Nothing Phone (3a) faces sales ban in France and investigation in Germany

France has imposed a sales ban on the Nothing Phone (3a) after measurements showed a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 4.32 W/kg, exceeding the European Union's limit of 4.0 W/kg. The SAR value indicates the amount of radiation energy absorbed by the body during mobile device use.

In Germany, the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has initiated an official investigation into the device due to high radiation levels. Both the manufacturer and those affected have a four-week period to submit statements during this proceeding.

Nothing has responded to the allegations by announcing a software update intended to address the issue. The company aims to provide this update by the end of August, though specific technical details on how the update will lower radiation levels have not yet been disclosed.