Nothing Phone 3 First Impressions
Five years ago, Nothing emerged, not just as another tech brand, but as a design disruptor. They reimagined earbuds with the Ear 1, injecting a shot of adrenaline into a stagnant market. Now, that same rebellious spirit fuels their flagship, the Phone 3. Priced at Rs. 79,999, it’s a bold statement – a direct challenge to the Samsung and Apple empires. But does Nothing’s Phone 3 pack more than just stylish swagger? Does it deliver a knockout punch, or just a glancing blow? Let’s dive in.
Glyph Interface
Forget boring phone backs. In an age of uninspired design, where slapping a case on your phone is almost mandatory, Nothing dares to be different. They’re not just making phones; they’re sparking conversations. The Phone 3 isn’t just another device; it’s a statement. It’s a refusal to accept the status quo. Enter the reimagined Glyph Interface, a visual symphony that elevates both aesthetics and that indescribable “wow” factor. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about injecting life back into phone design.
The Glyph Matrix on the back panel is making its debut on the Phone 3
Forget boring phone backs – the Phone 3 flaunts the Glyph Matrix, a mesmerizing grid of 489 individually illuminated LEDs. This isn’t just eye candy; it’s a functional monochrome display bringing essential info to life. Caller ID, app alerts, battery life – all delivered at a glance in Nothing’s iconic dot-matrix style.
A dedicated Glyph Button unlocks a playground of light patterns, while “toys” like the Glyph Mirror, Spin the Bottle, and even a Magic 8 Ball add a touch of whimsy. Prepare for a deep dive – I’m putting all these features to the test, so keep an eye out for the full review.
The Phone 3 sports a triple rear setup
Initial Thoughts
Nothing dares to be different, and the Phone 3’s camera arrangement is a prime example. Prepare for a head-turning design, unlike anything you’ve seen. The top-right dot matrix LED adds another layer of intrigue to the already iconic transparent aesthetic. Curved edges melt into your palm, making one-handed use a dream. Don’t let its looks fool you – this device is IP68-rated, ready to brave the elements. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i shields the front, while the back boasts the robust protection of Gorilla Glass Victus. One glance is all it takes: this is unmistakably Nothing.
It packs a 50-megapixel selfie shooter
Prepare to feast your eyes. This phone boasts a dazzling 6.67-inch AMOLED display, packing a punch with a pixel density of 460PPI. But hold on, it gets brighter. Crank it up to a scorching 4500 nits of peak brightness – prepare to be amazed! The silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate and flicker-free 2160Hz PWM dimming will make your viewing experience an absolute dream. Powering this beast is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 4, available with a staggering 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, or even more with a massive 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Curious about the display and performance? Stay tuned for my full review dropping next week!
The Phone 3 comes with 5 years of major OS updates and 7 years of security patches
The Phone 3 arrives wielding Android 15, sheathed in Nothing OS finery – but hold tight, Nothing OS 4.0 (built on Android 16) is already on the horizon. Camera-wise, prepare for a quantum leap. We’re talking a quartet of 50MP sensors: a triple threat on the rear, and a solo selfie shooter up front. Initial impressions were fleeting, so a deep-dive camera review is coming soon. Essential Space evolves, now boasting Essential Search – a fresh portal to your digital world. And the promise? A future bursting with personalized Essential Space features, landing later this year.
Juice up your life! The Nothing Phone (3?) boasts a massive 5500mAh battery, leaving the Nothing Phone (2) in the dust. Refuel at warp speed with 65W fast charging, or ditch the cables entirely with 15W wireless charging. Curious caveat: some markets get a slightly smaller 5150mAh battery.
The Phone 3 sports a 92.89% screen-to-body ratio and supports HDR10+ and 4500nits of peak brightness
The Nothing Phone 3 aims for flagship status, and with a price nudging Rs. 80,000, it certainly feels the part. It’s undeniably Nothing’s most realized smartphone yet, but can it truly dethrone the competition? That’s a question only time – and a thorough hands-on – can answer.
Stay tuned for our in-depth review of the Phone 3.
Disclosure: Nothing sponsored the correspondent’s flights and hotel for the event in London.
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