Nothing Phone (3)
Verdict
A unique phone with standout design, offering solid all-around performance, but there are better processors available at the same price.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“With the Phone (3), Nothing remains true to its philosophy of developing smartphones that are a little different from the competition. This is evident in the transparent back, the asymmetrical arrangement of the cameras, the slim and fast Nothing OS 3.5, and extras such as the Glyph Matrix with its 486 LEDs. With five years of OS updates and software support until 2032, the Nothing Phone (3) provides further reasons for consideration. Other plus points include the bright AMOLED screen, the good camera system, and the large and fast-charging battery, which should last a whole day of intensive use.”
“At $799, the Nothing Phone 3 is competing with devices like the Pixel 9 and OnePlus 13, both of which have it beat in the camera department, and the OnePlus phone is faster. Meanwhile, Google also has better update support. If you buy the Nothing Phone 3, it should be because you genuinely like the hardware and software design, and there's very little bad to say about Nothing OS. Otherwise, there are better options for the same or less money.”
“The Nothing Phone (3) continues the brand's push into the premium midrange and does so with a clear sense of identity. Its standout feature remains its design - love it or hate it, there's simply nothing quite like the Glyph Matrix and the industrial, transparent aesthetic. The Phone (3) further refines this design philosophy with improved materials, IP68 protection, and a sturdier, more mature chassis.”
“The Nothing Phone (3) is the company's best yet, thanks to its beautiful screen, strong performance, capable cameras, and standout design.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Nothing Phone (3) pushes design boundaries with its striking look and transparent back, creating modern art vibes. This geometric design language uses discs and curves to evoke playfulness and sophistication.
The Glyph Matrix on the back offers a dynamic, customizable experience that doesn’t just light up with notifications but also provides interactive features like games and status updates. As “reviewers” note, “this iteration turns the back of the phone into a dynamic canvas.” With its unique appearance and feel, you’ll find it both a joy to hold and visually engaging.
Display(s)
You will enjoy the 6.67-inch AMOLED display, which offers sharp clarity with its high resolution, ensuring text and images are vivid.
The dynamic refresh rate makes scrolling smooth and responsive, elevating your viewing and gaming experience.
Despite its bright screen with up to 4,500 nits for HDR content, bright sunlight might challenge readability. ‘In bright sunlight, the Phone (3) offers 1,600 nits of brightness, which is actually quite a lot,’ say experts, but some top models perform better in harsh light.
Performance
The Nothing Phone (3) features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, offering strong performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Most apps open quickly, and you can move between tasks smoothly thanks to up to 16GB of RAM.
During extensive benchmark tests, the phone handled stress well but tended to heat up significantly, which some reviewers noted was worrisome during intense use.
Given the processor, experts agree the phone delivers good performance for its price point, although it doesn’t quite reach the speed of more premium models like the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16.
Software & Storage
The Nothing Phone (3) keeps its software intuitive and playful. There’s a new Essential Key that helps quickly capture and organize content through AI in the Essential Space.
Although some reviewers feel digital clutter, the tools like Essential Search bring ease, finding contacts or files swiftly and with context.
Android lovers appreciate Nothing OS 3.5’s simplicity and the promise of five years of updates, a nod to the brand’s commitment to longevity.
Cameras
The camera setup includes four 50MP shooters, with the highlight being a periscope telephoto lens that offers 3x optical zoom, allowing you to capture crisp and vibrant distant scenes. Experts highlight its performance as comparable to more expensive flagship models with a consistent color profile across lenses.
The advanced primary sensor increases light capture by 44%, producing sharp images even in dim settings, while the macro functionality enables stunning close-ups. Critics appreciate the consistency in natural color reproduction, even during high-detail zoom shots.
In essence, the phone balances high performance with creative versatility, meeting the needs of typical users seeking comprehensive image capabilities at a reasonable price.
Battery
With the Nothing Phone (3), you’ll find it easier to manage your daily routine without frequent recharges. The phone features a substantial 5,150mAh battery, created from silicon-carbon materials. This innovation provides robust energy density, according to Android Central.
For busy users, the phone supports 65W fast charging, enabling quicker top-ups and minimizing downtime.
“It’s a great all-day performer, ensuring most won’t run out of juice before bedtime,” Creative Bloq reports.
Audio
The sound quality during calls is impressive, ensuring your voice comes through clearly even in busy places. Reviewers highlighted the phone’s precise microphones and effective noise cancellation that enhances conversations, which is particularly beneficial if you’re often on the go.
For entertainment, experts praised the device’s stereo speakers for producing a decent soundstage with volume that reaches impressive levels. Though some reviews mention they could benefit from more richness in the midrange, film and game experiences remain engaging and dynamic.
With Bluetooth capabilities supporting high-quality sound through wireless earbuds, you’ll enjoy music and films with crisp clarity. “The sound via Bluetooth earbuds is quite excellent,” reviewers noted, making it an ideal choice for both everyday calls and immersive entertainment sessions.
The Bottom Line
This phone’s design boldly sets it apart from others but may not appeal to everyone. Users will find satisfaction in its robust display and overall performance.
The design is distinct and playful, with a transparent back panel that enhances its visual appeal. The phone performs well for everyday tasks, but it lags behind others with higher-end processors, suggesting you’ll experience some limitations over time.
Its new Glyph Matrix is engaging, offering some creative displays and features, but lacks the novelty of previous models’ lighting effects.
It includes a trio of 50MP cameras that provide versatility, yet do not hold their ground against comparable competitors in terms of photo quality under various conditions.
Ultimately, it’s an intriguing option for those seeking something distinctive and engaging without needing the absolute latest in processing power.
What people actually want to know
How much does the Nothing Phone (3) cost?
The Nothing Phone (3) launched at $799 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Nothing Phone (3) released?
The Nothing Phone (3) was released on July 15, 2025.
How long will the Nothing Phone (3) receive software updates?
The Nothing Phone (3) is guaranteed 5 years of OS updates and 7 years of security updates from launch.
After security support ends, the phone keeps working. It just won't receive fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
How long does the battery last on the Nothing Phone (3)?
The Nothing Phone (3) scored 12h 56m in GSMArena's endurance test (below average for its class). It packs a 5,150 mAh battery.
How repairable is the Nothing Phone (3)?
The Nothing Phone (3) scores 3.0/10 on iFixit's repairability scale: difficult to repair. Read the full teardown.
Is the Nothing Phone (3) water resistant?
The Nothing Phone (3) carries an IP68 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Nothing Phone (3) support wireless charging?
Yes, the Nothing Phone (3) supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Nothing Phone (3) have a headphone jack?
No, the Nothing Phone (3) does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Nothing Phone (3) support 5G?
Yes, the Nothing Phone (3) supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Nothing Phone (3) have NFC?
Yes, the Nothing Phone (3) has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Nothing Phone (3)?
Visit Nothing's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Nothing Phone (3) manual?
You can view and download the Nothing Phone (3) manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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