For a corporation that makes such attention-grabbing units, I’ve at all times been underwhelmed by the design of Nothing’s smartphones.
Whereas undoubtedly distinctive, a lot of the expertise was centred across the ‘Glyph Interface’ of lights on the again, which flash, pulse and flicker in all kinds of eventualities.
Nonetheless, as quickly as I’ve completed reviewing a Nothing telephone, it’s one of many first issues I change off. I discover the Glyph lights at all times annoying, typically distracting and barely helpful.
So, once I heard that Nothing could be ditching them on the Telephone (3), its first flagship telephone (in case you can name a £799/$799 telephone a flagship), I used to be excited.
And, after going hands-on with the Telephone (3), I’m delighted that Nothing has ditched the Glyphs, even when its substitute hasn’t blown me away.
An analogous design, but in addition very totally different
To say there’s rather a lot happening with the Telephone (3)’s design could be an understatement. The Glyphs is perhaps gone, however the handset continues to be certain to show loads of heads.
As a substitute of the lights, we now have ‘Glyph Matrix’, a set of 489 monochrome LEDs that can be utilized to point out much more at-a-glance info than the lights ever might. We’re speaking every part from caller IDs and app notifications to get together video games comparable to spin the bottle and even a Magic 8 Ball, which you’ll work together with through the brand new ‘Glyph Button’ on the again.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
I’m not going to faux that it is a groundbreaking function (it’s been accessible on Asus ROG gaming telephones for years) and even one thing I’ll use regularly. But it surely’s a hell of much more discreet than large lights, and doesn’t look unhealthy when switched off.
To say there’s rather a lot happening with the Telephone (3)’s design could be an understatement
The highest of the telephone’s again is a little bit busy for my tastes, with three digital camera lenses and a flash all crammed in alongside the ‘Glyph’ matrix on the high of the telephone.
It’s much less noticeable on the black mannequin, however the semi-transparent design will get a bit misplaced. If you need your telephone to face out from the gang, go for the white model.
True flagship sturdiness
Identical to earlier Nothing handsets, the Telephone (3)’s design will probably be polarising. However nobody can have any complaints concerning the construct high quality.
With a glass back and front and an aluminium body, the telephone feels noticeably extra premium than the plastic-framed Telephone (3a) Professional. It has a satisfying weight in your fingers, although at 218g, it’s one of many heavier telephones round.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The glass itself is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i on the entrance and Gorilla Glass Victus on the again, each of that are rated to outlive most bumps, drops and scratches. Primarily based on early impressions, the Telephone (3) is among the few handsets I’d think about using case-free – grip actually isn’t a problem.
The Telephone (3) is among the few handsets I’d think about using case-free – grip actually isn’t a problem
It’s additionally the primary Nothing telephone to get flagship-level IP68 water and mud resistance, that means it’s capable of survive submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater and is absolutely protected in opposition to all particles.
No-compromise show, slight-compromise efficiency
I’ve solely used the Telephone (3) for a couple of minutes, however I can already let you know it has a wonderful show.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel seems to be attractive, providing the mixture of vivid colors and deep blacks that assist content material come alive. A 1260 x 2800 decision isn’t fairly the 1440p we see on some flagships, however the element is under no circumstances missing.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
And even below the cruel lighting of a hands-on space, visibility was wonderful. A peak brightness of 4500 nits actually helps!
I’ve solely used the Telephone (3) for a couple of minutes, however I can already let you know it has a wonderful show
The quick 120Hz refresh fee is reliant on efficiency being robust, which is strictly what the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip seems to ship.
It is perhaps one step down from the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite, however alongside at the very least 12GB of RAM, I doubt you’ll discover until you intend on plenty of high-end cellular gaming.
Nearly sensible software program assist
Nothing will ship the Telephone (3) working Nothing OS 3.5, which continues to be Android 15 below the floor.
Consequently, the software program expertise is similar to what we’ve seen on latest Nothing telephones. Other than the ‘Glyph Matrix’ performance, the one new function of observe is ‘Flip to File’ inside the Important House, which is able to begin recording audio once you put the telephone face down and maintain the Important Key, then it’ll transcribe and summarise the recording routinely.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nonetheless, the corporate has confirmed that Nothing OS 4.0, which is predicated on Android 16, will probably be rolling out in Q3 – that’s any time between now and the top of September.
Wanting additional forward, Nothing will probably be supporting the Telephone (3) with 5 main OS updates, taking it to a possible Android 20, with safety patches persevering with till 2032.
It’s a formidable improve on the three and four-year dedication for the Telephone (2), although Samsung and Google nonetheless have the higher hand with seven years of each.
The 2 nice unknowns
After all, there are many issues you may’t check correctly throughout a short hands-on session. Within the case of the Telephone (3), that features two areas which might make or break its success.
The primary is battery life. With a beneficiant 5150mAh cell, Nothing claims the Telephone (3) generally is a two-day telephone with lighter utilization.
Given how good the 4700mAh Telephone (3a) Professional’s battery life was, I’ve few issues right here, however you may by no means be fairly certain earlier than you check it. Hopefully, the elevated energy calls for of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset received’t have an excessive amount of of an impression.
Nonetheless, I’m altogether extra involved about digital camera efficiency.
On paper, the Telephone (3)’s 4 50Mp lenses (principal, periscope telephoto, ultrawide and selfie) can greater than compete with the common Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25, each of that are priced on the similar £799/$799 place to begin.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nonetheless, as we all know, software program processing performs an enormous function within the last picture you see. And the picture high quality on previous Nothing telephones has beforehand been a small step down in comparison with rivals.
Has Nothing been capable of handle this on its first-ever flagship? With out correct testing, it’s inconceivable for me to reply that at this stage.
Nonetheless, there’s little question that the Telephone (3) is a compelling addition to the flagship smartphone section. Even when it doesn’t have top-tier cameras, I can see loads of folks being tempted to modify from a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy telephone.
Pre-orders for the Nothing Telephone (3) will probably be accessible on 4 July through the Nothing web site, forward of a limited-stock ‘Nothing Drops’ launch on 12 July and the total basic sale on 15 July.
To see what else the Telephone (3) will probably be up in opposition to, take a look at our information to the very best telephones you should buy proper now.