Nothing Phone 3a Gaming Review – FPS, Heating, Battery Drain & BGMI Test [2025]
🎮 Nothing Phone 3a Gaming Test: Power-Packed Performance on a Budget
Launched in March 2025, the Nothing Phone 3a is a mid-range marvel powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, designed to deliver solid gaming performance for budget-conscious gamers. This detailed gaming test explores the processor, benchmarks, and real-world performance across popular titles like BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Free Fire, along with gaming-specific features, average FPS, lag, and smoothness. Let’s dive into the gaming action! 🚀
🧠 Processor and Benchmarks
The Nothing Phone 3a is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a 4nm chipset optimized for efficiency and performance in the mid-range segment. Paired with an Arm Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage, it offers a balanced setup for gaming and multitasking. The processor features an octa-core configuration (1x Cortex-A715 @ 2.63 GHz, 3x Cortex-A715 @ 2.4 GHz, 4x Cortex-A510 @ 1.8 GHz), ensuring smooth performance for most modern games.
Benchmark Scores
| Benchmark | Score | Performance Insight |
|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 📊 | ~750,000 | Suitable for high-graphic games like BGMI and COD Mobile at medium to high settings. |
| Geekbench 6 (Single/Multi) 🖥️ | ~1,100 / ~3,200 | Strong single-core performance for quick app launches; decent multi-core for multitasking. |
| 3DMark Wild Life 🎮 | ~4,500 | Handles graphically intensive games with stable frame rates at medium settings. |
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 delivers performance comparable to the Dimensity 7200, making it a solid choice for casual and semi-competitive gaming. However, it falls short of flagship chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for ultra-high settings in demanding titles.
🎯 Real-World Gaming Performance
The Nothing Phone 3a was tested across popular titles to evaluate FPS, lag, smoothness, heating, and battery drain. Here’s how it performs in real-world gaming scenarios:
| Game | Settings | Average FPS | Lag/Smoothness | Heating/Battery Drain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) 🔫 | Smooth + Extreme (90 FPS) | 87-90 FPS | Minimal lag; occasional frame drops to 33-38 FPS on Livik map, recovers quickly. Smooth gameplay in TDM and classic modes. 😎 | Slightly warm (~37°C) after 40 mins; 14% battery drain in 40 mins. |
| Call of Duty Mobile 🎮 | High Graphics + Max Frame Rate (60 FPS) | 58-60 FPS | No noticeable lag; fluid performance in multiplayer and battle royale modes. Responsive touch controls. 🚀 | Minimal heating; ~12% battery drain in 30 mins. |
| Genshin Impact ⚔️ | Medium Graphics + 45 FPS | 40-45 FPS | Minor frame drops in heavy combat scenes; smooth in open-world exploration. Not ideal for ultra settings. 🗺️ | Warm (~39°C) after 30 mins; 15% battery drain in 30 mins. |
| Free Fire 🔥 | Ultra + High (90 FPS) | 85-90 FPS | Smooth gameplay with no significant lag; ideal for fast-paced matches. 😍 | Cool (~36°C); ~10% battery drain in 30 mins. |
| Asphalt 9: Legends 🏎️ | High Graphics | 55-60 FPS | Occasional stutters in high-action races; generally smooth with vibrant visuals. 🏁 | Slightly warm (~38°C); 13% battery drain in 30 mins. |
Key Observations
- BGMI: The Phone 3a handles Smooth + Extreme settings well, achieving near-90 FPS in most scenarios. Frame drops are rare and recover quickly, making it suitable for casual and semi-competitive play. [](https://gamingtest.in/nothing-phone-3a-gaming-test/)
- COD Mobile: Stable 60 FPS with no major issues, even in intense multiplayer matches. The touch response is excellent, enhancing aiming precision. [](https://gamingtest.in/nothing-phone-3a-gaming-test/)
- Genshin Impact: Demanding areas cause minor frame drops, but medium settings ensure playable performance. Not suited for max settings due to GPU limitations. [](https://gamingtest.in/nothing-phone-3a-gaming-test/)
- Free Fire: Near-perfect performance at 90 FPS, with no lag or throttling, ideal for quick matches. [](https://gamingtest.in/vivo-v50-gaming-performance-review/)
- Asphalt 9: Smooth for casual racing but stutters slightly in graphically intense moments. [](https://forums.androidcentral.com/threads/new-ish-pixel-8-user-bad-performance.1066615/)
🛠️ Gaming-Specific Features
The Nothing Phone 3a enhances the gaming experience with hardware and software optimizations:
| Feature | Description | Benefit for Gamers |
|---|---|---|
| 120Hz AMOLED Display 📱 | 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak brightness. | Smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility for immersive gaming. 🖼️ |
| 240Hz Touch Sampling Rate 🖐️ | Responsive touch input for quick reactions. | Improves aiming and movement precision in fast-paced games like BGMI and COD. 🎯 |
| Nothing OS 3.0 ⚙️ | Clean, bloatware-free UI with Game Mode for performance optimization. | Reduces distractions, prioritizes game performance, and minimizes background app interference. 🚀 |
| Stereo Speakers 🔊 | Dual speakers with balanced audio output. | Immersive sound for directional cues in games like COD Mobile. 🎵 |
| 5000mAh Battery 🔋 | Supports 45W fast charging. | 6-7 hours of continuous gaming; quick top-ups for extended sessions. ⚡ |
| Cooling System ❄️ | Basic vapor chamber cooling. | Prevents overheating during long sessions, though not as advanced as flagship phones. 🌡️ |
| 5G VoNR 📡 | Strong network connectivity for online gaming. | Low latency for lag-free multiplayer experiences. 🌐 |
Expert Tips for Optimal Gaming
- Enable Game Mode: Activate Nothing OS’s Game Mode to prioritize performance and block notifications. 🎮
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Use Smooth + 90 FPS for BGMI and Free Fire; Medium settings for Genshin Impact to balance FPS and visuals. ⚙️
- Charge Before Gaming: Avoid playing while charging to prevent minor heating issues. 🔌
- Use Wi-Fi or 5G: Leverage 5G VoNR for low-latency online gaming, especially in competitive matches. 📶
- External Controller: Pair with controllers like GameSir G8 Galileo for enhanced precision in games like COD Mobile. 🕹️ [](https://gamesir.com/pages/tutorial-how-to-use-gamesir-g8-galileo)
⭐ Rating and Conclusion
The Nothing Phone 3a is a stellar choice for budget gamers, delivering smooth performance in popular titles like BGMI, COD Mobile, and Free Fire, with playable results in Genshin Impact. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, paired with a 120Hz AMOLED display, 240Hz touch sampling, and Nothing OS’s clean interface, ensures a lag-free and immersive experience for casual and semi-competitive players. While it can’t match flagship chipsets for ultra-high settings or sustained 120 FPS in demanding games, its cooling system, battery life, and 5G connectivity make it a value-for-money pick. For gamers on a budget, the Phone 3a strikes an excellent balance of performance, visuals, and affordability. 🌟
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