Nothing is preparing to introduce its new smartphones, the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, on March 4. What makes these phones different is not just their designs or hardware, but also a special physical button. This button, called the “Essential Key,” will control both camera functions and Nothing’s new AI-powered system. So how exactly will this button work? Here’s the claim on the subject…
What will the Essential Key feature of the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro do?
The Essential Key, which will be included in Nothing’s new models, will be one of the most striking features of the device. This special button will work integrated with Nothing’s AI-powered “Essential Space” application.

According to recent information, the Essential Key’s functions will be as follows:
- A single press will allow you to take a photo in the camera application.
- A long press will start a voice recording.
- A double tap will open Essential Space, providing quick access to stored content.
- A screenshot will be taken with a long press.
This new button is expected to improve the user experience, especially in terms of photography and quick access. It was previously revealed that Nothing was considering adding a red dot to this button, but it is not yet clear whether this detail will be in the final design.
Essential Space is still in development. In other words, although the first version will be available with the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, a fully developed version will probably appear in future models, especially with the Nothing Phone (3).
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