The Nothing Phone 3 marks a pivotal moment for the London-based brand, as it transitions from disruptor to a serious contender in the premium smartphone segment. Launched on July 2, 2025, the Phone 3 brings significant upgrades in design, performance, and camera capabilities, positioning itself alongside established flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16.
Design: Transparent, Techno-Industrial, and Interactive
Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic continues, but the Phone 3 introduces a radically reimagined back. Instead of the previous Glyph interface, the Phone 3 debuts the Glyph Matrix—a ring of 489 individually controllable micro-LEDs arranged in a circle on the top right of the back panel. These LEDs are not just for show: they provide glanceable notifications, caller ID, and can be programmed for custom alerts. A new Glyph Button on the back allows users to cycle through widgets, tools, and playful features like the Glyph Mirror and Digital Clock.
A discreet red recording light glows when the camera is active, adding a functional privacy cue. The camera module itself adopts an asymmetrical layout, setting the Phone 3 apart visually from its competitors.
The device is built with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, framed by aluminium, and is IP68 certified for dust and water resistance.
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Durable
- Size: 6.67-inch AMOLED
- Resolution: 1.5K (1260 x 2800 pixels), ~460 PPI
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive
- Brightness: Peak 4,500 nits—making it one of the brightest on the market
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
The display features ultra-slim, symmetrical bezels (just 1.87mm) for a modern look and immersive viewing experience.
Performance: Snapdragon Powerhouse
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)
- CPU: Octa-core up to 3.21GHz
- GPU: Adreno 825
- RAM/Storage: 12GB + 256GB or 16GB + 512GB (UFS 4.0)
- Battery: 5,500mAh (India), 5,150mAh (global)
- Charging: 65W wired, 15W wireless, 7.5W reverse wireless
- OS: Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.5, promising 5 years of OS updates
Performance is a leap over the previous generation, with Nothing claiming a 36% faster CPU and 88% better GPU performance compared to the Phone 2.
Camera: Flagship-Grade Imaging
The Phone 3 boasts a triple rear camera setup, all with 50MP sensors:
| Camera Type | Sensor & Specs | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Main (Wide) | 50MP, f/1.7, OIS | 1/1.3″ sensor, PDAF, OIS |
| Periscope Telephoto | 50MP, f/2.7, OIS | 3x optical zoom, 60x digital zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 50MP, f/2.2 | 114° FOV, EIS |
- Selfie Camera: 50MP, f/2.2, 81° wide, 4K@60fps video
- Video: 4K@30/60fps on all lenses, gyro-EIS, OIS
- New TrueLens Engine 4: Advanced image and video processing, improved HDR, motion capture, and low-light performance.
Software and AI Features
Running Nothing OS 3.5 atop Android 15, the Phone 3 integrates several AI-powered features:
- Essential Space: A productivity hub for quick access to key tools.
- Essential Search: Universal, phone-wide search.
- Flip to Record: Place the phone face down to start transcribing and summarising conversations automatically—ideal for meetings and interviews.
Nothing promises 5 years of OS updates, ensuring long-term support and security.
Connectivity and Extras
- 5G (SA/NSA), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB-C
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- Stereo speakers
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
Pricing and Availability in India
| Variant | MRP | Effective Price (with offers) |
|---|---|---|
| 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage | ₹79,999 | ₹62,999 |
| 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage | ₹89,999 | ₹72,999 |
- Colours: Black, White
- Availability: Pre-booking open; general sale from July 15, 2025, via Flipkart, Croma, Vijay Sales, and other major retailers.
- Launch offers: Free Nothing Ear wireless earbuds and a 1-year extended warranty for early buyers.
Verdict: A Premium Challenger with Unique Flair
With the Nothing Phone 3, the brand has shed its “quirky upstart” image, delivering a device that competes head-to-head with the world’s best. The standout Glyph Matrix, bold design, flagship-grade cameras, and long-term software support make it a compelling choice for those seeking something different yet powerful in the premium segment. The high price tag reflects Nothing’s ambition—and the market will soon reveal if this bold bet pays off.