choices, though, and it’s really just a matter of what features matter most to you!
If you’re interested in learning more about the iQOO Neo 10R or the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, check out these in-depth articles:
