Nothing Co-Founder Clarifies Why There’s a 2 MP Macro Camera on Phone (3a) Lite

It has just been a day since the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite went official, this is the most affordable Nothing phone to date. That means, there has been some obvious cost-cutting, especially in the camera department. The presence of a 2 MP macro camera has attracted a lot of mixed reactions online, prompting Nothing to come out and speak about it.

Nothing shares reasons behind Phone (3a) Lite's 2 MP macro camera

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite launched globally yesterday, featuring triple rear cameras at the back. The setup includes a 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens and a 2 MP macro camera. Now, this 2 MP macro addition has received a lot of flak online, so much so, that Nothing India lead and co-founder, Akis Evangelidis had to step in and clarify.

Akis tweet on adding 2 MP camera to Phone (3a) Lite — Image Credit: X/ @AkisEvangelidis

According to Evangelidis, Nothing decided to add the 2 MP macro camera because they were impressed with what the community was doing in terms of macro photography.

He further added that the option to entirely remove the third camera was also there; however, the decision to keep it made more sense to them. The Nothing co-founder even shared some camera samples clicked with the macro camera to justify this move.

Nothing Phone (3a) Lite cameras — Image Credit: Nothing

Why a 2 MP macro sensor doesn't make sense?

When it comes to budget smartphone, brands are known to make "thoughtful" omission in the name of reduced costs. The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is no different. However, the 2 MP macro camera addition at its current price point really doesn't seem like a sensible choice.

Now, for a smartphone that costs below Rs 10,000, this addition is sensible since there is only so much you can include at that price. However, with 249 euros (approximately Rs 25,000) price tag, it seems outrageous to put it lightly.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro, which is supposed to be the "inspiration" for the Phone (3a) Lite, offers an 8 MP ultra-wide angle camera and a 50 MP telephoto sensor for almost Rs 7,000 less. So, Akis' justification really didn't sit well with fans.

Akis tweet on 2 MP camera scam — Image Credit: X/ @AkisEvangelidis

Hence, it is no wonder that fans are visibly upset with Nothing, especially since the brand's co-founder Akis Evangelidis called this "the biggest scam of the 21st century" back in 2023.