The highly anticipated Nothing Phone 3a Lite is reportedly gearing up for launch in India soon. The smartphone, which is expected to be the most affordable model in Nothing’s upcoming Phone (3a) lineup, has been spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website — a strong hint that its release may be right around the corner.
The listing not only confirms the device’s existence but also suggests that Nothing is almost ready to bring its new mid-range series to the Indian market. The Phone 3a Lite is expected to sit below the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, offering the same minimalist design and clean Android experience that Nothing is known for — at a more wallet-friendly price.
Nothing’s Next Affordable Phone Spotted on BIS
The BIS certification is often one of the final steps before a new smartphone debuts in India. Tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414) recently shared a screenshot of the listing, showing the model number A001T associated with the upcoming Nothing device.
Interestingly, this model number closely resembles that of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which carried the identifier A001. CMF, a sub-brand under Nothing, launched the Phone 2 Pro earlier this year. This similarity strongly suggests that the Nothing Phone 3a Lite could be a redesigned version of the CMF model — sharing the same internals but wrapped in Nothing’s signature transparent design.
While Nothing has yet to make an official announcement, the BIS listing all but confirms that the device is in its final testing phase before hitting Indian stores.
Expected Design and Variants
According to early reports, the Nothing Phone 3a Lite will likely retain the company’s iconic semi-transparent design, LED-based “Glyph Interface,” and lightweight build. However, to keep costs low, it may skip some of the high-end hardware found in the standard Phone 3a and 3a Pro.
Industry insiders suggest that the Lite model will come in a single variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This strategy makes sense — it simplifies production and keeps pricing aggressive in India’s competitive mid-range market.
Buyers can expect two color options at launch: classic black and white. These have been signature hues for Nothing devices since the original Phone (1) and continue to define the brand’s minimalist aesthetic.
Performance: Borrowing from the CMF Phone 2 Pro
To understand what to expect from the Nothing Phone 3a Lite, we can look closely at the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which was launched in India in April 2025. Given the model number similarities, the new phone is likely to share much of the same hardware.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro featured a 6.77-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for scrolling and gaming. The same display technology could make its way to the 3a Lite, giving it a significant advantage over other phones in this price range.
Powering the CMF model was the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, a capable mid-range processor known for its balance of performance and efficiency. If Nothing reuses this chipset in the 3a Lite, users can expect reliable multitasking, solid gaming performance, and power-efficient battery management.
Camera Setup: Triple-Lens System Expected
The CMF Phone 2 Pro impressed many with its camera setup, and the Nothing Phone 3a Lite may inherit similar specs. Reports suggest that the Lite model could include a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens, and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera on the rear.
On the front, a 16-megapixel selfie camera is expected — ideal for video calls and selfies, maintaining the same visual quality that CMF delivered earlier this year.
If Nothing fine-tunes the camera software and adds its signature color science, the 3a Lite could easily become one of the best camera phones in its segment under ₹20,000.
Battery and Charging
Battery life has always been a strength of Nothing’s phones, and the 3a Lite should be no exception. Based on the CMF reference, the device will likely feature a 5,000mAh battery — standard for mid-range smartphones today.
Fast charging support of 33W is also expected, allowing the phone to reach around 50% charge in half an hour. Additionally, 5W reverse wired charging might be included, letting users power up smaller accessories like wireless earbuds.
While these numbers aren’t groundbreaking, they strike a perfect balance between performance, longevity, and affordability — ideal for users who need a reliable daily driver.
Price Expectations and Launch Timeline
The CMF Phone 2 Pro launched in India at ₹18,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant. Considering Nothing’s pricing strategy and its premium design appeal, the Nothing Phone 3a Lite could be priced around ₹17,000 to ₹19,000 in India.
The BIS listing hints that the official launch could take place in late October or early November 2025, aligning with Nothing’s typical product cycle. The Phone 3a and 3a Pro models may follow soon after, completing the series lineup.
Once launched, the Nothing Phone 3a Lite will directly compete with popular mid-range models like the Realme 13 Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro, and iQOO Z9 5G — all strong contenders in India’s sub-₹20,000 category.
A Strategic Move for Nothing
For Nothing, the introduction of a more affordable phone makes perfect sense. Since launching its first smartphone, the company has built a strong brand around design innovation and clean software. However, many consumers have found its flagship devices slightly pricey for their specifications.
By introducing the Phone 3a Lite, Nothing can attract a much larger audience — especially in India, where mid-range devices dominate sales. The move could also strengthen Nothing’s position against competitors like OnePlus, which has already expanded into the budget segment with its Nord CE lineup.
If priced right, the Phone 3a Lite might do for Nothing what the Nord series did for OnePlus — bring premium design to mainstream buyers.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing Phone 3a Lite seems set to be the brand’s most accessible smartphone yet. With the BIS certification now in place, its India launch appears imminent, and expectations are running high.
If the phone indeed borrows core specs from the CMF Phone 2 Pro, users can look forward to a stylish design, smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, and long-lasting battery — all wrapped in Nothing’s futuristic aesthetic.
