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Nothing Phone 3: Redefining Affordable Flagships for 2025
Nothing has once again shaken up the smartphone space, officially introducing its much-anticipated Nothing Phone 3 today at a grand launch event in London. As the tech world buzzed with anticipation throughout early 2024, Nothing delivered on its promise by launching a device that not only reimagines the company's design identity, but also pushes the boundaries of what users expect from an affordable flagship phone.
Release Date, Pricing, and Availability
Nothing is going all-in with a worldwide launch for the Phone 3, including a significant push into the US market. Pre-orders kick off on July 4, with official retail sales commencing July 15.
The Nothing Phone 3 will be available in two variants:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: $799 / €799 / £799
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage: $899 / €899 / £899
Both colorways—classic Black and iconic White—will hit global store shelves, placing the Nothing Phone 3 squarely in the flagship price bracket, representing a significant $200 jump from its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2.
Complete Nothing Phone 3 Specifications
Nothing’s latest device is about more than just aesthetics. The Phone 3 brings genuine improvements across nearly every hardware and software category, blending bold design with seriously competitive specs:
- Display: 6.67-inch flexible AMOLED, 1260 x 2800 pixels, HDR10+, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8S Gen 4
- Memory: 12GB or 16GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB, non-expandable
- Battery: 5,150mAh silicon-carbon pack, 65W fast wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless charging
- Cameras (Rear):
- 50MP wide: f/1.68, 1/1.3” sensor, OIS + EIS, autofocus
- 50MP 3x periscope telephoto: f/2.68, 1/2.75” sensor, OIS + EIS
- 50MP ultrawide: f/2.2, 114° FoV, 1/2.76” sensor
- Front Camera: 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76” sensor
- Video Recording:
- Rear: 4K@60fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@240fps (slow-mo)
- Front: 1080p@60fps
- Audio: Dual stereo speakers, dual microphones, no 3.5mm jack
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, dual nano-SIM
- Security: Optical under-display fingerprint sensor
- Software: Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.5
- Updates: 5 years OS, 7 years security (market-leading in Android space)
- Durability: IP68 water/dust resistance; Gorilla Glass 7i front, Victus back
- Dimensions: 160.6 x 75.59 x 8.99mm; 218g
- Standout Extras: Glyph Matrix display, Glyph Button, Essential Key
Standout Features and Innovations
Groundbreaking Design and the New Glyph Matrix
With the Phone 3, Nothing takes a dramatic leap in terms of design language. The brand’s signature see-through back and angular detailing return, but the star of the show is the new Glyph Matrix. Moving away from the separated LED lines of the past, Nothing now features a mesmerizing disc made up of 489 micro-LEDs, creating a dynamic secondary display on the phone’s rear. This isn’t a traditional full-color screen, but the Glyph Matrix can display the time, battery level, volume, notifications, and even playful animations or a Magic 8 Ball function.
Complementing this upgrade is the new Glyph Button, enabling users to quickly swap between display modes—a clear nod to customizability and user interaction. Furthermore, Nothing will release a dedicated SDK for third-party Glyph Matrix features, opening the door for future app integrations and creative uses.
The monochrome black and white options continue Nothing’s minimalist aesthetic, but the Phone 3’s radical rear camera and LED arrangement are guaranteed to stand out, making it one of the most instantly recognizable smartphones on the market.
Camera System: Triple 50MP Sensors for Pro-Grade Photography
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate that every lens on the Phone 3 packs a hefty 50MP sensor. The main wide sensor delivers crisp, vibrant images, while the telephoto periscope offers up to 3x optical zoom and up to 6x hybrid zoom—bringing flagship-grade long-range photography to this new device. The ultrawide ensures group shots and landscapes are distortion-free. On the front, a high-resolution 50MP selfie camera ensures your video calls and self-portraits look professional.
For video, Nothing introduces "Ultra XDR Video," offering advanced dual-exposure range and buttery-smooth 4K recording at 60fps. Slow-motion fans will love 1080p recording at a stellar 240fps. Whether you're a content creator or casual shooter, these camera upgrades put the Phone 3 at the top of its class in the affordable flagship segment.
Performance: Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 for Reliability & Efficiency
In a surprising twist, Nothing chose Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 for the Phone 3. This chip lands in the high mid-range bracket—delivering day-to-day speed and exceptional reliability, if not the raw performance of the absolute top-tier Silicon. Benchmark tests from comparable devices suggest that, while it may not match the likes of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, users get more consistent, stable long-term usage, with greater focus on efficiency and battery life.
For most users—from mobile gamers to power multitaskers—the combination of up to 16GB RAM and ultra-fast UFS storage yields a fluid, lag-free Android experience, especially enhanced by Nothing OS 3.5’s optimization layers.
Display: Brighter, Faster, and Sharper Than Ever
The Phone 3 sticks with a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display but upgrades its brightness to a sun-defying 1,600 nits (previously 1,000 nits on Phone 2). This means outdoor visibility even on the brightest days is no issue. The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and 1000Hz input sampling ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and responsiveness, while 2160Hz PWM dimming eliminates eye strain from flicker, cementing Nothing’s reputation for stellar screen tech.
Robust Build, Premium Materials, and Protection
Durability is another area where Nothing is stepping up—the Phone 3 is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, a notable improvement over previous models. Both front and back panels are protected by the toughest Gorilla Glass available (7i in front, Victus on the rear). This makes the device not just beautiful to look at, but capable of withstanding daily wear, drops, and splashes.
Battery Life and Advanced Charging
With a 5,150mAh battery—up from 4,700mAh in the Phone 2—the Nothing Phone 3 now offers even better all-day endurance, thanks in part to the silicon-carbon anode designed to maximize energy density. Rapid 65W wired charging can deliver 50% battery in under 20 minutes, with a full charge taking less than an hour. Wireless charging is rated at 15W, and reverse wireless charging allows you to top up accessories or lend power to friends, boosting versatility on the move.
Nothing OS 3.5 and Android 15: A Future-Proof Software Promise
Running on the latest Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.5, users will find a clean, customizable, and efficient software experience, underscored by Nothing’s signature minimalist design. Importantly, the company is committing to 5 years of OS updates and an industry-leading 7 years of security patches—setting a new bar for longevity and device value in the Android ecosystem.
Comparisons & Market Positioning
The Nothing Phone 3 comes into a rapidly evolving smartphone market, competing directly with offerings from OnePlus, Samsung’s Galaxy S series, and Google’s Pixel lineup. While its price has increased compared to earlier Nothings, it remains more affordable than most premium flagships, carving out a niche for users seeking unique design, transparent software policy, and powerful camera hardware—without crossing into ultra-high-end price points.
Use Cases: Who is the Nothing Phone 3 For?
- Photography Lovers: Triple 50MP rear setup and feature-packed video modes make this phone a powerful tool for anyone from casual shooters to content creators.
- Design Enthusiasts: If you want a smartphone that stands out, Nothing’s Glyph Matrix and radical design break away from the smartphone mold.
- Android Power Users: With up to 16GB RAM, clean Android 15, and long-term update promises, it’s suited for heavy multitaskers and productivity fans.
- Tech Innovators: The customizable Glyph Matrix and upcoming SDK means this is a device for those who want to experiment and customize their mobile experience.
Advantages & Why It Matters
The Nothing Phone 3 stands out not just for its unique aesthetic but for making flagship-level features—like a powerful periscope telephoto, advanced display, long-term updates, and rapid charging—more accessible than most premium offerings. Its commitment to longevity, customization, and a user-centric design philosophy will likely broaden its appeal to both newcomers and loyal Nothing fans.
Ultimately, the Phone 3 represents a maturing company unafraid to take risks, innovate in design, and prioritize real-world utility in one of the most competitive segments of the tech industry.
Conclusion: The Future of Flagship Value?
With the Phone 3, Nothing delivers a curiously compelling blend of daring design, premium features, and strategic improvements that meet the needs of modern users. As the market continues to evolve, the Nothing Phone 3 sets a new standard for what an affordable flagship can be in 2025—powerful, stylish, and built to last.
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