Nothing Phone 3 Review: Bold Price, True Flagship for India?

Nothing, led by Carl Pei, aims to re-inject excitement into technology with its distinctive design and user experience. The Nothing Phone 3 enters India’s premium smartphone market at ₹79,999, directly challenging Apple, Samsung, and other major players. The core question is whether its ambitious pricing aligns with its “flagship” claim, especially given its choice of a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor over the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite, a key consideration for the Indian market’s preference for high-end chipsets.  

Launched on July 1, 2025, with sales starting July 15 via Flipkart, Vijay Sales, and Croma, the Phone 3 offers pre-bookers complimentary Nothing Ear earbuds. This strategy aims to build brand loyalty and emphasize its unique ecosystem.  

Nothing Phone 3 Key Specifications (India Variant)

Category	Specification (India Variant)
Model Name	Nothing Phone 3
Price in India	₹79,999 (12GB/256GB), ₹89,999 (16GB/512GB)
Release Date (India)	July 1, 2025
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
RAM/Storage	12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display	6.67-inch AMOLED, 1.5K (1260×2800), 120Hz Adaptive, 4,500 nits peak
Rear Camera	50MP Main (OIS), 50MP Ultra-wide, 50MP Periscope Telephoto (3x optical zoom, OIS)
Front Camera	50MP
Battery (India)	5500mAh (Silicon-Carbon)
Wired/Wireless Charging	65W / 15W
OS	Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.5
OS/Security Updates	5 years Android OS, 7 years security patches
IP Rating	IP68

Design & Aesthetics: The Unmistakable Nothing Identity, Evolved

The Nothing Phone 3 retains its signature transparent glass back, revealing internal components for a bold, asymmetrical, and striking look. It features an aluminum frame, a flat display with curved edges, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. While the display uses Gorilla Glass 7i, the rear has Gorilla Glass Victus. At 218g and 8.99mm thick, it feels premium but can be heavier than rivals, and the black variant is prone to fingerprints. The unique, unaligned camera layout further distinguishes its aesthetic.  

The New Glyph Matrix: From Gimmick to Intentional Interaction?

The Phone 3 introduces the Glyph Matrix, a monochrome micro-LED display with 489 individually addressable LEDs on the rear. This replaces previous Glyph Interface LED strips, aiming for “more intentional interaction” and reduced screen time. It displays app alerts, contact notifications, and real-time progress. Future updates will add caller ID. “Glyph Toys” include a selfie mirror, clock, battery indicator, and mini-games. All are controlled by a dedicated circular Glyph Button, though some find it requires a “very hard press”. A red square indicates recording. Nothing plans a public SDK for developers. The Glyph Matrix condenses LEDs to “free up space” and enhance programmability, but its success hinges on intuitive interaction and developer adoption.  

Performance & Power: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 – Flagship-Ready or Mid-Range Compromise?

The Nothing Phone 3 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a “flagship series” processor but a step below the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite found in many competing flagships. For daily tasks and demanding games like BGMI and Genshin Impact, performance is smooth and stable.  

Benchmarks show it lags behind Snapdragon 8 Elite devices (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S25, OnePlus 13) but generally outperforms the Google Pixel 9 (Tensor G4) in multi-core CPU and GPU tests. Thermal management is a concern, with the device heating up to 56°C during intense gaming, potentially leading to throttling. It comes with 12GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB (UFS 4.0). Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and 5G, but the USB-C port uses the older USB 2.0 standard, limiting transfer speeds.  

Carl Pei acknowledges India’s “obsession with flagship chipsets”. While the 8s Gen 4 performs well, its “mid-tier” perception at a ₹79,999 price point makes it a difficult sell for many Indian consumers who expect top-tier processors for future-proofing and value.  

Display: A Vibrant Canvas, Yet Lacking a Premium Touch

The Phone 3 features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution (1260×2800 pixels) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It boasts impressive brightness, peaking at 4,500 nits for HDR content and 1,600 nits in auto mode, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. However, it lacks LTPO technology, which was present in the Phone 2 and is common in true flagships for power efficiency. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, considered a “mid-range material”. These omissions suggest cost-saving measures, challenging its “genuine flagship” claim in a market where competitors offer more advanced display tech at similar prices. Despite these technical omissions, the display is praised for its vibrancy and smoothness in real-world use.  

Camera System: Triple 50MP – A Leap Forward, But Is It Top-Tier?

The Nothing Phone 3 features a quad 50-megapixel camera system: a triple 50MP rear setup (main with OIS, ultra-wide, and 3x optical zoom periscope telephoto that doubles as macro) and a 50MP front camera.  

The primary camera performs “fantastically” in daylight, capturing fine detail and good dynamic range. Its low-light performance with the main sensor is commendable, almost rivaling the iPhone 16 Pro in extreme low light. However, overall low-light photography is considered “average” , with night mode sometimes introducing graininess and inaccurate colors. The ultra-wide and zoom lenses show a noticeable performance drop in low light. The 3x zoom camera is praised as the “best of the three” rear lenses and excels at macro shots, though it can be “slower to shoot”. Portrait mode can be slow and produce “artificial background blur” with inaccurate edge detection. All four sensors support 4K60 HDR video.  

While it’s the “best camera package on a Nothing phone” and “remarkably good” , it generally “doesn’t hold its own against Chinese rivals” like Vivo X200 or Xiaomi 15, or top-tier flagships. This suggests a “good enough” approach rather than class-leading performance, which might not meet Indian consumers’ expectations at this price point. Software optimization is crucial, as low-light issues are noted as fixable with updates.  

Battery & Charging: Endurance Meets Efficiency (Especially for India)

The Indian variant of the Nothing Phone 3 uniquely features a larger 5,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, compared to 5,150mAh in other regions. This enhances energy density and longevity. It offers “good battery backup” and “all-day battery life even with heavy use,” potentially lasting “two days with mixed 5G and Wi-Fi usage”.  

It supports 65W fast wired charging, achieving a full charge in about 52-54 minutes, and 50% in 19-22 minutes. Wireless charging is 15W, with reverse wired (7.5W) and wireless (5W) charging also available. A charger is not included in the box, which adds an unstated cost for consumers. The larger battery for India is a significant advantage, catering to local demand for extended battery life.  

Nothing OS 3.5 & User Experience: Clean, Quirky, and AI-Infused

The Nothing Phone 3 runs Nothing OS 3.5, based on Android 15, with a commitment to five years of Android OS updates and seven years of security patches. Nothing OS is praised for its “clean interface,” “fluidity,” “bold colors,” “unique widgets,” and lack of bloatware.  

Key AI features, referred to as “exclusive knowledge,” include:

• Essential Space: A “second memory” for screenshots, text, and voice notes, which are analyzed to generate summaries and actionable items.  
• Essential Search: A universal smart search bar for contacts, photos, and files, also providing chatbot-style answers.  
• Essential Notifications: Filters notifications using the Glyph Matrix.  
• Flip to Record: Quick voice recording via the Essential Key.  

While the software is generally positive, some find the Glyph Matrix “gimmicky” and not frequently used. AI summaries can be “hit-or-miss”. Nothing is also noted for not being the fastest in rolling out updates. Nothing OS is a core strength, differentiating the brand through software and aiming to justify its price beyond hardware.  

The Price Dilemma: Nothing Phone 3 vs. India’s Flagship Contenders

Priced at ₹79,999 (12GB/256GB) and ₹89,999 (16GB/512GB), the Nothing Phone 3 is firmly in the premium segment. Many consider it “overpriced for India” due to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, perceived as “mid-tier” compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite in similarly priced rivals. Other criticisms include the lack of LTPO display and older USB 2.0 standard.  

Carl Pei emphasizes Nothing’s focus on camera, OS, and battery over raw specs. However, in the Indian market, where “performance-per-rupee” and “flagship chipsets” are paramount , this philosophy creates a “confusing situation for the buyers”.  

Nothing Phone 3 vs. Key Competitors (India Pricing & Core Specs)

Phone Model	Starting Price in India	Processor	Display Size/Type	Camera Highlights	Battery Capacity & Wired Charging	OS Update Policy
Nothing Phone 3	₹79,999	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4	6.67-inch AMOLED	Triple 50MP (Main, Ultrawide, 3x Periscope)	5,500mAh, 65W	5 years OS, 7 years security
OnePlus 13	₹64,999	Snapdragon 8 Elite	6.82-inch 2K AMOLED	Triple 50MP (Hasselblad-tuned)	6,000mAh, 100W	5 years OS
Google Pixel 9	₹74,999	Google Tensor G4	6.3-inch OLED	50MP Main, 48MP Ultrawide (AI focus)	4,700mAh, 27W	7 years OS, 7 years security
Samsung Galaxy S25	₹80,999	Snapdragon 8 Elite	6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X	50MP Main, 10MP Telephoto (3x), 12MP Ultrawide	4,000mAh, 25W	7 years OS
Xiaomi 15	₹64,999	Snapdragon 8 Elite	6.36-inch AMOLED	Triple 50MP (Leica-tuned)	5,240mAh, 90W	(Not specified in provided data)

The Phone 3’s pricing puts it against rivals offering superior chipsets, battery/charging, or camera capabilities at similar or lower prices. This makes its value proposition challenging in India, where design and software may not fully offset direct spec comparisons, leading to perceptions of “horrendous value”. Nothing’s strategy is to differentiate through “thoughtful design” and user experience, aiming to be the “Apple of Android”. However, the Indian market’s focus on raw specifications means this approach might limit its immediate market share to a niche, design-conscious demographic.  

Conclusion: The Verdict – Is the Nothing Phone 3 a Genuine Flagship for India?

The Nothing Phone 3 is a device with a strong personality, prioritizing unique design and a clean software experience over raw specifications. Its larger 5,500mAh battery for India and fantastic daylight primary camera are significant advantages. The commitment to five years of OS updates and seven years of security patches also offers commendable long-term support.

However, its ₹79,999 price in India is a major hurdle. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, while capable, is not a top-tier flagship processor, making the price hard to justify against competitors offering the Snapdragon 8 Elite at similar or lower costs. Camera performance, especially in low light and portrait mode, shows inconsistencies. The absence of LTPO display technology and the use of Gorilla Glass 7i are perceived as cost-cutting measures. The Glyph Matrix, while innovative, can feel gimmicky and unintuitive. The lack of an in-box charger adds a hidden cost, and the device can heat up during extended heavy use.

The Nothing Phone 3 isn’t trying to win the “spec war”. Its strengths lie in its unique design , distinctive software , and India-specific large battery. While it represents Nothing’s “first true flagship” in ambition , its price-to-spec ratio may prevent it from being perceived as a “genuine flagship” by the broader Indian market. Nothing’s long-term vision is to build a brand identity akin to Apple or Nintendo, emphasizing “evolution” and “experimentation”. This means the Phone 3 might appeal to a specific, design-conscious demographic, even if it’s seen as “horrendous value” by others. It’s a niche flagship for those seeking a truly unique technological statement.  

Nothing Phone 3 Pros & Cons (Summary)

Pros	Cons
Unique, bold, transparent design	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 at flagship price
Evolved Glyph Matrix with future potential	Camera inconsistencies (low light, portrait)
Clean, fluid Nothing OS with promising AI features	No LTPO display technology
India-specific 5,500mAh battery offers excellent longevity	No charger included in the box
Fantastic primary camera with good daylight performance	Glyph Matrix can feel gimmicky and unintuitive
Long-term software support (5 OS, 7 security years)	Overheating concerns during extended heavy use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the price of Nothing Phone 3 in India, and where can it be purchased?

The Nothing Phone 3 starts at ₹79,999 (12GB/256GB) and ₹89,999 (16GB/512GB). It became available from July 15, 2025, via Flipkart, Flipkart Minutes, Vijay Sales, and Croma.  

Q2: Does the Nothing Phone 3 come with a charger in the box?

No, the Nothing Phone 3 does not include a charger. It supports 65W fast wired charging, and any compatible USB Power Delivery (PD) GaN charger can be used.  

Q3: What makes the Nothing Phone 3’s design unique, especially the Glyph Matrix?

The Phone 3 features Nothing’s signature transparent, asymmetrical design. Its unique Glyph Matrix is a monochrome micro-LED display on the back with 489 LEDs, offering customizable notifications, contact alerts, real-time indicators, and “Glyph Toys” (mini-games, mirror, clock).  

Q4: How does the Nothing Phone 3’s camera perform, especially compared to other flagships?

It has a triple 50MP rear camera system (main, ultrawide, 3x periscope telephoto) and a 50MP front camera. The main camera is “fantastic” in daylight. While improved, its overall performance, particularly in low light, generally “doesn’t hold its own against Chinese rivals” or top-tier flagships.  

Q5: What is the battery capacity of the Nothing Phone 3 in India, and how long does it last?

The Indian variant has a larger 5,500mAh silicon-carbon battery. It offers “good battery backup” and “all-day battery life even with heavy use,” potentially lasting up to two days with moderate usage. It supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging.  

Q6: What are the key software features of Nothing OS 3.5, and how many updates will the Phone 3 receive?

Nothing OS 3.5 (based on Android 15) offers a clean, fluid UI with a dot-matrix aesthetic and unique widgets. Key AI features include “Essential Space” (for notes/screenshots) and “Essential Search” (universal search with chatbot capabilities). Nothing promises five years of Android OS updates and seven years of security patches.  

Q7: Is the Nothing Phone 3 suitable for heavy gaming?

Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, it handles demanding games like BGMI and Genshin Impact smoothly at high settings. However, it can become “uncomfortably hot” during extended, intense gaming sessions, though a cooling system helps prevent overheating.