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The new Nothing Phone (3): Finally a phone that thinks with its… backside

Nothing's new flagship is here. With a triple 50 MP camera, a Glyph Matrix system on the back, and an AI-powered experience

Nothing Phone (3)
Photo: Nothing

When the Nothing brand first appeared a few years ago, most people raised their collective eyebrows. Another startup that thinks it can compete with the giants? But then came Phone (1), then Phone (2), and now – after 721 long days – the new Nothing Phone (3). And no, this isn’t just the next iteration – this is a true transformation.

At a time when phones are becoming increasingly generic, Nothing has built an instantly recognizable identity with its philosophy of "transparent design" and minimalism. Nothing Phone (3) It evolves this identity in a more mature, yet no less daring direction. The design remains playful, while at the same time noticeably moving towards professionalism and technical uncompromisingness.

A look that speaks for itself

First – the visual impression. The back of the phone is now equipped with Glyph Matrix system – it’s a grid of 25×25 LED dots that not only displays notifications, but also allows for interaction. It can show you the time, who’s calling, or play a digital version of the game “Spin the Bottle.” If you want your phone to keep you entertained even with the screen down – here’s the solution.

Photo: Nothing
Photo: Nothing

Dimensionally, the phone fits nicely in the hand: 160.6 mm high, 75.59 mm wide and just 8.99 mm thick. It weighs 218 grams – which is reasonable considering what it hides under the hood.

Machine power without conversion

At the heart of Nothing Phone (3) ticks the latest Snapdragon 8S Gen 4, an 8-core processor with up to 3.21 GHz and advanced Adreno 825 graphics. Two configurations are available: 12GB RAM + 256GB or 16GB RAM + 512GB internal memory.

Screen? Fantasy: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1260 × 2800 px, 120 Hz refresh rate, brightness up to 4500 nits. Yes, even if the sun hits your retina directly, you will still see who is texting you.

Photo: Nothing

A camera that doesn't hide its ambitions

Nothing makes no secret of the fact that it wants to stand alongside the best with the Phone (3). That's why it didn't just install one or two in the back, but three 50 MP sensors:

  • Main camera sf/1.68 and large 1/1.3” sensor
  • Ultrawide with 114° FOV
  • Periscope with 3× optical and 60× digital zoom

Video capture allows you to record in 4K at 60fps, slo-mo in 1080p @240 fps and time-lapse in 4K. All this is complemented by TrueLens Engine 4 – an image processing platform that ensures your photos are not only sharp, but also smartly processed.

And in front: another one 50MP sensor, capable of 4K selfies.

Photo: Nothing

Smarter use: Essential Space and AI recording

New ones Essential Key on the back allows you to start recording what's happening around you with a single click - the phone saves everything, transcribes it and automatically creates a summary in your Essential SpaceIt's a smart hub for all your thoughts, ideas, and meetings - something the iPhone doesn't (yet).

In addition, you have Essential Search, where you type anything – and get documents, messages, contacts, and even answers without opening a browser. Google, hold the beer.

Sound, battery and connectivity

Two stereo speakers, two HD microphones, support for all popular (and unpopular) formats. Battery with capacity 5150mAh charges up to 50 % in less than 20 minutes (65W), and also supports wireless and reverse charging.

When it comes to connectivity – nothing is missing: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, eSIM, and support for all global bands.

Software and Support & Technical Specifications – Nothing Phone (3)

Phone (3) powered Nothing OS 3.5, based on Android 15, but an upgrade to is already promised Nothing OS 4.0 / Android 16. Nothing promised either 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches – which is better than most of the competition (yes, we're looking at you too, Samsung).

Category Specification
Screen 6.67” AMOLED, 1260 × 2800 px, 120 Hz, 4500 nits (peak), Gorilla Glass 7i
Processor Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 (8-core, up to 3.21 GHz), Adreno 825 GPU
Memory 12GB + 256GB / 16GB + 512GB
Main camera 50 MP (f/1.68, 1/1.3″, OIS, EIS)
Ultra-wide camera 50 MP (f/2.2, 114° FOV)
Periscope camera 50 MP (f/2.68, 3× optical zoom, 60× digital zoom)
Front camera 50 MP (f/2.2, 81.2° FOV)
Video recording 4K @60 fps, slo-mo 1080p @240 fps
Battery 5,150 mAh, 65W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless
OS Nothing OS 3.5 (Android 15) + 5 years of OS and 7 years of security updates
Water resistance IP68 (waterproof and dustproof)
Connectivity 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, eSIM
Special features Glyph Matrix (25×25 LED), Essential Space, AI recording, under-display fingerprint

Price and availability

  • Price 12/256GB: 799 $
  • Price 16/512GB: 899 $
  • Available from July 15th on the official nothing.tech website and at selected retailers.

Conclusion: Phone punk is still alive

The Nothing Phone (3) isn't for everyone. But if you want a phone that stands out, that combines design with usability and, on top of that, lets you leave your notebook at home – then you owe it to yourself to try it out.

Because in a world where phones are all the same, this one is… different. And that's a damn good thing.

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