NOTHING PHONE (3) – A Breath of Fresh Air in a Saturated Market.
This device is a review unit provided by @nothingindia as part of the community review program. However, they have had no input on my impressions or views everything shared here is entirely based on my experience with the device.
Review:
The Nothing Phone 3 continues the brand’s bold vision of blending striking design with clean, near-stock Android performance and it mostly delivers.
Design & Build: 9/10
The transparent back with updated glyph feels even more refined this time around. It’s eye-catching without being flashy, and the build quality feels premium with its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection. It’s a design that dares to be different and pulls it off definitely a head-turner.
Display: 8.5/10
The 6.67 FLEXIBLE AMOLED display is crisp and vibrant with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. While not the brightest in direct sunlight, it offers great contrast and color reproduction for everyday use, media, and gaming.
Performance: 9/10
With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor under the hood, the Phone 3 handles everything from high-end gaming to multitasking without a hitch. Nothing OS 3.0 is fast, bloat-free, and minimal, staying true to the brand’s core philosophy.
Camera: 8/10
The improved camera system captures sharp and vibrant photos, even in low light. While it might not rival ultra-premium flagships in zoom, it holds up impressively well for its class. The telephoto lens performs surprisingly well, allowing for clear and detailed shots from a distance. Portrait mode is also excellent, producing natural-looking depth effects that make your subjects stand out.
Pro-Level Video: 9/10
Video recording is smooth, with solid stabilization that makes handheld shots look professional. It supports 4K at 60fps, and the zoom during video is impressive you can even spot tiny, ant-like creatures clearly without much loss in detail.
Nothing’s Glyph Mirror Gets Smarter with Selfie Support: 9/10
A standout addition is the new Glyph Mirror, which now includes a selfie camera something uniquely Nothing. The clarity it delivers is surprisingly good, adding both functionality and a touch of innovation to the design.
Gallery Editor Falls Short of Flagship Standards: 6/10
One drawback, however, is the inbuilt gallery editor. Compared to what flagship phones offer, it feels a bit basic. Features like an AI eraser and advanced retouching tools are noticeably missing. It would be great if the team could work on enhancing this in a future update to bring the editing experience in line with the high-quality camera performance.
Battery Life: 8.5/10
The 5500 mAh battery easily gets you through the day, and fast charging helps you top up quickly. Wireless charging support is a plus.
Glyph Interface - More Than Just A Gimmick: 8/10
The updated glyph lights now support more customization and third-party app integration, making it genuinely helpful for notifications, calls, and even productivity cues.
Pros:
• ✅ Good Camera – Sharp, color-accurate shots even in challenging lighting
• ✅ Great for Gaming – Smooth performance, no overheating, and responsive display
• ✅ Premium Build & Unique Design – Eye-catching transparent back and glyph interface
• ✅ Clean Software Experience – Nothing OS is fast, minimal, and free of bloat
• ✅ Solid Battery Life – Easily lasts a day with moderate to heavy usage
Cons:
• ❌ Price Feels Too High – At the current price point, it’s a tough sell;
If it were priced around ₹45,000–₹50,000, it could’ve been a true game-changer in the segment.
Verdict: 8.8/10
The Nothing Phone 3 brings a refreshing blend of style, performance, and minimalism. It’s not just another Android phone it’s a statement. If you’re willing to stretch your budget, it offers a unique user experience that few phones in the market can match.
