Nothing Phone 3 Review: A Bold Step Forward in Style and Performance

The Nothing Phone 3 continues Carl Pei's vision of disrupting the smartphone market with innovative design and clean Android experiences. Building on the success of the Phone (1) and (2), the third generation refines its aesthetics, packs more power, and introduces smarter software features—while keeping its price within reach of the mid-range segment.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore whether the Nothing Phone 3 lives up to the hype, who it’s best for, and how it compares to the competition.

Design and Display: Iconic Glyph Aesthetics Refined

One of the Nothing Phone 3's biggest selling points is its design, and here, Nothing delivers again. The transparent rear, illuminated by the improved Glyph interface, looks even sleeker and more purposeful.

Glyph Interface 2.0

Nothing has upgraded the Glyph Interface with more dynamic lighting zones (33 in total), enabling practical use-cases such as:

• Visual timers

• Uber or delivery tracking

• Volume indicators

• Custom ringtones with light patterns

While the design may not be for everyone, it stands out in a sea of lookalike smartphones.

Display

The Phone 3 features a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The screen offers:

• Excellent color accuracy

• Smooth scrolling and animations

• Peak brightness of 1600 nits for good visibility outdoors

This display is ideal for content creators, gamers, and binge-watchers alike.

Performance and Software: Pure, Fast, and Intelligent

Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, putting it in the upper mid-range to flagship-killer category.

Daily usage, multitasking, and gaming are fluid. The Phone 3 can handle intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile with minimal throttling.

Nothing OS 3: Simplicity Meets Smart Features

Nothing OS 3 brings a cleaner interface with minimal bloatware, enhanced Glyph customization, and smart home controls on the lock screen. The software is fast, visually consistent, and regularly updated.

Camera: Good but Not Groundbreaking

Nothing Phone 3 houses a dual-camera setup, similar to its predecessor but with improved sensors and processing.

Camera Specs

• Main Camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 with OIS

• Ultra-Wide: 50MP Samsung sensor

• Front Camera: 32MP

Real-World Use

• Daylight shots: Sharp and vibrant with good dynamic range

• Low light: Improved but still a step behind Pixel 8 or Galaxy S23

• Video: Shoots up to 4K at 60fps; stabilization is good

For casual photographers and content creators, the camera performs well enough, though it doesn't quite challenge the best in class.

Battery Life and Charging

With a 4800mAh battery and efficient chip, the Nothing Phone 3 easily lasts a full day under heavy use.

Charging Experience:

• 45W wired charging: 0 to 100% in ~55 minutes

• 15W wireless charging: A welcome addition at this price point

• Reverse wireless: Can top up earbuds or a smartwatch

Battery optimization in Nothing OS also helps conserve power without sacrificing performance.

Pros and Cons of the Nothing Phone 3

Pros

• Stunning transparent design with unique Glyph interface

• Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display

• Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

• Clean, bloat-free software

• Wireless and reverse wireless charging

• Competitive pricing

Cons

• No official IP rating

• Camera still lags behind top-tier rivals in low light

• No expandable storage

• Limited availability in some regions

Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone 3?

This device is ideal for:

• Users looking for a unique phone that stands out

• Android enthusiasts who prefer clean, fast software

• Gamers and multimedia users who need performance and a great display

• Budget-conscious buyers who want flagship features without the $1,000+ price

However, if you're a mobile photography purist or someone needing a phone with rugged durability (IP68), you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone 3 is not just a design experiment anymore—it's a legitimate contender in the mid-premium smartphone space. With a refined Glyph interface, powerful internals, and a clean software experience, it offers more than just looks. It’s a phone for those who value individuality without compromising on performance.

If you’re in the market for something fresh, bold, and capable, the Nothing Phone 3 might just be the most exciting Android phone under $600.