Camera Presets Feature Introduced in First Update for Nothing Phone (3a)

As of today, the new Nothing Phone (3a) series is shipping to customers, following its launch at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 last week. Those who pre-ordered can expect their devices to arrive shortly, and open orders are available as well. However, it’s worth noting that the base model of the Nothing Phone (3a) is already out of stock in the US, though customers in other regions can still purchase it.
Alongside the shipment of the Phone (3a), pre-orders for the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro are now live. Unfortunately, similar to the standard version, the Pro model is also sold out in the US as part of the “Beta Program.”
In conjunction with these launches, an important update has been rolled out, which will likely be included in the devices from the start. The update, labeled Nothing OS V3.1-250302-1856, comes with several enhancements and fixes. One of the most notable changes revolves around the camera, which is receiving an array of updates and a new feature called “Camera Presets.”
This innovative camera feature allows users to adjust their camera settings according to different environments or personal preferences. As described by Nothing, the Camera Presets enable “quick access to optimal settings for different scenes” and allow users to share and import their favorite settings and filters within the community.
The introduction of Camera Presets is reminiscent of Apple’s “Photographic Styles” feature available on the iPhone, which also permits users to create and use their own camera presets. A distinctive element of Nothing’s offering is the ability for users to share these presets with one another, providing a collaborative photography experience among users of the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro.
In addition to this new camera feature, the latest update offers several improvements to the Essential Space, which is designed to help users manage their tasks and content more effectively. Notable enhancements include an updated Essential Key interaction that simplifies how users can save their screens and add notes more efficiently. The update also includes new widgets for Essential Space that allow users to view their content directly on the home or lock screens.
There are additional improvements designed to better the user experience. For instance, a revamped homepage and detail page aim to enhance navigability, and the ‘Upcoming’ section has been introduced to manage tasks in a centralized location. Furthermore, the Smart Insight feature now supports multiple languages, ensuring broader accessibility.
The camera system received significant enhancements through this update as well. Users can now access Camera Presets for various scenes, import custom filters using cube files, and enjoy improved overall camera performance. The macro mode has been refined for clearer close-ups, while portrait mode has been enhanced for more realistic background blur. Alongside these changes, the camera app has been optimized for stability and a smoother interface.
The update also introduces various other improvements, including AI-enhanced face and scene classification in the Nothing Gallery. Interaction and user experience within the app have been fine-tuned as well, making it easier to manage photos. A new power-off password verification feature adds an extra layer of security, and various bugs have been addressed to provide a more stable user experience.
This robust update package positions the Nothing Phone (3a) series competitively within the smartphone market, as it embraces user preferences while enhancing overall functionality and performance.