Nothing has quickly built a reputation for producing great phones, like the Phone 2(a), at a lower cost than its rivals. Fortunately, Android Authority has uncovered some clues inside Nothing OS 3.0, suggesting that camera and processor upgrades may be coming to the Nothing Phone 3.

Nothing OS 3.0 is based on Android 15, and Android Authority found references to three different code names in its code: asteroids, asteroids_plus, and galaga, all classic video games and these codenames seem to be related to future Nothing hardware (possibly Nothing Phone 3a, Nothing Phone 3a Plus, and CMF Phone 2).

The code also suggests that the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset could power the Phone 3a and 3a Plus, and the CMF Phone 2 could feature a MediaTek chip CMF is in the business of releasing inexpensive phones, and the company has been known to use MediaTek's silicon in its phones, Given that MediaTek silicon is usually more affordable, this is not a big surprise.

Besides, the code suggests that the Phone 3a may have a telephoto camera lens, but it is not clear if it will be an ultra-wide replacement (like the Motorola Razr Plus 2024) or a new third lens. On the other hand, the Phone 3a Plus appears to be able to upgrade the lens to include a periscope camera that should provide a higher level of optical zoom.

Finally, Android Authority has found evidence that eSIM support may be coming to the Phone 3a and 3a Plus. This would be the first nothing phone to support eSIM, although there is nothing to suggest that the CMF Phone 2 will follow their example. In other words, physical SIM cards will still be around for a while.

All this is great news for the Nothing Phone 3a. While not the flagship Snapdragon 8 chip, the introduction of the 7 series Snapdragon chipset should benefit performance and energy efficiency. The telephoto lens will also improve the overall quality of zoom shots, which should further enhance the flagship experience.

The only question I have is how much optical zoom will be offered and how much these upgrades will affect the price. While not known to undercut competitors, the more upgrades that are included, the more expensive these phones will be to manufacture.

Fortunately, the Nothing Phone 3a is scheduled to appear in the first quarter of 2025, so we won't have to wait too long. We don't know the exact time frame, but we shouldn't have to wait more than three months.