Latest Model Comparison: Highly-Priced and Tough-to-Defend Upgrade - Nothing Phone 3 versus Phone 2
The Nothing Phone 3, the latest offering from the innovative brand, has made its debut in 2025, marking the company's first foray into the flagship phone market. Priced at $799 for the 12GB/256GB version and $899 for the 16GB/512GB model, the Phone 3 boasts several impressive upgrades over its predecessor.
One of the most notable improvements is the triple 50MP cameras. The main camera sensor is an OmniVision OV50H lens with a 1/1.3-inch sensor size and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The secondary lens is a 50MP wide-angle lens, while the rear camera setup also includes a 50MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Interestingly, the front camera uses the same 50MP Samsung JN1 sensor as the rear camera on the Nothing Phone 2.
The Phone 3 boasts a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED display, protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, and boasting a peak brightness of 1600 nits. It runs on Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15, and supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, ensuring smooth performance.
The Phone 3's design is unique, with the rear camera arranged individually across the top-left corner of the device. It also features a dot matrix display on the back, known as the Glyph Matrix, which adds a distinctive design element beyond the Phone 2's Glyph Interface. The Phone 3 is thicker and heavier compared to the Phone 2, with dimensions of 160.6 x 75.6 x 9mm and a weight of 218g.
The Phone 3's value is debated, as it occupies a competitive premium segment with devices offering technically superior hardware and more comprehensive features. However, the Phone 3 emphasizes design and user experience over raw performance and top-tier technical specs, which might appeal to users valuing creativity and uniqueness but disappoint those seeking flagship-level performance.
Reviewers suggest a lower price around $700 might better match its capabilities and make it a stronger value proposition. For users looking for a unique style and creative features, the Phone 3 can be a good value in the $800 range; for more traditional flagship expectations, the Phone 2 or other competitors might offer more balanced value.
The Phone 3 also offers IP68 dust and water resistance, a 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery with 65W USB PD charging and 15W wireless charging, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. It is available in White and Black colours and supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
In conclusion, the Nothing Phone 3 offers a unique blend of design, user experience, and powerful hardware, making it an appealing choice for those who value creativity and innovation. However, its high price point and focus on design over raw performance might deter some potential buyers.
- The manufacturing industry will be challenged to produce the number of units needed for the high demand of Nothing's Phone 3, especially with its unique design, Glyph Matrix, and triple 50MP camera system.
- The addition of the Phone 3 in the flagship phone market demonstrates the finance sector's support for unconventional and innovative gadgets like smartphones with a focus on design and user experience.
- Despite the premium pricing, the technology industry will keenly watch the progress of the Nothing Phone 3 in the market, as it represents a fresh approach to high-end smartphone offerings and could potentially pave the way for new trends in the industry.
