Have you ever noticed how many smartphones look almost identical? In a sea of sameness, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to distinguish between them. However, one brand is making waves by turning design into a unique selling point—introducing Nothing.
This innovative London-based company has revolutionized smartphone design, producing some of the most eye-catching devices on the market, like the newly launched Nothing Phone 3. Central to its appeal is the Glyph Interface, a set of programmable light bars that alert you when your phone is face down on a surface, making notifications visually engaging.
Now, with the release of the Nothing Phone 3, the company ramps up its game with a design that may polarize opinions but definitely makes an impact. I got hands-on experience with the Phone 3—let’s dive into why it’s far more impressive than I initially anticipated.
1. Bold Design and the Evolution of the Glyph
The latest Nothing smartphones, including the Phone 3, often blend excellent specs with bold aesthetics. While the look may not appeal to all, you can spot a Nothing phone from afar. The Phone 3 continues this trend, flaunting a distinctive design that shines brighter in person compared to rendered images. Although the camera placements are unconventional, they fit cohesively within the device’s innovative design language.
What’s new is the updated Glyph interface, transitioning from basic lights to a micro-LED display that provides practical functions—making the Phone 3 a standout device.
2. Introducing the Innovative Glyph Matrix Interface
If someone had suggested that Nothing would replace their iconic glyphs with a micro-LED display, I might have hesitated. After using the Phone 3, I realize it’s a natural progression. The Glyph interface enhances user experience and introduces exciting “Glyph toys”—mini applications that run on the display.
Some Glyph toys serve clear purposes, like displaying timers or notifications, while others bring unexpected fun, such as a spin-the-bottle feature to liven up dinners or a virtual magic 8-ball for inspiration.
Just below the glyph matrix are two design features resembling buttons—only one serves an actual function. It’s slightly challenging to press due to being beneath Gorilla Glass. However, this button is pivotal for cycling through the unique features and activating playful activities.
3. Cutting-Edge Camera System with Four 50MP Sensors
While the Glyph Matrix definitely catches the eye, the true star of the Phone 3 may be its camera system. Each rear camera boasts 50MP resolution, complemented by a 50MP front camera. This setup signifies the best imaging capabilities yet for a Nothing phone.
The main camera lens features a 1/1.3” sensor that captures 44 percent more light than its predecessor, and with advanced cropping techniques, users can enjoy excellent 1.5x and 2x lossless zoom. Also, the newly introduced telephoto camera provides 3x optical zoom and a whopping 60x zoom, all enhanced with AI technology.
During my brief camera evaluation at a demonstration, I was distinctly impressed. It’s clear that the Nothing Phone 3 offers remarkable photographic capabilities.
4. Impressive Specs in a Flagship Package
The Nothing Phone 3 takes on the title of a true flagship smartphone, powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, just shy of the best Snapdragon 8 Elite used in top-tier Android models. Thanks to 12GB or 16GB of RAM, this device runs software smoothly.
The device sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and exceptional clarity, while the IP68 rating ensures resilience against dust and water. With a resolution of 1.5K and peak brightness reaching 4,500 nits, users can enjoy a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz along with HDR10+ support.
To support all-day usage, the Phone 3 is equipped with a massive 5,150 mAh battery featuring Silicon Carbon technology and supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Fast charging claims suggest 50 percent battery in just 20 minutes, which we’ll verify in upcoming reviews.
5. An Affordable Flagship
In my experience with smartphones over the years, the Nothing Phone 3 stands out for its unique design and flagship features, all without a premium price tag. Set for release on July 12 and available for pre-order from July 4, the 256GB version is priced at $799 (approximately €799), while the 512GB variant bumps it up by $100.
With impressive specifications and great value for money, the Phone 3 is more accessible than previous iterations, now also available through a broader network in the US and partnering retailers.
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