Nothing Phone 3 Launches as a Unique Contender at €849

The Nothing Phone 3 has officially launched, positioning itself as a standout option in the premium smartphone market at a price of €849. Developed by Nothing Technology, the company led by Carl Pei, this new Android device aims to differentiate itself in a crowded landscape where many devices share a similar appearance.

As part of its ongoing evolution, Nothing has already released several affordable models in 2025, including the Phone 3a, Phone 3a Pro, and Phone 2 Pro. With the introduction of Phone 3, the brand is now competing against established models such as the iPhone 16e priced at €859 for the same storage capacity, Honor 400 Pro at €699, and Samsung S25 at €969.

Innovative Design and Features

The design of the Phone 3 marks a significant departure from its predecessors. Previously characterized by a unique Glyph lights interface, the new model features a monochrome Glyph Matrix in the top right corner, utilizing a micro-LED grid with 489 tiny lights. This setup displays icons, animations, and patterns, and works alongside a touch-sensitive Glyph button located on the rear of the device.

While the absence of the original Glyph lights may seem like a drawback, the Phone 3’s aesthetic has evolved into a retro-futuristic vibe. The design includes an asymmetric camera module layout, which has garnered mixed reactions among users. Despite this, Nothing deserves recognition for its willingness to experiment with innovative designs, a quality that sets it apart from many competitors.

The Phone 3 is built with durability in mind, featuring an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Weighing in at 218 grams, it feels solid and secure in hand. The front showcases a sleek 6.7-inch OLED display capable of reaching 4,500 nits of peak brightness, complemented by HDR10+ support.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Phone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip. While this processor is a step below the highest-end Snapdragon 8 Elite found in flagship models like the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra, users will find that it handles everyday tasks with ease, though it may struggle with sustained gaming on graphically demanding titles.

The device runs on Nothing OS 3.5, based on Android 15, known for its customizability and user-friendly interface. A notable feature is the Essential Space, which utilizes AI to aggregate notes, recordings, and screens, offering summaries and voice-recording capabilities. The AI also powers a new search function that allows users to navigate their data more efficiently.

Battery life impresses with a robust 5,150mAh capacity, allowing most users to enjoy up to two days of use. The Phone 3 supports 65W wired charging, enabling a full recharge in approximately 55 minutes, and offers 15W wireless charging.

The smartphone boasts a versatile camera setup, featuring a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, all equipped with optical image stabilization. While the cameras perform admirably in good lighting, some users may find inconsistency in quality across different conditions. The 50MP front-facing camera also delivers satisfactory results.

Video recording capabilities are decent, with 4K footage available, although the telephoto lens may produce slightly softer video quality.

Longevity and Availability

Looking ahead, Nothing has committed to providing an upgrade to Android 16 by the end of September 2025, alongside a promise of five years of version updates and seven years of security updates.

In conclusion, the Nothing Phone 3 offers an eye-catching and unique option for consumers seeking a premium smartphone experience. With its fast and fluid software, robust design, and innovative features, it stands out in its price range. The Phone 3 is available for €849 at nothing.tech and various retailers including Harvey Norman.