I tested the Nothing Phone 3 – it’s a fabulous phone, just not a flagship

When the Nothing Phone 3 launched, it instantly grabbed the tech community’s attention with its unique transparent design and promise to bring fresh innovation in a crowded smartphone market. But after spending valuable time with this device, I’ve realized it’s a phone that excels in some areas while falling short of true flagship territory.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down the Nothing Phone 3‘s design, performance, camera quality, software experience, and value proposition – explaining why it’s a fabulous phone for many users but why I wouldn’t categorize it as a flagship.

Introduction to the Nothing Phone 3

The Nothing Phone 3 is the successor to the quirky and talked-about Nothing Phone 2. Brought to us by Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus, Nothing focuses on delivering minimalist design combined with user-friendly features. Released in mid-2024, the Nothing Phone 3 continues this vision, marketing itself as a stylish, mid-range smartphone with some flagship aspirations.

Before diving into details, here’s a quick overview of the key specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2412 pixels
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
• RAM & Storage: Options up to 12GB RAM / 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
• Camera: Dual rear cameras (50MP Sony IMX766 main + 50MP ultrawide), 16MP front camera
• Battery: 4700mAh, 33W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging
• Operating System: Nothing OS based on Android 13

First-Hand Experience: Design & Build Quality

The most standout feature of the Nothing Phone 3 is undoubtedly its design. The transparent back panel with visible circuitry accents is an eye-catching shift from typical smartphone aesthetics. The symmetrical side bezels, flat edges, and matte frame give it a premium feel despite a polycarbonate back.

Holding the device, it feels lightweight and well-balanced. The buttons have a nice tactile click, and the phone fits comfortably in one hand – perfect for prolonged use.

“The Nothing Phone 3 looks like a futuristic gadget – not just a smartphone.”

Design Highlights

• Unique transparent back: Showcases internal components, illuminated by an LED glyph system.
• OLED screen: Crisp colors and rich contrast, great for media and gaming.
• IP54 dust and splash resistance: Reasonable protection, but not fully waterproof like some flagships.

Performance & Software: Solid but Not Cutting Edge

Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the Nothing Phone 3 handles everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking with relative ease. However, it’s important to note that this chip launched in late 2022 and is now one generation behind the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the latest flagship phones.

The phone’s software experience on Nothing OS is breezy and uncluttered, with minimal bloatware and a clean, modern UI. It provides useful customization features and regular security updates, but lacks some flagship-level perks like advanced AI camera modes or ultra-precise face unlock.

Performance Summary

• Apps launch quickly, and the UI feels smooth on 120Hz refresh rate.
• Gaming performance is good but does not rival the absolute top-tier flagship phones.
• Occasional background app refresh delays and thermal throttling in extended heavy use.

Camera Quality: Great But Not Flagship-Caliber

The dual 50MP cameras of the Nothing Phone 3 are impressive on paper, boasting Sony sensors optimized for sharpness and color accuracy. In daylight, photos are crisp and vibrant with good dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens delivers excellent perspectives with minimal distortion.

However, in low-light scenarios, photos become noticeably noisier than flagship competitors. The lack of sophisticated computational photography algorithms – like those found on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 or the latest iPhones – means photos don’t consistently hit pro-level quality.

Video recording supports 4K at 30fps, which is solid but lacks newer stabilization features and 60fps capability commonly found in true flagship models.

Camera Pros and Cons

• Pros: Sharp daylight photos, fun ultra-wide shots, consistent color reproduction.
• Cons: Mediocre night mode, limited video features, no periscope zoom lens.

Battery Life & Charging

The 4700mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use thanks to efficient hardware and adaptive refresh rate technology. The 33W wired charging can recharge the battery up to 70% in about 30 minutes, which is convenient but slower than some flagship phones that offer 65W or higher.

Wireless charging at 15W is a welcome addition for users who prefer cable-free convenience. Unfortunately, reverse wireless charging is absent.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Using the Nothing Phone 3

Whether you’re upgrading from a budget device or looking for a stylish daily driver, the Nothing Phone 3 offers a balanced mix of benefits:

• Eye-catching design: Use a clear case to show off the signature transparent back.
• Reliable daily performance: Great for social media, streaming, and casual gaming.
• Clean software: Customize icons, gestures, and dark mode without dealing with intrusive bloatware.
• Long-lasting battery: Use the phone’s battery saver mode during low battery situations without sacrificing key functions.

To maximize your experience:

• Keep your apps updated for optimal performance and security.
• Use a screen protector to avoid damaging that gorgeous OLED display.
• Adjust refresh rate settings in the display menu to save battery when high refresh isn’t needed.

Why the Nothing Phone 3 Isn’t a Flagship

Despite its many strengths, the Nothing Phone 3 falls short of flagship status for several reasons:

• Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is powerful but not as efficient or latest as flagship-grade chipsets.
• Camera technology: Missing advanced computational photography and specialized camera hardware.
• Build quality: Polycarbonate back instead of glass or metal, IP54 (vs IP68) resistance rating.
• Software perks: Lacks flagship-exclusive software features like advanced AI enhancements, super-smooth animations, and premium UI polish.

Essentially, the Nothing Phone 3 excels as a stylish mid-range device that targets users unwilling to pay flagship prices but still wanting good performance and differentiated design.

Conclusion: Is the Nothing Phone 3 Worth It?

Having spent plenty of hands-on time with the Nothing Phone 3, I can confidently say it’s a fabulous phone that offers great value for its price. Its design is unlike anything else on the market, the software is refreshingly clean, and its performance handles most tasks with ease.

However, if you’re a tech enthusiast craving the peak performance, best-in-class cameras, and premium build quality, the Nothing Phone 3 is not quite there. It positions itself beautifully within the mid-range segment – delivering style and substance without entering true flagship territory.

For many users, especially those seeking a unique smartphone identity with reliable all-around performance, this is a compelling choice.