For an organization that makes such fascinating gadgets, I’ve at all times been underwhelmed by the design of Nothing’s smartphones.
Whereas undoubtedly distinctive, a lot of the expertise was centred round the ‘Glyph Interface’ of lights on the again, which flash, pulse and flicker in all kinds of situations.
Nonetheless, as quickly as I’ve completed reviewing a Nothing telephone, it’s considered one of the first issues I change off. I discover the Glyph lights at all times annoying, typically distracting and not often helpful.
So, after I heard that Nothing could be ditching them on the Phone (3), its first flagship telephone (should you can name a £799/$799 telephone a flagship), I used to be excited.
And, after going palms-on with the Phone (3), I’m delighted that Nothing has ditched the Glyphs, even when its alternative hasn’t blown me away.
An analogous design, but in addition very totally different
To say there’s rather a lot happening with the Phone (3)’s design could be an understatement. The Glyphs is perhaps gone, however the handset remains to be positive to show loads of heads.
As an alternative of the lights, we now have ‘Glyph Matrix’, a group of 489 monochrome LEDs that can be utilized to point out much more at-a-look info than the lights ever may. We’re speaking every thing from caller IDs and app notifications to occasion video games resembling spin the bottle and even a Magic 8 Ball, which you’ll work together with by way of the new ‘Glyph Button’ on the again.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
I’m not going to fake that this can be a groundbreaking function (it’s been obtainable on Asus ROG gaming telephones for years) and even one thing I’ll use regularly. However it’s a hell of much more discreet than large lights, and doesn’t look dangerous when switched off.
To say there’s rather a lot happening with the Phone (3)’s design could be an understatement
The highest of the telephone’s again is just a little busy for my tastes, with three digital camera lenses and a flash all crammed in alongside the ‘Glyph’ matrix at the high of the telephone.
It’s much less noticeable on the black mannequin, however the semi-clear design will get a bit misplaced. If you’d like your telephone to face out from the crowd, go for the white model.
True flagship sturdiness
Identical to earlier Nothing handsets, the Phone (3)’s design can be polarising. However nobody can have any complaints about the construct high quality.
With a glass entrance and again and an aluminium body, the telephone feels noticeably extra premium than the plastic-framed Phone (3a) Professional. It has a satisfying weight in your palms, although at 218g, it’s considered one of the heavier telephones round.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The glass itself is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i on the entrance and Gorilla Glass Victus on the again, each of that are rated to outlive most bumps, drops and scratches. Primarily based on early impressions, the Phone (3) is considered one of the few handsets I’d think about using case-free – grip definitely isn’t a difficulty.
The Phone (3) is considered one of the few handsets I’d think about using case-free – grip definitely isn’t a difficulty
It’s additionally the first Nothing telephone to get flagship-degree IP68 water and mud resistance, that means it’s capable of survive submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater and is totally protected towards all particles.
No-compromise show, slight-compromise efficiency
I’ve solely used the Phone (3) for a couple of minutes, however I can already inform you it has a wonderful show.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel seems beautiful, providing the mixture of vivid colors and deep blacks that assist content material come alive. A 1260 x 2800 decision isn’t fairly the 1440p we see on some flagships, however the element is under no circumstances missing.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
And even below the harsh lighting of a palms-on space, visibility was wonderful. A peak brightness of 4500 nits definitely helps!
I’ve solely used the Phone (3) for a couple of minutes, however I can already inform you it has a wonderful show
The quick 120Hz refresh fee is reliant on efficiency being sturdy, which is strictly what the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip seems to ship.
It is perhaps one step down from the high-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite, however alongside not less than 12GB of RAM, I doubt you’ll discover until you propose on a number of excessive-finish cell gaming.
Virtually sensible software program assist
Nothing will ship the Phone (3) operating Nothing OS 3.5, which remains to be Android 15 below the floor.
Because of this, the software program expertise is similar to what we’ve seen on current Nothing telephones. Other than the ‘Glyph Matrix’ performance, the solely new function of be aware is ‘Flip to Document’ inside the Important House, which is able to begin recording audio while you put the telephone face down and maintain the Important Key, then it’ll transcribe and summarise the recording robotically.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nonetheless, the firm has confirmed that Nothing OS 4.0, which relies on Android 16, can be rolling out in Q3 – that’s any time between now and the finish of September.
Trying additional forward, Nothing can be supporting the Phone (3) with 5 main OS updates, taking it to a possible Android 20, with safety patches persevering with till 2032.
It’s a powerful improve on the three and 4-yr dedication for the Phone (2), although Samsung and Google nonetheless have the higher hand with seven years of each.
The 2 nice unknowns
In fact, there are many issues you possibly can’t check correctly throughout a quick palms-on session. In the case of the Phone (3), that features two areas which may make or break its success.
The primary is battery life. With a beneficiant 5150mAh cell, Nothing claims the Phone (3) is usually a two-day telephone with lighter utilization.
Given how good the 4700mAh Phone (3a) Professional’s battery life was, I’ve few considerations right here, however you possibly can by no means be fairly positive earlier than you check it. Hopefully, the elevated energy calls for of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset received’t have an excessive amount of of an influence.
Nonetheless, I’m altogether extra involved about digital camera efficiency.
On paper, the Phone (3)’s 4 50Mp lenses (foremost, periscope telephoto, ultrawide and selfie) can greater than compete with the common Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25, each of that are priced at the similar £799/$799 start line.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nonetheless, as we all know, software program processing performs an enormous function in the last picture you see. And the picture high quality on previous Nothing telephones has beforehand been a small step down in comparison with rivals.
Has Nothing been capable of deal with this on its first-ever flagship? With out correct testing, it’s inconceivable for me to reply that at this stage.
Nonetheless, there’s little doubt that the Phone (3) is a compelling addition to the flagship smartphone section. Even when it doesn’t have high-tier cameras, I can see loads of individuals being tempted to modify from a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy telephone.
Pre-orders for the Nothing Phone (3) can be obtainable on 4 July by way of the Nothing web site, forward of a restricted-inventory ‘Nothing Drops’ launch on 12 July and the full normal sale on 15 July.
To see what else the Phone (3) can be up towards, try our information to the finest telephones you should buy proper now.
