nothing is making a significant move, positioning its new phone 3 as the brand’s “first true flagship” device. Unveiled recently, this phone marks a departure from Nothing’s previous focus on more accessible models, aiming directly at the premium market dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Priced at $799 in the US, the Nothing Phone 3 signals the company’s ambition to compete head-to-head with the top-tier smartphones. This launch is also Nothing’s first substantial re-entry into the crucial US market since the Phone 2 debuted back in 2023.
The company’s founder and CEO, Carl Pei, is determined to underscore the Phone 3’s flagship credentials, repeatedly emphasizing its “flagship chip, flagship camera, flagship price.” Preorders for the device are set to begin on July 4th, with general availability following on July 15th. US customers can purchase the phone through Nothing’s online store and Amazon. Regarding connectivity, the Phone 3 fully supports T-Mobile and AT&T networks, with more limited 5G compatibility on Verizon. Nothing also commits to an impressive software support package, promising five years of Android OS updates and seven years of security patches, aligning with or even surpassing policies from major competitors.
Design Evolution: From Bold Lights to Dot Matrix
Nothing built its brand identity on unique design, particularly the eye-catching Glyph interface. However, the Phone 3 introduces a significant change to this signature feature. The large, multi-strip LED array of previous models is gone, replaced by a much smaller dot-matrix LED display located in one corner on the phone’s rear. This new element is called the Glyph Matrix, and it’s immediately less visually striking than the older, more extensive light patterns. Some observers note it also feels less unique, pointing out that Asus has utilized similar dot-matrix displays on its ROG gaming phones for years.
Carl Pei defends this shift, stating the Glyph Matrix allows for “much more immediate” custom notifications. Users can link easily recognizable images or emoji to specific apps and contacts, offering information glanceability that abstract animations might lack. The rear panel itself retains Nothing’s transparent aesthetic but evolves with a new blocky, cubist style that some find appealing. While the asymmetrical camera lens placement drew some criticism after leaks, causing confusion and being likened by some to an AI-generated design, the phone reportedly feels “stupendous” in hand. It features flat aluminum sides, a flat display with ultra-thin, symmetrical bezels, and a comfortable weight. The white version seems less prone to fingerprints than the black variant. A small, red square on the back illuminates during video recording, adding a small, retro touch. A notable design consideration is the lack of a raised camera module, which means the lower lenses protrude significantly from the back.
Beyond notifications, the Glyph Matrix offers interactive “Glyph Toys.” These are playful features intended to inject some fun into the smartphone experience. The Phone 3 launches with games like spin the bottle and rock paper scissors, alongside practical utilities such as a stopwatch and a battery indicator. Users can cycle through these functions using a hidden haptic button integrated into the rear glass design. Nothing highlights the “expandability” of the Glyph Matrix, already showcasing community-developed ideas like a leveling tool and a Magic 8 Ball, and plans to offer an SDK for developers to create their own tools and toys. Pei insists the Glyph interface, even in its new form, is “not a gimmick.”
Flagship Power? Performance and Specs Under the Hood
The Phone 3’s $799 starting price puts it squarely against premium flagships, and Nothing has equipped it with components intended to compete. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip. While this processor is capable and should handle demanding apps and most mobile games, it’s worth noting it’s a slightly less powerful variant compared to the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8 Elite found in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Benchmarks suggest the 8s Gen 4 offers performance roughly equivalent to or slightly below the standard Galaxy S24 model. This choice might temper expectations if buyers anticipate the absolute maximum performance available in a flagship.
The Phone 3 is available with up to 16GB of RAM, a first for Nothing, ensuring smooth multitasking. Storage options start at 256GB, with a 512GB configuration available for an additional $100. Battery technology sees an upgrade with a 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery, a relatively new tech facilitating larger capacities in smaller footprints. Interestingly, the Indian model reportedly boasts a slightly larger 5,500mAh battery. Charging speeds are competitive, supporting 65W wired charging that can fill the battery to 50% in just 19 minutes, and 15W wireless charging.
The display is a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel featuring a sharp 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1260 pixels) and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. It offers a high peak brightness of up to 4500 nits in HDR and incorporates 2160Hz PWM dimming for improved eye comfort. A significant step forward for Nothing is the inclusion of an IP68 rating, making the Phone 3 resistant to water and dust – a standard feature on most competitors in this price bracket but a brand-new capability for Nothing. Durability is further enhanced with Gorilla Glass Victus on the rear and Gorilla Glass 7i on the front.
Camera Capabilities: Stepping Up the Game
Camera performance is crucial for any device claiming flagship status, and Nothing appears focused on this area. The Phone 3 features a triple-camera system on the rear, consisting of main, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. All three rear cameras, along with the front selfie camera, use 50-megapixel sensors. While the resolution matches previous models for the main and ultrawide, Nothing promises substantial improvements in image processing.
A key addition is the periscope telephoto lens, a first for Nothing and a feature typically reserved for high-end camera phones like the Pixel 9 Pro. This lens includes macro support and supports lossless optical zoom. The main sensor is a 1/1.3-inch unit, intended to improve low-light performance. All lenses are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second, supported by full optical image stabilization (OIS). Nothing collaborated with professional photographers to integrate preset cinematic looks directly into the camera software. Camera processing has historically been an area where Nothing lagged slightly behind the competition, so real-world performance will be a critical test for the Phone 3 to truly compete in the flagship space.
Software Experience: AI and Long-Term Support
The Nothing Phone 3 launches running Android 15 layered with Nothing OS 3.5, with an update to Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.0 expected later in 2025. Software support is a strong point, with Nothing committing to providing five years of Android OS updates and seven years of security patches, giving users confidence in the device’s longevity and security.
Nothing OS continues its distinctive design language throughout the user interface. The Phone 3 also sees the return and enhancement of the Essential Key, a customizable side button first seen on the Phone 3A. By default, this button launches Essential Space, an AI-powered application designed to help users manage digital information. Essential Space can store and analyze screenshots to provide reminders about events or travel plans. New AI functionalities include the ability to transcribe and summarize meeting audio using a ‘Flip to Record’ feature and a universal search bar that can locate contacts, photos, and answer basic factual queries. Nothing describes its approach to AI as “considered,” aiming for genuinely useful features rather than superficial additions.
US Market Challenge: Competing Without Carriers
Launching the Phone 3 as a flagship in the US market represents a significant gamble for Nothing. The $799 price point is competitive, potentially undercutting base models of rivals like the Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S25 Plus, which often start higher. However, Nothing faces the enormous challenge of competing without the crucial support of US carrier partnerships. Unlike Apple, Samsung, and Google, which benefit from carrier distribution, marketing, and subsidies that allow customers to purchase phones with low or no upfront costs, Nothing must sell its device unlocked through its own channels and retailers like Amazon.
This lack of carrier presence could be the biggest hurdle for the Phone 3’s success in the US. While the device appears to offer strong specifications for its price, consumers in the US market are heavily influenced by carrier deals and the ability to spread device costs over monthly phone bills. Nothing must rely on its unique design, competitive specs, strong software commitment, and appealing price point to persuade customers to bypass traditional carrier purchasing routes. The Phone 3 feels like a pivotal moment for Nothing – it has the potential to elevate the brand from a niche player to a significant competitor, but only if it can overcome the distribution challenges in the US market and prove its camera performance meets flagship expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Nothing Phone 3’s key features and positioning?
The Nothing Phone 3 is positioned as the brand’s first true flagship smartphone. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, a 50MP triple rear camera system including a new periscope lens, a 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery with 65W wired charging, and a 6.67-inch 1.5K OLED display. A notable design change is the smaller dot-matrix Glyph Matrix on the rear, replacing the larger light patterns. It also offers robust software support with 5 years of OS and 7 years of security updates. Priced starting at $799, Nothing intends for it to compete directly with devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google.
Where can you buy the Nothing Phone 3 in the US and what carriers does it support?
In the US, the Nothing Phone 3 will be available for preorder starting July 4th, with general sales commencing on July 15th. You can purchase the phone directly from Nothing’s official online store and through Amazon. Regarding carrier compatibility, the Phone 3 offers full support for T-Mobile and AT&T networks. Verizon users will experience more limited 5G support compared to the other two major carriers.
How does the Nothing Phone 3 compare to competitors in the flagship market, and is its price justified?
The Nothing Phone 3 enters the flagship market at a competitive $799 price, potentially undercutting many top-tier phones like the Pixel 9 Pro or Galaxy S25 Plus. It matches competitors with features like IP68 water resistance, a 120Hz OLED display, and a periscope camera. However, its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip is slightly less powerful than the absolute top processors found in some rivals. The unique Glyph Matrix design sets it apart visually, although it’s a more subdued look than previous Nothing phones. While the specs are strong for the price, its lack of US carrier partnerships presents a challenge compared to deeply integrated competitors. The price appears justified based on the hardware, but its success hinges on real-world performance, especially cameras, and overcoming market presence barriers.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk or Playing It Too Safe?
The Nothing Phone 3 represents a significant evolution for the brand. By entering the flagship arena, Nothing is taking a bold step into direct competition with the biggest players in the smartphone market. The phone brings compelling specifications to its $799 price point, including high-resolution cameras, a periscope lens, a durable IP68 build, fast charging, and a strong commitment to software longevity. The enhanced AI features within Essential Space also aim to provide genuine user value.
However, the decision to scale back the signature Glyph interface to a smaller dot-matrix display feels like a concession towards practicality over the visual flair that first grabbed attention. This “safe” design play, combined with the choice of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (capable, but not the absolute top-tier chip), leads to the core question: Is the Phone 3 bold enough to disrupt the established flagship hierarchy? For Nothing, particularly in the challenging US market where it lacks carrier support, the Phone 3 is undoubtedly a pivotal launch. It has the hardware potential to succeed, but only time and real-world user adoption will tell if this calculated blend of flagship features and tempered design is the formula needed to become a major force in the premium smartphone space.
