The Nothing Phone 3 represents a significant leap forward for the London-based tech startup, delivering a refined user experience, cutting-edge hardware, and the company’s signature transparent design language. While it outperforms its predecessors in nearly every measurable way, the question remains whether these improvements are substantial enough to compete in the ultra-competitive premium smartphone market dominated by Apple and Samsung.
Design and Build Quality: A Step Beyond Previous Models
The Nothing Phone 3 retains the iconic transparent back panel that made its predecessors stand out, but with key refinements. The Glyph Interface—an array of LED lights that provide visual notifications—has been upgraded with more precise lighting zones and customizable patterns. The aluminum frame feels more premium than the Phone 2’s, and the matte glass back resists fingerprints better than previous glossy finishes. At 6.7 inches, the display is slightly larger than the Phone 2’s, but the bezels are thinner, giving it a more modern look. IP54 certification provides basic dust and splash resistance, though it still falls short of the IP68 rating found on most flagship competitors.
Display and Performance: Smooth and Vibrant
The Phone 3 features a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, matching the best screens in the industry. Peak brightness reaches 1,600 nits, making it easily readable in direct sunlight. Colors are vibrant, and HDR10+ support ensures excellent contrast for streaming. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (not the latest Gen 3) provides flagship-level performance, though it’s not the absolute fastest available in 2024. Still, app launches are near-instantaneous, and gaming performance is excellent thanks to the Adreno 740 GPU. The 12GB RAM variant handles multitasking effortlessly, and Nothing’s near-stock Android 14 implementation keeps bloatware to a minimum.
Camera System: Improved but Not Class-Leading
The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX890) and a 50MP ultrawide, both with improved computational photography algorithms. Low-light performance is better than the Phone 2’s, with less noise and more accurate colors. The ultrawide lens now supports macro photography, a welcome addition. However, the lack of a telephoto lens means zoom capabilities are limited compared to rivals like the Galaxy S24 or iPhone 15 Pro. Video recording tops out at 4K 60fps with decent stabilization, though not as smooth as Apple’s Cinematic Mode. Selfies from the 32MP front camera are sharp, but skin tones can appear slightly washed out in certain lighting.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power with Fast Refills
The 5,000mAh battery is a slight bump from the Phone 2’s 4,700mAh cell, and real-world usage shows noticeable gains. With moderate use, the Phone 3 easily lasts a full day, and lighter users may stretch it to a day and a half. The 65W wired charging refills the battery in about 45 minutes, while 50W wireless charging is a premium touch missing from many competitors. Reverse wireless charging lets you top up earbuds or other Qi-compatible devices, though at a slower 5W rate.
Software Experience: Clean and Feature-Packed
Nothing OS 2.5 (based on Android 14) is one of the cleanest Android skins available, with minimal bloat and thoughtful customizations. The Glyph Interface now integrates with more apps, allowing for unique notification patterns for different contacts. Quick Settings toggles are customizable, and the monochrome app icons maintain the brand’s minimalist aesthetic. Nothing promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches—a solid commitment, though still behind Samsung’s seven-year pledge.
Pricing and Competition: A Tough Sell in the Flagship Arena
Starting at $799, the Nothing Phone 3 undercuts the Galaxy S24+ and iPhone 15 by $200, but it lacks some premium features like a telephoto lens, higher IP rating, and the latest chipset. For those who prioritize design and software cleanliness over bleeding-edge specs, it’s a compelling option. However, with frequent discounts on established flagships, the price gap isn’t always significant enough to sway buyers away from more proven brands.
Verdict: The Best Nothing Phone Yet, But Is That Enough?
The Nothing Phone 3 is undeniably the company’s most polished device, offering a great display, smooth performance, and standout design. Yet, in a market where consumers expect perfection at the premium tier, minor shortcomings in cameras and durability could deter mainstream buyers. For tech enthusiasts who value uniqueness and near-stock Android, it’s a fantastic choice. For everyone else, the safer bets from Apple and Samsung might still hold more appeal.
Where to Buy the Nothing Phone 3
The Nothing Phone 3 is available directly from Nothing’s website, with global shipping options. Major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy also carry it, often with exclusive color variants or bundle deals. For the best trade-in values, check carrier promotions from providers like T-Mobile and Verizon, which occasionally offer discounts with installment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nothing Phone 3 waterproof?
The Phone 3 has an IP54 rating, meaning it’s resistant to splashes and dust but shouldn’t be submerged like IP68-rated devices.
Does the Nothing Phone 3 support 5G?
Yes, it supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G in select markets, ensuring fast connectivity where available.
How does the Glyph Interface work?
The LED lights on the back can be customized for notifications, charging progress, and even as a fill light for the camera. Different patterns can be assigned to specific contacts or apps.
Is wireless charging included?
Yes, the Phone 3 supports 50W wireless charging (with a compatible charger) and 5W reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Will the Nothing Phone 3 get Android 15?
Nothing has committed to three major OS updates, so Android 15, 16, and 17 are expected, along with four years of security patches.
For those seeking a fresh alternative to mainstream flagships, the Nothing Phone 3 delivers a unique experience with few compromises. Explore the latest deals today to see if it’s the right fit for your needs.