[UPDATE – This is a normal phenomenon, and the phone is functioning as per normal.]
Nothing explained that this is a common occurrence. The Phone(3a) series is well-sealed and complies with the IP64 standard. Therefore, to prevent speaker noise caused by differences in internal and external air pressure, Nothing has incorporated a pressure equalizing hole on the back of the phone. This feature helps maintain pressure balance without compromising the device’s dust and water resistance.
When the phone is pressed firmly, a temporary pressure imbalance may result in speaker noise. However, as the pressure equalizes, the noise disappears. Similarly, once released, the pressure stabilizes, and the sound returns to normal.
Rest assured, this does not affect normal usage, and both the speaker and the phone’s airtightness remain intact.
So, the Nothing Phone (3a). It’s Nothing’s latest midrange smartphone, and after using it for a couple of days, I gotta say that I absolutely love it. It’s not only unique, has character, but also has great specs, and more importantly, is a great deal. Its RM1,699 asking price is definitely worth it for what you’re getting here. Plus, where else can you find a phone as special as this for a similar price?
However, I recently noticed a weird “bug” on this phone by accident. Firstly, the phone’s panels flex more than I would have expected from a phone made of glass and aluminium, but that isn’t the worst part.
The phone’s stereo speakers clipped, crackled, and even lost a significant amount of volume when slight pressure was applied onto the phone’s glass panel. At times, the speakers even took a couple of seconds to recover back to normal. This definitely can’t be good for the phone’s internal components, right?
And no, I’m not the only one to have encountered this “bug” with the Nothing Phone (3a). When checking with a friend who’s also using the same phone, he confirmed that his unit has the same issue too.
To make sure it wasn’t just me being picky, I went ahead and did the same with other phones such as the Samsung Galaxy A56, and that phone felt super solid even when I pressed hard on it, with none of the issues stated above.
Unique designs shouldn’t come at the cost of build quality
Again, I really enjoy my experience with the Nothing Phone (3a), and although this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for me, I hope Nothing can fix this by making its phones more solid. Unique designs should never come at a cost of durability and build quality.
Are you encountering the same issue with your Nothing Phone (3a)? Do share your experience with us.
