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| The Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition will be limited to 1,000 units. |
If you’ve been following the tech scene lately, you’ll know that Nothing has a habit of turning product launches into community events. True to form, the brand has just unveiled its latest limited-run device: the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition.
After kicking off a design competition back in March and sifting through countless community submissions, Nothing has made it official. This isn’t just a new colourway—it’s a full-blown, retro-infused special edition that feels like a love letter to a bygone era of gadgetry.
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| The Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition has a frosted teal finish. |
A Blast from the Past: Mint Green & Frosted Transparency
The first thing you’ll notice is the finish. The Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition sports a unique mint green frosted transparent back, a design that instantly evokes the playful, see-through aesthetics of ‘90s electronics. Remember those translucent Nintendo 64 consoles or iconic iMac G3s? This phone taps right into that wave of nostalgia.
Interestingly, the frosted transparent look isn’t just a retro gimmick; it’s having a real moment in 2024. We’ve seen it pop up in the gaming world with releases like the Analogue 3D Funtastic Limited Editions and the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Funtastic Limited Editions. Nothing’s take feels like a sleek, smartphone-sized entry into that same fun, collectible category.
The design details are where the personality shines. Black volume buttons are paired with a bold magenta power button, while the back panel is adorned with subtle coloured squares and circles. Nothing has even extended this colour philosophy to the retail box itself—a first for the brand—making the unboxing experience part of the appeal.
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| The Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition's color has been carried over to the retail box. |
Specs, Availability, and the Crucial Catch
Under the hood, this special edition is based on the capable Nothing Phone (3a). It comes equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The pricing is set at £379 in the UK, €379 in Europe, ₹28,999 in India, and ¥59,800 in Japan.
Now, for the important part: you’ll need to be fast. Nothing is producing only 1,000 units worldwide. Registrations are open now, with a limited sales window on December 12th exclusively on the Nothing website. There’s another significant caveat for readers in the Americas: the Community Edition will not be sold in the US.
Is the Hype Worth It? A Pragmatic Alternative
Let’s be real: 1,000 units is an extremely limited run. For most of us, snagging one will be a challenge. If the unique aesthetic isn't a must-have for you, there's a much more accessible—and affordable—option.
You can get the same 12GB RAM / 256GB storage configuration of the standard Nothing Phone (3a) without the special edition markup. It’s currently available on Amazon.de for just €308, offering all the same performance and core Glyph Interface features in a classic finish.
👉 Check availability and pricing for the standard Nothing Phone (3a) on Amazon.de here.
The Final Verdict
The Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition is a clever, collector-focused play. It successfully blends a current design trend with potent nostalgia, creating a product that’s as much a conversation piece as it is a smartphone.
For the dedicated Nothing fan or the ‘90s design enthusiast, the scramble on December 12th might just be worth it. For everyone else, the standard Phone (3a) remains one of the most compelling mid-range phones on the market—and you can actually buy one without fighting a virtual crowd.
Ready to try for the special edition? Head to the official product page on Nothing's website when sales go live.