The Nothing Phone 3 has finally arrived, and it’s making waves in the smartphone world with its breathtaking design and cutting-edge technology. Launched on July 1, 2025, in London, this device marks a significant milestone for Nothing, a brand known for its bold aesthetics and innovative approach to mobile technology. With a 6.67-inch flexible AMOLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, and a revamped Glyph Matrix, the Nothing Phone 3 is positioned as the company’s first true flagship, ready to compete with industry giants like Samsung, Apple, and Google. This article dives deep into the features, design, and impact of the Nothing Phone 3, exploring why its stunning look and advanced technology are turning heads globally.
A Visual Masterpiece: The Flexible AMOLED Display
The centerpiece of the Nothing Phone 3 is its 6.67-inch flexible AMOLED display, a feature that sets it apart in a crowded smartphone market. With a 1.5K resolution (1,260 x 2,800 pixels), a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits, this display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity, even in direct sunlight. The flexible AMOLED technology allows for ultra-thin bezels and a sleek, ergonomic design that feels premium in hand. Unlike traditional AMOLED panels, the LTPS AMOLED used here strikes a balance between power efficiency and performance, though it doesn’t drop to 1Hz like LTPO panels, settling instead for a 30Hz minimum refresh rate.
The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, a slightly less robust option than Gorilla Glass Victus, but still offers reliable durability for everyday use. The screen supports HDR for platforms like YouTube, though Netflix has yet to whitelist Nothing devices for HDR content, which is a minor drawback for streaming enthusiasts. The high resolution and punchy colors make the Nothing Phone 3 a delight for media consumption, gaming, and creative tasks. Whether you’re watching 4K videos or scrolling through social media, the display’s fluidity and vibrancy elevate the experience to flagship levels.
Nothing’s commitment to aesthetics shines through in the phone’s design, which retains the brand’s signature transparent back. This see-through panel, paired with the flexible AMOLED display, creates a futuristic look that feels both modern and nostalgic. The flat sides with curved corners and a glass design weighing 218 grams ensure the phone is comfortable to hold, while its IP68 dust and water resistance rating adds practicality for users who need a device that can withstand the elements. The Nothing Phone 3’s display isn’t just a technical marvel—it’s a statement of style and innovation.
Power and Innovation: Performance and Features
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a slightly less powerful option than the Snapdragon 8 Elite but still a robust performer for a flagship device. Priced at $799, the Phone 3 is designed to deliver premium performance without the premium price tag of competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro or Galaxy S25. The chipset handles demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven features with ease, making it a strong contender in the flagship arena. The device comes in two configurations—12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB—offering ample storage and memory for power users.
The Nothing Phone 3 introduces a revamped Glyph Matrix, replacing the iconic LED strips of previous models with a small, circular dot-matrix display on the back. This innovative feature, dubbed the Glyph Matrix, can display glanceable information like battery level, incoming notifications, timers, and even playful elements like mini-games or widgets. Nothing has released a public SDK, allowing developers to create custom widgets and games for the Glyph Matrix, with plans for a caller ID feature that displays contact names or numbers when long-pressing the Glyph Button. This unique addition reduces screen time by providing key information without needing to wake the main display, a thoughtful touch in an era of constant digital distractions.
The camera system is another highlight, featuring a quad 50MP setup, including a periscope lens for 6x lossless zoom, a primary sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a 50MP front camera for stunning selfies. The cameras support 4K UHD video recording at 60fps across all lenses, with AI-powered features like Flip to Record and Portrait Mode enhancing the creative potential for photographers and videographers. The asymmetric camera layout adds to the phone’s quirky aesthetic, though some may find it unconventional compared to the symmetrical designs of competitors.
Running Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15 out of the box, the Phone 3 is set to receive Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, by September 2025. This update will bring smarter UI suggestions, contextual actions, and enhanced Glyph Matrix API support, allowing developers to create interactive widgets and notifications for the rear display. Nothing has promised five years of OS updates and seven years of security patches, ensuring the device remains relevant for years to come. The inclusion of AI-powered tools like Essential Space, which analyzes screenshots for reminders, and Essential Search for contextual queries, further enhances the user experience, making the Phone 3 a forward-thinking device.
The 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery is another standout, offering all-day battery life and 65W fast charging that can take the phone from empty to 50% in just 19 minutes. While it lacks the 5,500mAh capacity rumored in some reports, the battery is still competitive, especially when paired with the power-efficient AMOLED display and optimized software. The combination of hardware and software makes the Nothing Phone 3 a reliable companion for heavy users who need performance and longevity.
A Flagship with Personality: Market Impact and Availability
The Nothing Phone 3 is more than just a collection of impressive specs—it’s a device with personality. The transparent back, Glyph Matrix, and flexible AMOLED display create a unique identity that stands out in a sea of similar-looking smartphones. As Nothing CEO Carl Pei noted, the company aims to bring joy back to smartphone design, moving away from the “boring” rectangular slabs that dominate the market. The Glyph Matrix, in particular, is a bold move, offering a fresh take on notifications and interactivity that competitors like Samsung and Apple haven’t explored. The phone’s quirky design, combined with its flagship-grade hardware, makes it a compelling alternative for those seeking something different.
Priced at $799, the Nothing Phone 3 is positioned as a premium yet accessible flagship, undercutting the likes of the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 while offering comparable features. It’s available for pre-order starting July 4, 2025, with general availability on July 15 through Nothing’s website and select retailers. In the UK, buyers of the 16/512GB model from Nothing or select partners receive a free pair of Nothing Ear earbuds, while Amazon offers a $100 discount and double storage for pre-orders. The phone is launching in multiple regions, including the US, Canada, India, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, marking Nothing’s most ambitious global rollout yet.
However, the Nothing Phone 3 isn’t without its challenges. Some critics have expressed concerns about the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, which, while powerful, doesn’t match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in top-tier flagships. Additionally, the lack of Netflix HDR support and the unconventional camera layout may deter some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the phone’s innovative design and robust feature set make it a strong contender in the flagship market. Early hands-on reviews praise its ergonomic design, vibrant display, and smooth software, suggesting it could carve out a niche among tech enthusiasts and design-conscious consumers.
The Nothing Phone 3 also arrives at a time when AI is becoming a key differentiator in smartphones. Nothing’s Essential Space and Essential Search leverage AI to offer smarter organization and contextual search, while the Glyph Matrix API opens up new possibilities for developers to create interactive experiences. These features align with the industry’s pivot toward AI-driven functionality, positioning the Phone 3 as a forward-thinking device that balances style and substance. As Nothing continues to refine its software with Nothing OS 4.0 and expand its ecosystem with products like the Nothing Headphone (1), the brand is establishing itself as a serious player in the tech world.
In conclusion, the Nothing Phone 3 is a bold step forward for the London-based brand, combining a stunning flexible AMOLED display with innovative features like the Glyph Matrix and a powerful camera system. Its $799 price point, premium materials, and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice for those who want a flagship smartphone that dares to be different. While it may not outshine the absolute top-tier devices in raw performance, its unique aesthetic and feature set make it a standout in 2025’s competitive smartphone landscape. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant display, quirky design, or AI-driven features, the Nothing Phone 3 is a device that demands attention and delivers on its promise to bring joy back to smartphones.
