Nothing Phone 3 Review: Bold Design, But Is It Truly a Flagship?

Nothing is back with its most ambitious device yet—the Nothing Phone 3. Priced at $799 (£799), it enters premium territory with big promises: a new Glyph Matrix, triple 50MP cameras, and a minimalist interface. But while the phone dazzles with design and clever ideas, its actual performance reveals a device that’s stylish yet still fundamentally midrange.

Glyph Matrix: A Fresh Gimmick or a Functional Feature?

The Nothing Phone 3 continues the brand’s commitment to transparency—literally. Its clear back reveals a complex inner structure, made even more futuristic by the new Glyph Matrix, a dot-matrix display embedded on the rear.

This pixelated panel can show customizable icons, timers, and even interactive games. It’s definitely a conversation starter. However, in a practical sense, it replaces the more visible glyph lighting from past models, and its usefulness is still limited by third-party app support. It’s fun, but not quite essential.

Triple Camera Setup: Beauty in the Details, Not the Distance

The triple 50MP sensors—a wide, ultrawide, and 6x telephoto—promise versatility, but image processing quirks persist. Colors can skew unnatural, HDR is occasionally aggressive, and zoom quality fluctuates.

That said, macro photography is where the Phone 3 shines. If you’re into shooting texture, detail, or nature, the phone delivers breathtaking close-ups that rival far pricier flagships.

Performance and Battery: Respectable, But Not a Powerhouse

Running on the Snapdragon 8S Gen 4, the Phone 3 delivers reliable, everyday performance. It handles multitasking and mobile gaming with ease, but benchmark chasers and heavy users may find it lags behind true flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro.

Battery life is adequate—thanks to a 5,150mAh carbon-silicon cell—but not extraordinary. You’ll likely get through a full day, but not much more.

Software Experience: Clean, Clever, and Now Smarter Than Ever

Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15, brings a minimalist, monochrome visual identity that’s as striking as it is opinionated. One highlight is Essential Space, an AI-driven journaling tool that lets you log voice notes and screenshots for automatic transcription and summarization. It feels calm, clean, and different—though not a game-changer.

If you’re switching to the Nothing Phone 3 from another Android or even an iPhone, the process can be daunting. That’s where Smart Transfer steps in as a trusted third-party phone clone  solution. This intuitive device clone app helps you transfer mobile data such as, photos, videos, contacts, messages, and even apps—across platforms without losing a single memory.

With support for high-speed wireless transfers and a clutter-free interface, Smart Transfer perfectly complements the minimalist ethos of the Nothing Phone 3. It’s the smartest way to start fresh without leaving anything behind.

The Verdict: A Style Icon That’s Still Growing Up

The Nothing Phone 3 is bold. It's different. It's full of attitude. But it’s not quite the flagship killer it claims to be. While it offers a beautifully designed shell and some fun new features, the camera inconsistencies, average battery, and missing flagship polish hold it back—especially at its $799 price.

However, if you're drawn to phones that feel different, that value form and thoughtful design, and you appreciate long-term software support (six years of updates!), the Nothing Phone 3 might just earn your love.

For most users, though, the Nothing Phone 3A offers a more compelling value—with much of the same charm at nearly half the price.