Which has better battery life?

The Soundcore P31i. It reaches 50 hours with the case, versus 18 hours for the Nothing Ear (3a). A 10-minute Soundcore charge gives 3.5 hours of listening.

Is the Nothing Ear (3a) worth the extra money?

Only if range and weight matter most. It costs $64.00 versus $33.99 for the Soundcore as of November 7, 2026, but gives 15 m range and a 40.92 g case.

Which is better for running and the gym?

Both are in-ear and water resistant. The Soundcore has IP55, slightly better than the Nothing's IP54, and the Nothing is marketed for sports use.

The Soundcore lists LDAC Hi-Res certification and 11 mm drivers at 14.2 Ohm. The Nothing lists an 11 mm driver at 32 Ohm with no Hi-Res claim, so the Soundcore has the stronger spec sheet.

Which works better with an iPhone?

The Soundcore lists iPhone compatibility and multipoint connection. The Nothing supports dual-device connections, so both handle two devices.

The Soundcore P31i, by a wide margin: 50 hours with the case versus 18 hours for the Nothing Ear (3a).

Soundcore P31i Translation Earbuds vs Nothing Ear (3a)

The Soundcore P31i is the better buy for most shoppers. It costs about half as much and roughly triples battery life. At $33.99 at eBay as of November 7, 2026, it undercuts the Nothing Ear (3a) at $64.00 at eBay the same day. Pick the Nothing Ear (3a) only if you want its lighter, sportier fit and dual-device pairing.

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