In a world dominated by the familiar silhouettes of Apple and Samsung, is there still room for something genuinely different? London-based tech disruptor Nothing certainly thinks so, and its latest creation, the Nothing Phone (3), is more than just another smartphone; it's a statement. Following the cult success of its predecessors, this third iteration aims to blend top-tier performance with its iconic transparent design, directly challenging the giants. But does it deliver? Let's dive into our Nothing Phone (3) review and find out.

Key Specifications

The spec sheet for the Phone (3) shows a serious commitment to flagship performance. Nothing has clearly listened to its community, packing the device with competitive hardware.

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED with 1-144Hz adaptive refresh rate
Rear Cameras: 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX890), 50MP ultra-wide, and a new 12MP 2x telephoto lens
Front Camera: 32MP
Battery: 4,900mAh with 65W wired and 20W wireless charging
Software: Nothing OS 3.0 (built on Android 15)
Glyph Interface: Enhanced with more LED zones and contextual lighting patterns
Build: 100% recycled aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass on front and back

Design and Exterior Changes

At first glance, the Nothing Phone (3) is unmistakably from the same family as its predecessor, the Phone (2). It retains the iconic transparent back panel, offering a stylised glimpse into the phone's inner workings. However, the refinements are what truly elevate it.

The Glyph Interface—the phone's signature feature—is now more sophisticated. With more addressable LED zones, it provides more granular notifications and a clever "Glyph Timer" that visually counts down without you needing to wake the screen. Compared to the Phone (2), the edges feel slightly more rounded, improving how it sits in the hand, and the bezels around the stunning OLED display are whisper-thin, creating a more immersive viewing experience. It’s a masterclass in iterative, meaningful design.

How It Beats the Competition

This is where the battle gets interesting. When we look at the Nothing Phone (3) vs iPhone 16 and Samsung S25, it carves out its own victory lane. Whilst the iPhone 16 will undoubtedly offer raw power, the Phone (3) competes by offering unparalleled customisation through Nothing OS 3.0. Its software is clean, blisteringly fast, and free of the bloatware often found on other Android devices.

Against the Samsung S25, its competitive edge is twofold: design and user experience. The Glyph Interface isn't just for show; it's a functional tool that changes how you interact with your phone, reducing screen time. Furthermore, the minimalist, monochrome aesthetic of Nothing OS 3.0 offers a refreshingly focused experience compared to Samsung's feature-heavy One UI.

Real-World Benefits for You

Technical specs are great, but how do the best features of Nothing Phone (3) improve your day?

Focus Without Missing Out: The Glyph Interface lets you put your phone face down during dinner or meetings whilst still getting visual cues for important calls or messages. Less distraction, more presence.
Clutter-Free Creativity: Nothing OS 3.0 is a dream for minimalists. Its unique dot-matrix font and widgets create a clean digital environment, allowing you to find what you need without endless scrolling.
All-Day Power, Rapidly Recharged: The combination of a large 4,900mAh battery and a power-efficient display means you'll comfortably get through a demanding day. And when you do need to top up, the 65W fast charging gets you back to 100% in around 30 minutes.

UK Pricing and Availability

For those looking to buy Nothing Phone (3) UK, the pricing remains one of its most attractive features. It continues to undercut the premium flagships, positioning itself as the smart choice.

256GB / 8GB RAM: £749
512GB / 12GB RAM: £829

The Nothing Phone (3) is available for purchase directly from the official Nothing.tech website. You can also find it at major UK retailers, including John Lewis and Currys.

Conclusion: Our Verdict

So, is the Nothing Phone (3) the right device for you?

Pros:

A truly unique and beautifully refined design.
The clean, fast, and bloatware-free Nothing OS 3.0.
Flagship-level performance that rivals the best in the market.
A competitive price that offers exceptional value.

Cons:

The camera system, whilst improved, may not dethrone the absolute best from Google or Apple.
The design, though iconic, might be too unconventional for some.

Our final verdict is that the Nothing Phone (3) is a brilliant choice for the tech-savvy individual who values design, a pristine software experience, and wants to stand out from the sea of identical glass slabs. It's a confident, powerful, and exciting device that proves you don't need to choose between style and substance.

Nothing Phone (3) Review: Is The Hype Worth It?