Nothing Phone (3) Marks a Bold New Direction — But It’s Not a True Flagship

Updated: 02-07-2025, 01.34 PM

The Nothing Phone (3) is officially here, and it’s easily the best device the London-based brand has released to date. With its edgy design and a refined set of features, this third-generation smartphone feels like the start of a more confident chapter for Nothing. However, despite the company’s claims, this device doesn’t quite fit the “true flagship” mold.

Nothing Phone (3)

A Bold, Divisive New Look

Let’s begin with what’s grabbing the most attention — the design. The Nothing Phone (3) sports an unorthodox rear layout, featuring a triple-camera setup that appears almost randomly scattered. Gone are the familiar Glyph light patterns that helped define the Nothing aesthetic. In their place is a Glyph Matrix — a subtle but promising evolution that serves more purpose than just style.

And while the renders may not do it justice, the device looks striking in person. The white color variant stands out the most, though the black model holds its own under the right lighting.

The phone is slightly thicker and heavier than expected, especially considering it houses a 5,150mAh battery. Despite weighing less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL on paper, the heft is noticeable — and may not appeal to everyone.

Function Over Flash: Glyph Matrix Gets Smarter

One of the standout upgrades is the Glyph Matrix system. The old Glyph lights, while visually appealing, often felt more like a gimmick than a game-changer. But the Glyph Matrix brings in functional minimalism — allowing users to see simplified information like the time, battery status, and notifications through dot-based light animations.

It’s not a full-fledged display, but it adds a layer of interactivity and purpose that the earlier versions lacked. Glyph “Toys” also show potential for creative features and customization in the future.

A Polished Software Experience

Nothing OS also shows significant progress. Features like “Flip to Record” in the new Essential Space UI, and an intelligent Smart Search function, highlight the brand’s commitment to usability and innovation.

Smart Search, in particular, stands out as an intuitive feature that could become a user favorite. While the software still has room to grow, it feels far more polished and cohesive compared to previous versions.

Not a Flagship — And That’s OK

Here’s the twist: despite Nothing’s bold claim that the Phone (3) is a “true flagship,” it doesn’t quite measure up to the label.

The device runs on a mid-tier chipset, lacks the top-tier display tech of current flagships, and doesn’t match the extended software support or battery optimization you’d find in devices from Apple, Samsung, or even Google. In essence, it slots more comfortably into the premium mid-range category, not the flagship tier.

And that’s perfectly fine.

Nothing would benefit from embracing its niche — the way OnePlus once marketed “flagship killers,” or how Google confidently calls the Pixel a Pixel. The Phone (3) doesn’t need to chase the very top to be exceptional. At $799, the value proposition is strong, especially if you value a unique design and clean Android experience.

A Confident Step Forward

Despite the marketing misstep, Nothing Phone (3) feels like a thoughtfully designed and forward-looking smartphone. It’s not chasing specs for the sake of specs — it’s offering something different, and that could be its biggest strength.

Pre-orders open on July 4, with shipping set to begin on July 15, including availability in the US and select global markets. Stay tuned for a detailed hands-on review in the coming days.

Author Profile

Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.