Nothing has officially launched its most affordable smartphone yet, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, marking the brand’s first true entry-level device. The phone debuted at €249 (approximately $270 USD or £249) for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, positioning it as the fourth addition to the company’s 2025 Phone lineup.

Design and Display

The Phone (3a) Lite features a glass back that showcases Nothing’s most subtle design to date, departing from the colorful plastic shells of the CMF series. However, the signature Glyph lighting system has been significantly pared down — most of the Glyph Lights from the Phone (3a) have been replaced by a single LED at the bottom right corner.

The device sports a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2392), a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and peak brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The screen supports 10-bit color depth and includes 2160Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye strain during prolonged use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Phone (3a) Lite runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. Power comes from a substantial 5,000 mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging, reaching 50 percent charge in about 20 minutes. Nothing advertises up to 22 hours of YouTube playback or 9.5 hours of gaming on a single charge.

Camera System

The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with a 1/1.57-inch Samsung sensor featuring OIS and EIS, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a macro shooter. The front-facing camera is 16MP, capable of 4K video recording at 30fps.

Software and Updates

The phone runs Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15, with the company promising three years of major Android updates and six years of security patches. An Android 16 update is expected to arrive early next year.

The Controversy: Pre-installed Apps and Lock Screen Ads

The Phone (3a) Lite marks a significant departure from Nothing’s traditionally clean software approach. This is Nothing’s first smartphone to include pre-installed third-party apps, specifically TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

More controversially, the device launches with “Lock Glimpse” enabled by default, a service that displays ads on the lockscreen in the form of automatically changing wallpapers with links to online articles. While the feature can be disabled in settings, its default activation represents a clear shift in Nothing’s monetization strategy for budget devices.

Market Strategy

Interestingly, the Phone (3a) Lite appears to be essentially a rehash of the CMF Phone 2 Pro that launched earlier this year, sharing the same chipset, display, RAM, battery, and camera array. The primary differences lie in the redesigned glass back and the minimal Glyph lighting system.

Availability

The Phone (3a) Lite is available in the EU, UK, MEA, East Asia, and South East Asia, but won’t be sold in the US in any capacity. The 256GB storage variant is priced at €279 (EU) or £279 (UK). The device comes in black and white color options.

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite represents both an opportunity and a compromise — it brings Nothing’s distinctive transparent design philosophy to a more accessible price point, but introduces monetization tactics that may alienate fans who appreciated the brand’s previously clean software experience.

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The New iPhone 17 Pro Max

Unboxing Day Excitement

Waking up to that “Today’s the Day” email from Apple never gets old, and a few hours later, my shiny new Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max was in my hands. After tearing through the packaging, my first reaction was simple: this thing is pretty darn cool.

Design: A Bold New Direction

Apple has completely reimagined the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a striking new aluminum unibody design that feels remarkably different from previous models. The Cosmic Orange finish is absolutely gorgeous – it’s bold without being overwhelming, and catches light in a way that makes it feel premium and distinctive.

However, I have to echo your sentiment about that glass square on the back. The camera plateau has been redesigned for the first time since the iPhone 11 Pro, featuring a large horizontal camera bump, but the matte finish of this section does clash noticeably with the rest of the phone’s polished aluminum body. It’s a weird design choice that breaks up the otherwise cohesive aesthetic. Apple clearly prioritized functionality over form here, but it’s jarring at first glance.

Build Quality: Surprisingly Light Yet Robust

What’s immediately noticeable is how the vapor chamber technology and aluminum unibody construction make this feel both lighter and more thermally efficient than the previous titanium models. Despite being slightly thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it actually feels more comfortable in hand. The new Ceramic Shield 2 protection on both front and back provides 3x better scratch resistance, which gives me confidence about daily use.

Display: Bright and Beautiful

The 6.9-inch display supporting up to 3000 nits of brightness is genuinely impressive. Even in bright indoor lighting, the screen looks crisp and vibrant. The colors pop in a way that makes everything from photos to videos feel more immersive. Having ProMotion 120Hz technology means scrolling feels buttery smooth – it’s one of those upgrades you don’t fully appreciate until you go back to a slower refresh rate.

Camera System: The Real Star

The redesigned camera system with its 48MP telephoto lens and 8x optical-quality zoom capability is where this phone really shines. Even in my brief testing, the zoom range feels significantly more versatile than previous iPhones. The new 18MP Center Stage front camera with its unique square sensor for Dual Capture is a clever innovation that automatically adjusts orientation based on your shot composition.

Performance: A19 Pro Powerhouse

The A19 Pro chip with its vapor chamber cooling system delivers the kind of sustained performance that makes everything feel instantaneous. Apps launch without hesitation, and the 12GB of RAM means multitasking is seamless. The improved thermal design should prevent the throttling issues that sometimes plagued previous Pro models during intensive tasks.

Battery Life: All-Day Confidence

Apple claims up to 39 hours of video playback for the Pro Max – potentially the longest battery life ever in an iPhone. While it’s too early for a full battery test, the initial charge has lasted through a full day of heavy setup, data transfer, and camera testing without breaking a sweat.

Early Verdict

The iPhone 17 Pro Max feels like a meaningful evolution rather than a revolutionary leap. The new aluminum unibody design, improved thermal management, and camera upgrades make this a compelling upgrade, especially for anyone coming from an iPhone 15 Pro Max or earlier.

The Good:

• Stunning Cosmic Orange finish
• Excellent build quality and thermal performance
• Impressive display brightness and smoothness
• Versatile camera system with great zoom range
• Outstanding battery life potential

The Not-So-Good:

Despite the design quirk with the camera square, this is shaping up to be Apple’s most capable iPhone yet. The orange finish alone makes it feel special, and the performance improvements are immediately noticeable. If you’re due for an upgrade and want the absolute best iPhone experience, the 17 Pro Max delivers – just be prepared for that camera bump to grow on you over time.

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iPhone Air or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

Apple just shook up the iPhone world with its September 2025 “Awe Dropping” event, introducing a completely new model: the iPhone Air. This ultra-thin device joins the traditional Pro Max flagship, creating an interesting choice between style and power. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right decision.

Bottom Line Up Front

Choose the iPhone Air if: You prioritize portability, style, and having the thinnest iPhone ever made. You’re willing to sacrifice some camera features and battery life for an incredibly sleek design.

Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if: You want the most powerful iPhone experience with the best cameras, longest battery life, and premium materials, and don’t mind the extra weight and thickness.

The iPhone Air: Apple’s Thinnest iPhone Ever

Design Revolution

The iPhone Air represents Apple’s most dramatic design shift in years. At just 5.6mm thick, it’s thinner than any iPhone before it – even thinner than the legendary iPhone 6. The polished titanium frame gives it a premium feel while keeping the weight down to just 5.82 ounces (165 grams).

Apple has equipped the Air with Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back – the first iPhone to get this protection on both sides. The front offers 3x better scratch resistance, while the back provides 4x better crack resistance.

Display and Performance

Don’t let the thin profile fool you – the iPhone Air packs serious power:

• 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion
• 3,000 nits peak brightness
• A19 Pro chip (same as the Pro models)
• 256GB starting storage

Camera: The Compromise

Here’s where the Air makes its biggest trade-off. It features just one 48MP rear camera housed in a sleek horizontal camera bar. While this single lens can function as multiple focal lengths through computational photography, you lose the dedicated ultrawide and telephoto lenses found on Pro models.

The front camera gets an upgrade to 18MP with Center Stage for better group selfies and video calls.

Pricing

• Starting at $999 for 256GB
• $1,199 for 512GB
• $1,399 for 1TB

Available in four colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Silver, and Gold.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max: Maximum Everything

Built for Power Users

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s flagship powerhouse, designed for users who want zero compromises. It features an aluminum unibody design with a built-in vapor chamber cooling system that enables sustained high performance.

Massive Display and Performance

• 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display – Apple’s largest iPhone screen
• 120Hz ProMotion with the same 3,000 nits brightness
• A19 Pro chip with enhanced cooling for sustained performance
• 12GB RAM for Pro models
• 256GB starting storage

Camera System: Professional Grade

The Pro Max features Apple’s most advanced camera system:

• Three 48MP cameras: Main, Ultrawide, and Telephoto
• 8x optical zoom – the longest in iPhone history
• Macro photography capabilities
• ProRAW and ProRes recording
• 18MP Center Stage front camera

The new horizontal “camera plateau” design houses all three lenses across the width of the phone, giving it a distinctive look.

Battery Life Champion

With room for a larger battery thanks to the new internal design, the Pro Max offers Apple’s best-ever iPhone battery life – up to 4 more hours than the previous generation Pro Max.

Weight and Dimensions

The Pro Max weighs 8.22 ounces (233 grams) and measures 8.75mm thick – significantly heavier and thicker than the Air, but still reasonable for a flagship device.

Pricing

• Starting at $1,199 for 256GB
• $1,399 for 512GB
• $1,599 for 1TB
• $1,999 for 2TB (new option)

Available in three bold colors: Cosmic Orange, Azure Blue, and Platinum White.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Design and Portability

Winner: iPhone Air The Air’s 5.6mm profile and lightweight titanium construction make it incredibly portable. It’s 3mm thinner and nearly 70 grams lighter than the Pro Max. If you want a phone that disappears in your pocket, the Air wins hands down.

Display Size

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max While both phones have excellent displays with identical technology, the Pro Max’s 6.9-inch screen provides more real estate for productivity, gaming, and media consumption compared to the Air’s 6.5-inch display.

Camera Capabilities

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max This isn’t even close. The Pro Max’s triple camera system with 8x optical zoom, macro capabilities, and professional video features far exceeds the Air’s single-lens setup. If photography is important to you, the Pro Max is the clear choice.

Battery Life

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max The Pro Max’s larger size allows for a significantly bigger battery, offering the best battery life in iPhone history. The Air’s thin design necessarily limits battery capacity.

Performance

Draw Both phones use the same A19 Pro chip, though the Pro Max’s vapor chamber cooling allows for better sustained performance under heavy loads.

Value

Winner: iPhone Air At $999 vs $1,199, the Air offers flagship performance at a $200 discount, though you do sacrifice camera versatility and battery life.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the iPhone Air if you:

• Value ultra-portable design above all else
• Primarily use your phone for social media, messaging, and basic photography
• Want a premium iPhone experience at a lower price point
• Love being the first to own cutting-edge design technology
• Don’t need extensive camera features

Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you:

• Are a photography enthusiast or content creator
• Need maximum battery life for heavy usage
• Want the largest possible screen for productivity or entertainment
• Frequently use your phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing
• Don’t mind carrying a heavier, thicker device for better capabilities

The Verdict

The choice between these two iPhones comes down to your priorities. The iPhone Air is a design statement – it’s the phone you choose when you want the sleekest, most portable iPhone ever made. It’s perfect for users who value style and portability over maximum functionality.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max remains the choice for power users who want the absolute best iPhone experience, regardless of size and weight. Its superior cameras, longer battery life, and sustained performance make it ideal for demanding users.

For most people, the decision will come down to a simple question: Do you prioritize having the coolest, thinnest phone, or do you want the most capable iPhone Apple has ever made? Both are excellent choices – it just depends on what matters most to you.

Pre-orders begin September 12, 2025, with availability starting September 19, 2025.

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