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The Nothing Phone 3 is the latest flagship from the London-based tech company, and at \$799, it’s positioned as a direct competitor to other high-end smartphones like the iPhone Pro, Pixel Pro, and Galaxy S series. While it’s not undercutting mid-range competitors like its predecessor, the Phone 3 brings a unique design and standout features, blending aesthetics with functionality. The standout change? The iconic Glyph Lights have been replaced by the innovative Glyph Matrix, promising both style and utility in a single design.
What Undercode Says:
Design with a Purpose
At first glance, the Nothing Phone 3’s design seemed unusual, especially with the asymmetry of the rear. However, after spending some time with it, it’s clear that the design isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a statement. The Glyph Matrix lights on the back aren’t only visually striking, they also add an element of interactivity that feels far more integrated than the previous version’s Glyph Lights. The back cover now features 489 mini-LEDs that respond to a physical Glyph Button, which allows users to switch between different utilities, like a battery indicator, clock, or even interactive games such as the Magic 8 Ball. A quick button press turns off the lights entirely for a more minimalist look.
But what really sets the Glyph Matrix apart is its ability to bring function to design. Unlike earlier models, where the Glyph Lights could unintentionally be triggered in public spaces, the new button lets users control the lighting with precision. The added feature of a red square that blinks when recording video or audio is a thoughtful touch, keeping users informed without distracting from the phone’s sleek design.
The Display & Performance
Despite the sleek design, the Phone 3 isn’t just about aesthetics. The phone packs a 6.67-inch LTPS AMOLED display, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While the display lacks the extreme power savings of an LTPO panel, the 5,150mAh battery ensures longevity throughout the day, even if battery efficiency could be improved with a lower refresh rate option. Though I only tested the device indoors, the display looks vibrant and responsive.
Performance-wise, the Nothing Phone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, which is slightly behind the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite. However, the difference in real-world usage may be minimal, with the device still promising excellent performance in most tasks. It’s paired with 12GB of RAM and a spacious 256GB of storage, offering solid performance for gaming and multitasking.
Camera & AI Features
The Nothing Phone 3 also packs a powerful camera setup, featuring three 50MP lenses on the back, including a periscope sensor for 3x optical zoom, an ultrawide angle camera, and the main 50MP sensor. It supports advanced AI features like the TrueLens Engine 4, improving the phone’s HDR performance, noise reduction, and real-time scene segmentation. These enhancements could elevate the camera’s capability to match flagship devices from Apple and Google, especially if Nothing can refine the software for smoother photo processing.
AI-driven features like the “Essential Space,” which stores recordings and data captured with the Essential Key, offer a futuristic approach to smartphone functionality. Another exciting addition is “Flip to Record,” which transcribes audio recordings when the phone is placed face down. These features represent a push toward greater integration of AI within mobile ecosystems, setting the Phone 3 apart from more conventional competitors.
The Software Experience
Running on Android 15 with the company’s custom Nothing OS, the Phone 3 promises to receive Android 16 later in the year. The software experience remains a strong suit for Nothing, with smooth animations and a minimalistic, fluid interface that’s quite pleasant to use. The continued focus on AI features like Flip to Record shows the company’s commitment to building a more personalized, intelligent phone experience.
What Undercode Says:
Despite some reservations about the device’s price tag, the \$799 Nothing Phone 3 feels like a phone that stands out in a crowded market. While it might not beat the top-of-the-line iPhones or Galaxy S phones in every technical aspect, it more than holds its own in terms of innovation, design, and user experience. If Nothing can deliver on its promise of continued software updates and fine-tuned performance, this phone could easily compete with the best Android devices of 2025.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ Design: The Nothing Phone 3’s Glyph Matrix is a notable upgrade from the previous model, combining aesthetics with real functionality.
✅ Performance: Despite not using the latest chipset, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 provides strong performance for gaming and multitasking.
✅ Camera: The camera setup is solid with a 50MP main sensor, but real-world tests will determine how well it competes with industry leaders.
📊 Prediction
The Nothing Phone 3 is poised to carve out a niche for itself, particularly among Android users seeking a unique design and cutting-edge features. However, its success will depend largely on how well it performs in real-world usage—specifically in camera quality and battery efficiency. If Nothing continues to refine the software and hardware balance, this phone could challenge established flagship competitors, especially as Android users grow weary of mainstream options.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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