The Nothing Phone 3 has ignited conversations across the tech community, not only because of its futuristic aesthetic but also due to its polarizing price tag. Priced at ₹79,999 in India, this device blends a bold design, powerful hardware, and a reimagined glyph matrix interface. In this in-depth review, we will break down the design elements, performance benchmarks, camera capabilities, software enhancements, and the real-world user experience of the Nothing Phone 3.
Table of contents
- Design and Build Quality – Distinctive Visual Identity
- Display – Brightness and Clarity That Impress
- Performance – Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with Impressive Benchmarking
- Camera System – Versatile but with Trade-Offs
- Glyph Matrix Features – More Subtle, More Functional
- Battery and Charging – Long-Lasting Power with Fast Replenishment
- Software and Updates – A Refined Android Experience
- Audio and Haptics – Premium Feel and Sound
- Verdict – Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone 3
Design and Build Quality – Distinctive Visual Identity
The design philosophy of the Nothing Phone 3 revolves around a transparent rear panel enhanced by the glyph matrix lighting system. Unlike the prior glyph interface, this matrix introduces a more discrete visual cue system that is smaller in scale but functionally superior. It blends seamlessly into the transparent back, showcasing the symmetrical and unsymmetrical elements beneath the Gorilla Glass Victus layer.
The handset features an aluminium frame, giving it a sturdy feel. It weighs 218 grams and measures 9mm in thickness, making it noticeably heavier than many flagship phones. The back panel integrates a capacitive button that controls glyph animations and interactive functions like volume display, notifications, and a suite of quirky tools such as the spin bottle game, solar clock, and magic ball.
Nothing has also implemented flip-to-glyph, a feature that automatically triggers silent mode and visual notifications when the phone is placed face-down. Overall, the design remains the Nothing brand’s most defining aspect, instantly recognizable and purposefully different.
Display – Brightness and Clarity That Impress
The device sports a 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels, a peak brightness of 4500 nits, and HDR10+ support. The screen delivers excellent sunlight visibility and vivid colors thanks to 1 billion color reproduction and a 120Hz refresh rate.
However, Nothing has chosen LTPS technology rather than LTPO. While the benefits of adaptive refresh rates in LTPO panels can be significant for battery conservation, the actual difference is negligible for average users. The Gorilla Glass 7i protection on the front ensures durability against scratches and minor impacts.
Performance – Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with Impressive Benchmarking
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3 runs the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM (12GB or 16GB options) and UFS 4.0 storage (256GB or 512GB). This combination delivers smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and excellent responsiveness in demanding scenarios.
Benchmark scores:
- AnTuTu Score: ~1,800,000
- Temperature under load: 48 degrees Celsius
These figures place it comfortably among flagship competitors. The cryogenic cooling system effectively manages thermals during extended gaming sessions, reducing the chances of throttling. In real-world use social media, camera operations, and video streaming the phone remains fluid and responsive.
Camera System – Versatile but with Trade-Offs
The Nothing Phone 3’s camera array comprises:
- 50MP Wide-Angle Main Camera with OIS
- 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera
- 50MP Periscope Telephoto Camera with OIS
- 50MP Front Camera
The rear main camera can record 4K video at 60fps, offering gyro-EIS stabilization. Despite the strengths, there is one notable downgrade: the periscope telephoto sensor measures 1/2.74 inches, smaller than the 1/1.95-inch sensor on the earlier Nothing Phone 3A Pro. This change impacts low-light telephoto photography, resulting in marginally less detail in dim settings.
Portrait modes provide focal length options: 24mm, 50mm, 70mm, and 100mm, delivering versatile framing. The phone supports 60x digital zoom, macro shooting, action mode for fast scenes, and detailed subject separation.
In daylight, photos show excellent dynamic range and color consistency. The selfie camera captures sharp details with natural skin tones and effective background blur.
Glyph Matrix Features – More Subtle, More Functional
Nothing replaced the traditional glyph interface with the new glyph matrix, a refined approach that retains LED indicators but introduces functional enhancements:
- Dynamic volume indicators
- Generative ringtones that sync animations to audio
- Notification lighting patterns
- Essential Space AI integration for summarizing screenshots and scheduling events
This matrix now functions with a capacitive touch sensor to launch quick actions, including note-taking and smart replies.
Battery and Charging – Long-Lasting Power with Fast Replenishment
The Indian variant features a 5500mAh battery supporting:
- 65W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging
In day-to-day use, the phone easily lasts 1.5 days, even with moderate gaming and video streaming. Fast charging tops up 50% in under 25 minutes. The inclusion of bypass charging means the phone can power itself directly during gaming without taxing the battery, extending battery health over time.
Software and Updates – A Refined Android Experience
The Nothing OS atop Android 14 offers a clean interface with fluid animations. Notably:
- 4 years of Android updates
- 5 years of security patches
- AI-powered search and text recognition
- Circle-to-search gestures
- Essential Space for productivity summaries
The system is light, smooth, and consistent, with very few pre-installed apps.
Audio and Haptics – Premium Feel and Sound
Dual stereo speakers deliver loud, balanced sound. Paired with Nothing Headphone One, the audio experience feels immersive with clear mids and punchy bass. The X-axis linear motor provides premium haptics similar to higher-end devices from Samsung or Apple.
Verdict – Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone 3
The Nothing Phone 3 is a conversation starter, offering a unique aesthetic, flagship-grade performance, and thoughtful software features. While the ₹79,999 price tag is steep, its combination of design novelty, glyph matrix utility, and strong hardware makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking something different.