The Phone 3 marks the debut of Nothing’s flagship smartphone, showcasing a brand that has been on the market for nearly five years. Since its inception, the company has transformed design conventions, beginning with the success of its Nothing Ear 1 true wireless earbuds and now extending that approach to smartphones. Priced from Rs. 79,999, the Nothing Phone 3 directly competes with established players like Samsung and Apple. However, prospective buyers might wonder if this new flagship is worth considering. Here are my insights.
Innovative Glyph Interface
Before delving into the overall aesthetic, it’s essential to highlight the pioneering Glyph Interface of the Phone 3, which significantly elevates its visual appeal. In an era where smartphone backs often lack excitement, leading many users to resort to cases, Nothing breaks the mold with its distinctive transparent design ethos. This innovation not only enhances visual interest but also reintroduces the emphasis on design aesthetics. The Glyph Interface on the Phone 3 exemplifies this bold vision.
The Glyph Matrix makes its debut on the Phone 3
The standout feature of the Phone 3’s rear is the Glyph Matrix, equipped with 489 individually controlled LEDs. This monochrome display serves practical purposes, enabling users to receive caller ID, app notifications, battery status, and more at a glance, while maintaining Nothing’s signature dot-matrix design. Additionally, a Glyph Button facilitates effortless switching between different Glyph elements. New interactive features, dubbed “toys,” including Glyph Mirror, Spin the Bottle, Stopwatch, Solar Clock, and Magic 8 Ball, have been integrated; further testing will reveal their functionality in my upcoming review.
The Phone 3 features a triple rear camera setup
First Impressions
Nothing has taken a bold approach with the camera layout on the Phone 3, distinguishing it from competitors. The camera alignment is unique, and the integration of the dot LED matrix adds to its distinctive look. The transparent design continues to impress, while the curved edges contribute to a comfortable one-handed usage experience. The Phone 3 boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back for added durability. The design unmistakably reflects Nothing’s identity.
A 50-megapixel selfie camera is included
The Phone 3 sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, featuring a 460 PPI pixel density and a peak brightness of 4500 nits. Moreover, it offers a 120Hz refresh rate and supports 2160Hz PWM dimming. Underneath the exterior, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 processor and will come in two configurations: 12GB RAM with 256GB storage and 16GB RAM with 512GB storage. My detailed examination of the display and performance will follow in my review next week.
The Phone 3 is guaranteed 5 years of major OS updates and 7 years of security patches
Out of the box, the Phone 3 operates on Android 15, layered with Nothing OS. The company has also confirmed that an upgrade to Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, will be available shortly. In terms of camera capabilities, the Phone 3 doesn’t disappoint, featuring substantial upgrades over its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2. It includes four 50-megapixel cameras, with three positioned on the rear and one on the front. While my time with the camera has been limited, I plan to dive into its performance in detail in my upcoming review. Essential Space, offering personalized features and a new interactive Essential Search, is also a key aspect of the Phone 3, with more enhancements promised later this year.
Battery life receives a notable upgrade relative to its predecessor, housing a 5500mAh battery that supports 65W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, though it should be noted that a slightly smaller 5150mAh battery version will be available in other regions.
The Phone 3 boasts a 92.89% screen-to-body ratio, supporting HDR10+ and peak brightness of 4500 nits
In summary, the Nothing Phone 3 is packed with features typically found in high-end smartphones, and its entry price of Rs. 79,999 aligns with that perception. Without doubt, the Phone 3 appears to be Nothing’s most refined smartphone to date. However, the critical question is whether it can outshine competitors within the same price range. This is something I will explore further after spending more time with the device.
Stay tuned for our comprehensive review of the Phone 3.
Disclosure: Nothing sponsored the correspondent’s flights and hotel for the event in London.
