Ever wondered if a smartphone could truly stand out from the crowd? The Nothing Phone (3) is here, promising a blend of innovative design and robust performance. But does its unique Glyph Matrix and powerful specs justify the price tag? Our in-depth review dives into everything you need to know about this intriguing device. Find out if it’s your next gadget obsession!
The latest entrant into the competitive smartphone market, the Nothing Phone (3), continues the brand’s commitment to delivering devices that conspicuously deviate from industry norms. This **smartphone review** explores how Nothing has again fused distinctive aesthetics with advanced engineering, presenting a device that aims for a high-end experience without entirely matching the established flagship hierarchy. From its transparent back to the innovative Glyph Matrix, the **Nothing Phone 3** is designed to capture attention and offer a unique user journey.
A standout feature is the device’s captivating visual identity, spearheaded by its transparent rear panel and the meticulously arranged Glyph Matrix. This secondary display, composed of 486 LEDs, offers practical functionalities such as battery level indicators and message alerts, underscoring Nothing’s focus on integrated **mobile design**. Further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation, the Phone (3) incorporates 100% recycled aluminum in its frame and buttons, while its packaging is entirely plastic-free, made from 30% recycled paper fibers.
Underneath its unique exterior, the Nothing Phone (3) is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, providing ample power for daily tasks and a smooth user experience. This **Android phone** runs on Nothing OS 3.5, built on Android 15, and promises an impressive five years of OS upgrades and seven years of bimonthly security updates. The integrated Essential Space, an AI hub, represents a significant **tech innovation**, streamlining everyday tasks by transcribing screenshots and audio recordings for easy access.
The visual experience is delivered through a bright AMOLED screen, offering vibrant colors and responsive touch feedback. The optical fingerprint sensor, seamlessly integrated under the display, provides quick and secure unlocking. While the display boasts strong brightness and a high PWM dimming frequency of 1,086 Hz, it doesn’t quite hit the advertised peak brightness under testing conditions. However, the screen’s fast response rates make it particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming, enhancing the overall user interaction.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Phone (3)’s capable camera system, featuring a 50 MP selfie camera for sharp portraits and quality video calls. The main camera setup, including an ultra-wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens that doubles as a macro, delivers good image quality across various scenarios. While the ultra-wide-angle can show some edge washout, and digital zoom beyond 5x softens images, the ability to record 4K 60 fps with all lenses offers considerable versatility for content creation.
Battery longevity is a strong suit of the **Nothing Phone 3**, equipped with a 5,150 mAh cell—the largest in a Nothing device to date. This translates into impressive endurance, with tests showing nearly 18.5 hours of WLAN usage, surpassing many competitors. Despite its large battery, Nothing opts not to include a power adapter, reflecting a growing industry trend, though a USB-C cable and SIM eject tool are provided in the box.
While the device excels in many areas, some minor compromises are noted in this **smartphone review**. Connectivity includes modern standards like NFC, Bluetooth 6.0, and Wi-Fi 7, along with dual SIM and eSIM support. However, the USB-C port operates at slower USB 2.0 speeds. Furthermore, the display utilizes an LPTS panel rather than LTPO AMOLED, and the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, a step down from the more resistant Gorilla Glass Victus found in similarly priced smartphones, suggesting strategic material choices to manage cost.
Regarding availability, the Nothing Phone (3) is offered in two main configurations: a 12 GB RAM/256 GB storage variant with an RRP of €799, and a 16 GB/512 GB version priced at €899. Both models are frequently found at lower prices from various online retailers. US consumers can also find unlocked versions for $719 (12 GB/256 GB) and $799 (16 GB/512 GB), making the **Nothing Phone 3** accessible across different markets.
In conclusion, the Nothing Phone (3) solidifies Nothing’s position as a purveyor of distinctive and capable smartphones. Its combination of striking mobile design, robust hardware, comprehensive software support extending until 2032, and a powerful battery presents a compelling package. Despite minor hardware trade-offs that are detailed in this performance test, the device offers excellent value for users seeking an innovative Android experience that truly stands apart.
