Nothing is set to unveil its new Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds on July 7, alongside the Phone (4b) smartphone. However, most surprises have already been spoiled by leaked images and marketing materials from German site WinFuture, revealing fresh color options and a unique call recording feature. The signature transparent design remains, but the lineup now boasts brighter colors and a new button dedicated to voice notes.
Visually, the Ear (3a) sticks to Nothing’s recognizable style: true wireless earbuds housed in a clear charging case with the interior color matching each earbud’s shade. The leak highlights a vibrant pink variant joining the yellow, white, and black options.
Since its debut, Nothing has leaned heavily into transparent aesthetics combined with bold colors, setting itself apart in a crowded sub-€100 TWS segment where most competitors’ designs have blurred into one standard look. Here, style is as essential as sound quality or features-a tactic that helps Nothing earbuds stand out immediately from the pocket.
Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds specs and features
According to WinFuture, the Ear (3a) packs 12mm drivers, LDAC codec support, and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. While these features are no longer rare in this price range, they show Nothing isn’t skimping on audio quality-unlike some budget rivals that cut corners on codecs and high-bitrate wireless audio.
- 12mm audio drivers
- LDAC support
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
- Audio Snapshots for quick voice notes and call recording
- Touch controls on the earbud stem
- Four colors: pink, yellow, white, black
The standout feature here is Audio Snapshots. From leaked marketing shots, this lets you instantly save voice notes with a tap on the earbud’s touch-sensitive stem. During calls, the same tap appears to trigger call recording-a fresh use case for Nothing’s earbuds.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) remains uncertain. The leaks don’t explicitly confirm ANC, but the earbuds’ in-ear silicone tips should provide decent passive noise isolation. If ANC is included, it would make the Ear (3a) competitive against other sub-€120 models where noise cancelling is increasingly standard.
Pricing clues suggest a launch around €99 in Europe, matching Nothing’s prior entry-level pricing with the Ear (a) series. This positions the Ear (3a) squarely in the mass market, appealing to buyers prioritizing style, comfort, and practical features rather than just the lowest cost.
The official reveal on July 7 is imminent. If Nothing delivers on including ANC, LDAC, and the innovative call recording/voice note feature while maintaining a €99 price, the Ear (3a) could become one of the most notable TWS releases this summer under €120. The segment is crowded with offerings from OnePlus, Soundcore, and even more affordable Nothing earbuds, but the new Ear (3a)’s eye-catching design and fresh features could give it an edge.
Internationally, the addition of call recording functionality differentiates the Ear (3a) from Apple’s AirPods and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, which don’t natively support this feature. The inclusion of LDAC also appeals to audiophiles seeking higher-resolution wireless sound-a nod to serious listeners in a budget-friendly package.
Watch for how Nothing balances style, price, and features in a category where manufacturers often trim specs to hit aggressive price points. If the Ear (3a) can deliver on all fronts, it may rewrite expectations for affordable wireless earbuds this season.