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In a smartphone market dominated by tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google, Nothing has steadily built a reputation for doing things differently. With the launch of the Nothing Phone 3, the company isn’t just aiming to stand out; it’s aiming to compete head-to-head with the biggest players in the game.
The Nothing Phone 3 is marketed as the company’s first “true flagship”, directly challenging the Galaxy S25, Pixel 9, and iPhone 16 at a starting price of $799. There’s no doubt that it’s the best phone Nothing has made so far, but is it really a flagship? And does it have what it takes to finally tempt you away from your Galaxy, Pixel, or iPhone? Let’s take a closer look.
Dimensions | 6.32 x 2.98 x 0.35 inches |
Display | 6.67-inch flexible AMOLED, 1260 x 2800 (460 PPI), 120Hz |
Operating system | Nothing OS 3.5 powered on Android 15 (5 years of Android updates) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 |
Memory & Storage | 12GB RAM (256GB storage), 16GB RAM (512GB storage) |
Rear camera | 50 MP triple camera setup (main, periscope, ultra-wide) |
Front camera | 50 MP |
Battery & Charging | Si/C 5150 mAh, 65W wired charging, 15W wireless charging |
Color options | Only black and white |
Price | Starts at $799 |
The Nothing Phone 3 sticks with the brand’s now-signature transparent back, this time with a new Glyph Matrix in the upper right corner. It is a grid of micro-LED lights that can do many things (some useful, some fun), such as displaying notifications and battery status, showing the time, and playing mini-games with you, like Rock Paper Scissors and Magic 8 Ball.
It’s quirky, sure, but there’s something refreshing about a phone that doesn’t look like everything else. Love it or find it a bit extra, there’s no denying it stands out – and that’s not easy to do in 2025.
The Nothing Phone 3 is available in two colors, black and white.
With a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, the screen on the Nothing Phone 3 is one of its strongest features. The resolution is 1260 x 2800 pixels, with a pixel density of 460 PPI. All this means a smooth, sharp screen for everything from scrolling social media to watching videos – with colors that are vibrant yet not overdone, and brightness that holds up well outdoors.
In short, when it comes to screen experience, the Nothing Phone 3 is surprisingly competitive.
Running on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and offering up to 16GB of RAM, the Nothing Phone 3 provides plenty of speed for most users. It’s not the fastest and most powerful chip in the market — the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 likely edge it out in benchmark tests — but it holds up pretty well in practical use. The focus here is on reliable, responsive performance that supports how most people actually use their phones.
On the software front, Nothing OS 3.5 is built on Android 15, with a clean interface and minimal bloatware. It’s similar in feel to the Pixel experience, though Google’s latest Pixel still leads in terms of AI integration and faster updates.
The added customization via the Glyph system, Essential Key (a customizable shortcut button for quick access to various tools), and Essential Space (a feature that helps you capture and organize digital content) gives a bit more personality than standard Android skins.
Camera quality is always a major factor. The Nothing Phone 3 features a triple 50MP rear camera system (wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide) and a 50MP selfie camera. This promises detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions.
Although it’s not on par with the camera setups found in the Pixel 9, Samsung S25, or iPhone 16, the Nothing Phone 3’s cameras are good enough for casual photos, social media, and video calls. But if you’re a photography enthusiast, you may want to explore other options on the market.
Battery life is one of the Nothing Phone 3’s strong suits. With a silicon-carbon 5,150mAh battery and 65W fast charging, the Nothing Phone 3 can easily last a full day (or even more) and recharge quickly when you need a boost. It also supports 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging (great for powering earbuds or a smartwatch), and reverse wired charging.
Overall, the Nothing Phone 3 has excellent battery life and charges a lot faster than many other popular phones on the market.
The Nothing Phone 3 is available in the US through Nothing’s official website, Amazon, and select retailers. Pricing starts at $799 for the base model (12GB RAM/256GB storage).
Make sure your new phone is protected!
If you decide to get the Nothing Phone 3, don’t forget one important thing: protection. Accidents happen when you least expect them, and phone repairs aren’t cheap. Phone insurance helps cover the cost of accidental damage, cracked screens, spills, and other unexpected mishaps – so you’re not stuck with a hefty repair bill.
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