Nothing's latest mid-range entries, the Phone 3a and 3a Pro, are making $1,000 flagships look nervous. By prioritizing high-end materials and fluid software over raw benchmark scores, Nothing has created a device that feels premium without the price tag. The real surprise isn't the specs, but a unique hardware-based AI approach that actually tries to be useful.
Samsung is banking on brand loyalty with the new Galaxy S25 Ultra, but a deeper look reveals a surprising number of hardware omissions and a downgraded S Pen. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip provides world-class power, the looming threat of AI subscription fees and a lack of meaningful innovation might finally give competitors the opening they need.
OnePlus just moved the goalposts for 2025 with a silicon carbon battery that refuses to die and a Snapdragon chip that finally lives up to the hype. But does the familiar camera struggle and a curious 'Dynamic Island' copycat hold back what is otherwise the most powerful phone on the market?