After spending a good amount of time with the newly released Nothing Phone (3), I can confidently say that this device is a strong contender for the smartphone of the year, at least on the Android side. It is not just about the hype surrounding the brand – the hardware and experience speak for themselves.
A Powerful Core That Stands Out
At the heart of the Nothing Phone (3) lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen4 SoC. This chip is a monster when it comes to performance. With an octa-core CPU configuration that includes a Cortex-X4 at 3.21 GHz and multiple Cortex-A720 cores, the phone achieves an AnTuTu v10 score of over 2.16 million. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and even the most demanding games run without hiccups. Paired with the Adreno 825 GPU and 12 GB of RAM, the phone offers a flagship-level experience.
Storage That Keeps Up
One of the most practical features of this device is its internal storage. The Nothing Phone (3) comes in two clear configurations: one with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and another with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. While there is no microSD card slot, I don’t find that to be a problem. With up to half a terabyte of space, there is more than enough room for high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and heavy apps. The higher RAM version is ideal for power users and gamers.
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Colorful
The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen is simply stunning. With a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels, everything looks crisp. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and animations. What really impressed me is the brightness. At 4500 nits, the display remains perfectly visible even under direct sunlight. Watching videos and playing games on this screen is a joy.
Design and the Iconic Back
Nothing continues to innovate in terms of design. The Phone (3) stays true to the brand’s transparent aesthetic, but with refined details. The back panel features 489 individual white LEDs arranged near the camera module. These LEDs not only function as visual indicators for notifications and charging, but also interact with the small monochrome display next to the camera island. It’s a creative touch that makes this phone feel truly unique.
Excellent Cameras with Real Zoom
Photography is another area where the Nothing Phone (3) shines. The triple 50 MP main camera system produces sharp, detailed images. Whether I’m shooting landscapes or portraits, the results are consistently impressive. The 3x optical zoom is a major advantage for capturing subjects at a distance without losing clarity. The selfie camera, also 50 MP, performs well for video calls and social media.
Solid Battery with Room for Improvement
The 5150 mAh battery gets me through a full day under moderate use. However, when I push the device with gaming or video recording, I do notice a quicker drain. This is the price of high performance, and I do think a slightly larger battery would have been ideal. That said, the 65 W fast charging makes up for this. In less than 40 minutes, the phone goes from empty to nearly full, which is incredibly convenient.
Build Quality and Extras
The phone weighs 218 grams and measures 160.5 x 75.7 x 8.9 mm. It feels substantial but not too heavy in the hand. With Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection and IP68 certification, it is durable and water-resistant. Features like in-display fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, NFC, and wireless charging are all present. There is no headphone jack or FM radio, but these are not deal-breakers for me in 2025.
Pricing and Availability
The Nothing Phone (3) will be available in two main configurations: 12 GB RAM with 256 GB storage for 800 USD, and 16 GB RAM with 512 GB storage for 900 USD. As of now, the phone is not yet available for purchase, but users can already sign up with their email address to receive a pre-order notification. This shows the brand’s growing popularity and the anticipation around this release.
Final Thoughts: A True Android Standout
From my perspective, the Nothing Phone (3) combines raw power, design innovation, and practical features in a way that few smartphones do. It is refreshing to see a brand take risks and still deliver a well-rounded, high-performing device. The Android experience on this phone is clean and fast, and the unique hardware touches make it a joy to use daily.
If someone asked me right now to name the best value-for-money Android smartphone of the year, I would not hesitate to say the Nothing Phone (3). It’s that good.
