Two years after introducing the Ear (a), Nothing has launched its successor—the Nothing Ear (3a)—in Nepal at a price of Rs. 13,999. After two full weeks of hands-on testing, we found plenty to admire about these earbuds alongside a few drawbacks worth considering before making a purchase.
Distinct Transparent Design and Comfort
The Nothing Ear (3a) carries forward the company's signature transparent look. It comes in four color options: black, white, yellow, and pink. The earbuds feature transparent stems, while the charging case uses a see-through lid. Paired with a black Nothing Phone 3, the black version matches nicely, though the white and yellow options deliver a more vibrant aesthetic.
Weighing only 4.53 grams per bud, the Ear (3a) remains comfortable even during long office hours. Nothing packs four pairs of silicone ear tips in the box (ranging from XS to L), with the medium size pre-fitted. The earbuds are also IP54-rated for dust and splash resistance, offering good durability against daily wear and light sweat.
A practical detail on the charging case is the three-segment LED indicator. Rather than relying on a single LED light, this three-part setup visually communicates battery percentage, charging progress, and Bluetooth pairing status through distinct light patterns.
Audio Snapshot and Nepali Transcription
One of the most notable additions to the Ear (3a) is Audio Snapshot. By pinching both earbuds together, you can record up to 60 seconds of audio playing through your connected phone. It can even retroactively capture the previous 30 seconds of media playback. All clips save into the Nothing X app, where you can listen back, share, or transcribe them to text.
The transcription feature supports Nepali, English, and Hindi. During our testing, standard Nepali speech transcribed with solid accuracy when spoken clearly, though it struggled with informal slang or slurred words. Additionally, the earbuds support a dedicated call-recording feature in eligible regions, allowing users to record up to two hours of phone conversations with an active recording notification.
