Nothing Phone (3a) vs Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
The Nothing Phone (3a) (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, while the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (2022) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888/888+ 5G. By overall MobileRank rating, the Nothing Phone (3a) leads — 42/100 vs 34/100 (a 8-point difference). Key differences: the Nothing Phone (3a) has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500); the main camera is 50 MP vs 64 MP; the Nothing Phone (3a) is noticeably lighter (201g vs 220g).
Nothing Phone (3a)
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4500 mAh
- Lighter: 201g vs 220g
- Higher performance (7/100 vs 0/100)
- Better camera (58/100 vs 43/100)
- Better design/ergonomics (48/100 vs 25/100)
- Better value for money (87/100 vs 55/100)
- Faster charging: 120W vs 45W
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Longer battery life (49/100 vs 42/100)
Comparing the Nothing Phone (3a) vs the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS, the Nothing Phone (3a) scores 8 points higher (42/100 vs 34/100). In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) leads (58/100 vs 43/100). In the "value for money" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) leads (87/100 vs 55/100). In the "performance" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) is a bit better (7/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) notably outperforms the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (58/100 vs 43/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS is a bit better (49/100 vs 42/100). In the "design" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) notably outperforms the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (48/100 vs 25/100). In the "value for money" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (87/100 vs 55/100).
| Specification | Nothing Phone (3a) | Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888/888+ 5G | |
| AnTuTu | 1044507 | — | |
| Geekbench Single | 1162 | — | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3315 | — | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2392x1080 | 1080x2400 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | |
| Charging | 45W | 120W | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 64 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 8 MP | |
| Telephoto | 50 MP | 5 MP | |
| Front camera | 32 MP | 20 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB | |
| OS | Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1 | Android 12, Joy UI 12.8 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3000 nits | 1300 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP54 | — | |
| Dimensions | 163.5×77.5×8.4 mm | 163.7×76.2×9.9 mm | |
| Weight | 201 g | 220 g | |
| Price | $329 | — |
Nothing Phone (3a)
- Main: 50MP f/f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 32MP
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
- Main: 64MP f/f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Telephoto: 5MP
- Front: 20MP
Nothing Phone (3a)
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2392x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
- 6.7" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Nothing Phone (3a)
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
- 4500 mAh
- Wired: 120W
- No wireless charging
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS
Price unknownperformance
In the "performance" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) is a bit better (7/100 vs 0/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) notably outperforms the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (58/100 vs 43/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS is a bit better (49/100 vs 42/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) notably outperforms the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (48/100 vs 25/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS (87/100 vs 55/100).
Which is better: the Nothing Phone (3a) or the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS?
The Nothing Phone (3a) edges out the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS by just 8 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS?
The Nothing Phone (3a) has a MobileRank rating of 42/100, the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS — 34/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nothing Phone (3a) or the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS?
The Nothing Phone (3a) leads on camera score (58/100 vs 43/100).
Which is more powerful: the Nothing Phone (3a) or the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS?
The Nothing Phone (3a) leads on performance (7/100 vs 0/100).
Should you choose the Nothing Phone (3a) over the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS?
The Nothing Phone (3a) is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers. The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 RS is a better fit for everyday use.