The Phone (3) immediately grabs attention with its completely redesigned rear panel. Nothing ditched their clean aesthetic for a three-column grid layout with an off-center periscope camera jutting from the top-right corner.
Early reviewers are split. Some call it the most distinctive phone of 2025; others question the departure from Nothing’s iconic minimalism. Love it or hate it, the Phone (3) stands out in a sea of similar flagships.
The Glyph Matrix: More Than Just Lights
The Phone (3)’s star feature is the revolutionary Glyph Matrix—489 LEDs transformed into a functional mini-display. This isn’t just about notifications anymore.
Users can display custom images, animations, and app-specific messages. It even supports games like Rock Paper Scissors and Magic 8 Ball. A dedicated capacitive button below the Matrix provides haptic navigation, turning the entire back panel into an interactive surface.
Nothing is releasing a developer SDK, opening doors for third-party creators to expand functionality.
Camera Upgrade: Four 50MP Sensors
Nothing made their biggest imaging leap with four 50MP cameras:
This setup finally positions Nothing to compete with photography leaders like iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25.
Display and Build Quality
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display delivers impressive specs with 2800×1260 resolution at 460ppi, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and an incredible 4,500 nits peak brightness protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. The aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus back, and IP68 water resistance (a Nothing first) complete the premium construction that finally brings flagship-grade durability to Nothing’s lineup.
Performance and Software
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset powers everything, paired with 12GB or 16GB RAM and a 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery. Charging hits 65W wired and 15W wireless.
Nothing OS 3.5 (Android 15) brings AI-powered “Essential Space” for organization and universal search. The company promises 5 years of OS updates and 7 years of security patches.
Pricing and Availability
The Bottom Line
The Nothing Phone (3) is the company’s boldest device yet. The interactive Glyph Matrix, comprehensive camera system, and flagship specs show Nothing’s commitment to meaningful innovation.
Whether the polarizing design and premium pricing will connect with consumers remains to be seen. But in a market of lookalike devices, the Phone (3) offers something refreshingly different—exactly what the smartphone industry needs.
For users seeking a distinctive alternative to traditional flagships, the Phone (3) presents compelling reasons to switch.
