Nothing Phone (3) Box Contents
Before diving into the details, let’s quickly explore what’s included in the box of the Nothing Phone (3):
- Nothing Phone (3)
- USB Type-C to Type-C cable
- SIM Ejector tool
- Paperwork
Nothing Phone (3) Design: Familiar Yet Flawed
Initially, the Phone (3) showcases Nothing’s trademark transparent back panel, echoing its distinctive technopunk aesthetic. However, this time, the execution seems slightly off.
With a flat design and a chamfered metal frame, the device has a solid weight of 218 grams, giving it a sturdy and premium feel in hand. My colleagues at Moyens I/O found the in-hand sensation to be quite appealing, matching the high-end vibe typically seen in similarly priced smartphones. The Gorilla Glass Victus on the back enhances this premium touch.
Another feature I appreciated was the Phone (3)’s IP68 rating, which was particularly useful during the heavy Delhi monsoon rains.
However, the rear design shifts towards a peculiar aesthetic; it resembles a tic-tac-toe grid filled with circles. The top camera lens appears awkwardly positioned, sparking some personal irritation as it feels unbalanced.
Throughout my usage, I never quite adapted to this design. While I found some aspects vexing, it might be more agreeable to others. However, what stands out is the absence of the iconic glyph lights, now replaced by the new Glyph Matrix.
Nothing Phone (3) Glyph Matrix: A Gimmick without Substance
So, let’s delve into the Glyph Matrix—a circular display located at the top corner, comprised of 489 tiny LEDs. This eye-catching feature indicates notifications, battery levels, and even acts as a visual stopwatch. At first glance, it seems more functional than the previous glyph lights.
Furthermore, Nothing introduces playful features like Glyph Toys, including spin the bottle and rock-paper-scissors—accessible via a capacitive button on the back. While these features sound appealing in theory, they quickly lost their novelty during my daily usage. Notifications remain the primary use for the Glyph Matrix, but its limitations require you to unlock the device for detailed information, which could be a double-edged sword for minimizing distractions.
Ultimately, the Glyph Matrix feels more like a glowing embellishment that I seldom paid attention to—except for that one time it amused a toddler on the metro. While aiming for innovation, it comes off as more of a novelty than a practical feature.
Nothing Phone (3) Display & Battery: Visually Stunning Yet Battery Hungry
The Nothing Phone (3) boasts a remarkable 6.67-inch OLED display with a sharp 1.5K resolution, a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. This display enhances media consumption significantly, making it enjoyable for watching shows.
I indulged in binge-watching Cyberpunk: Edgerunners on the Nothing Phone (3), and it was a delightful experience. Even after a few accidental drops, the device emerged unscathed, thanks to the robust Gorilla Glass.
The stereo speakers also impressed me during my metro commutes, delivering rich and clear audio. They managed to provide depth and volume, enhancing my listening experience.
Nothing Phone (3) Performance: Capable, Yet Lacking
While the competition is showcasing flagship chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Nothing opts for the mid-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Paired with either 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, it remains a solid performer.
However, it does feel slightly overshadowed when compared to its peers in the $899 (about €850) flagship range. Daily tasks pose no problem, and the Phone (3) can handle gaming efficiently. I achieved a solid 120FPS playing Call of Duty: Mobile on low settings. Even Genshin Impact ran at 60FPS on high settings smoothly.
That said, long gaming sessions tend to make the device warm up significantly, prompting short breaks to cool it down.
Having reviewed previous Nothing devices, I’ve come to appreciate their distinct approach to Android. The experience has improved with the Nothing OS 3.5 update based on Android 15.
The sleek monochrome design continues to captivate, and the promise of 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches positions the Phone (3) competitively in the software arena.
The company also leaps into the AI trend of 2025, introducing new AI features into their Essential Space. Whether it’s flipping the phone to record audio or using the new Essential Search feature to find apps and contacts, it feels like an added layer—but not necessarily an essential one.
Nothing Phone (3) Camera: Manage Your Expectations
The Nothing Phone (3) comes equipped with four 50MP sensors: a main, ultrawide, telephoto, and a selfie camera, all capable of recording up to 4K at 60FPS. I had the perfect opportunity to test the camera in North Bengal’s picturesque backdrop, including the majestic Kangchenjunga mountains.
In bright light, the main camera produces impressive shots with sharp detail and a decent dynamic range. However, nighttime photos can sometimes falter in exposure management. My shots of tea gardens and winding hill roads captured rich textures and colors beautifully.
The ultrawide lens captures the vastness of landscapes beautifully, though it lacks autofocus, resulting in some shots appearing a tad dull.
The standout feature is the 3x periscope lens, which successfully produced breathtaking shots, especially of Mirik’s bridge and surrounding landscapes, creating a natural bokeh effect. However, clarity decreases past 10x, leading to softer and hazier results.
Inconsistencies in color across the various lenses are noticeable as well. Even though recent updates aimed to address this, differences remain prominent. Meanwhile, the selfie camera captures sharp images in daylight but struggles a bit in low-light conditions.
Nothing Phone (3) Verdict: Carl Pei’s Lobster Didn’t Satisfy My Hunger
As I spent time with the Nothing Phone (3), it became clear that while the company has potential, the pricing is a bit ambitious for what it offers. At $899 (approximately €850), an expected stellar experience feels compromised.
In summary, the Phone (3) features an unconventional design, an average processor, a battery that could use improvement, and a camera that has noticeable flaws. The software experience is commendable, but it may not stand up against competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S25. Lower pricing would have changed perceptions significantly.
Carl Pei referred to the Phone (3) as a lobster—a metaphor shared by a popular YouTuber. However, it feels more like an undercooked lobster that doesn’t quite meet expectations.
If you’re in the market for something unique and can tolerate its quirks, this phone might still catch your eye. However, if a seamless flagship experience is what you seek, this may not be the best choice for you. Explore more related content at Moyens I/O.