Oura Ring 5 wishlist: All the features I want to see
The smart ring arena is evolving quickly, but Oura still sets the pace. Its current-generation ring is polished, feature-packed, and impressively reliable. Yet, no device line is immune to the itch for something more. With new rivals entering the scene and wearables advancing rapidly, now feels like the right time to think about what's next. The Oura Ring 5 is likely a ways out, but I'm already daydreaming about what the next model might include.
A refined design
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
The strength of the Oura Ring has always been its compact, unobtrusive form factor. That said, the design isn't everything I'd like it to be in terms of comfort and aesthetics. While the current generation is lightweight and generally discreet, it feels noticeably thick, especially for users with smaller hands or those who, like me, who wear multiple rings. It's also uncomfortable during strength workouts involving weights or bars. Despite refinements made between the Gen 3 and Gen 4, including the removal of bulbous sensors, the newest model remains bulkier than competitors like the Galaxy Ring, which I find sleeker, more scratch-resistant, and generally more comfortable. I'd love to see the Oura Ring 5 launch with a slightly slimmer profile (without sacrificing battery life or sensor accuracy). Additional finishes (with full coatings, please) and expanded sizing options would also broaden its appeal without compromising the brand's core design language.
Finger-based haptics
I'm also eager to see haptic feedback make its way to the Oura Ring 5. The first time I heard about haptics on a smart ring was when I tested the Circular Ring Slim, and honestly, I was a bit creeped out by the idea. But after using the device, I grew to love the gentle vibrations for alarms and timer alerts. Adding haptics to the Oura Ring would bring that same inconspicuous, practical functionality and make the ring an even more useful tool. Considering how powerful Oura's sleep tracking is, it only makes sense for the device to act as an alarm as well.
A more powerful charging apparatus
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
The current Oura Ring lineup comes with a wired charging puck that requires a power outlet, which limits portability and convenience. While the system gets the job done, it falls short compared to the compact charging cases offered by competitors. These cases include built-in batteries, letting users top up their devices on the go without needing to be plugged in. That means less cable management and more flexibility. A charging case is one of my biggest requests for the Oura Ring 5. It would just improve usability; it would also help Oura keep its edge, instead of feeling like it's behind the ball.
Digital payment support
I'm really hoping the Oura Ring 5 brings NFC support for contactless payments to users' fingers. For starters, paying with your wearable is no longer a nice-to-have, it's fairly standard. More specifically, it would make the ring a much more powerful stand-alone device and give me another reason to leave my smartwatch at home. I know a smart ring won't ever pack all the features of a wrist-based, screen-touting wearable, but adding NFC feels like a very achievable upgrade that would make a big difference.
Even longer battery life
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
I know the Oura Ring 4 already puts most smartwatches to shame, but more is always more when it comes to battery life. In the next generation, I'm hoping to see even better efficiency, whether through smarter power management or a slightly larger battery, without adding bulk. Longer time between charges means more freedom to wear the ring continuously, especially during travel or busy weeks, and that's exactly the kind of upgrade that keeps wearables user-friendly.
What do you want to see on the Oura Ring 5?
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Refined design cues
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Haptics
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Will there be an Oura Ring 5?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
As of now, Oura hasn't officially confirmed the existence or release timeline of an Oura Ring 5. Since we're not even a year into the current generation, that's not too surprising. The company typically keeps future product plans under wraps until it's ready to make an announcement. That said, given the success and popularity of the current generation, it seems likely that a next-gen model is in the works, or will be soon. Oura Ring 2 — announced in November 2017
announced in November 2017 Oura Ring 3 — October 3, 2021
October 3, 2021 Oura Ring 4 — October 15, 2024
The latest Oura Ring launched almost exactly three years after its predecessor, each arriving in October. My best guess is that we'll have a similarly long wait for the next model. Oura doesn't release new hardware annually like many smartwatch brands. The wait might seem taxing, but it also means we are much more likely to see significant upgrades from generation to generation.
Should you wait for the Oura Ring 5?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Waiting for the next Oura Ring might sound okay in theory, but in practice, it means missing out on months, or even years, of useful health insights. The Oura Ring 5 isn't around the corner, and given Oura's release cadence, it probably won't be for quite a while. The current model, the Oura Ring 4, already nails the fundamentals: holistic wellness tracking, accurate sleep monitoring, and a low-profile design that will fit into your life without fuss. It's a fantastic device that's available now. If you want to optimize your health, putting it off for a future version doesn't make sense.
With that said, the Oura Ring 4 isn't the only smart ring out there. The Galaxy Ring ($399.99 at Amazon) is a solid pick for anyone within the Samsung ecosystem. It's lightweight and comfortable and features unique integration with Samsung phones and Galaxy Watches. The RingConn Gen 2 ($299 at Manufacturer site) and Gen 2 Air ($199 at Amazon) are each good budget-friendly options.
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Android Authority
an hour ago
- Android Authority
Nothing Headphone 1 mix retro cool with new tech, but you need to know this one thing before you buy
Nothing Headphone 1 The Nothing Headphone 1 mark a bold debut in the over-ear headphones space. There are some sound quality inconsistencies with ANC enabled and their heavy, overly-tight frame aren't great for those with a larger head and ears, but with USB-C audio, built-in spatial features, and a rare IP52 rating, Nothing's first-ever cans are feature-rich, uniquely vintage-styled alternatives to the best from Sony, Bose, and Apple. It's a few weeks short of a full four years since Nothing released its first product: the Ear 1 true wireless earbuds. Now, Nothing is taking a huge leap in the audio space by throwing its hat into the over-ear headphones ring. In an increasingly competitive market, the Nothing Headphone 1 stand out by offering a unique design and future-proof features for a reasonable price of $299. I got the chance to test them ahead of launch, and I'm pretty impressed by what the London-based upstart brand has achieved here. Retro fashion and modern functionality Tom Triggs / Android Authority Unlike most over-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone (1) ear cups wear a rounded-rectangle design. While the Headphone 1 are broadly reminiscent of the shape of the Apple AirPods Max, Nothing brings OS-agnostic functionality and industry-leading tech to iOS and Android fans. First impressions are everything, and the Headphone (1) follow in true Nothing fashion with eye-catching transparent elements. The rest of the build is aesthetically pleasing and consists of aluminium components and resilient plastic materials. My first thought was that the outer cup designs look like two Sony Walkman WM-4s strapped to your ears, but they promise and deliver up-to-date functionality. The company didn't skimp on high-end materials, either, fitting 40mm dynamic drivers into each ear cup with 8.9mm polyurethane surrounds. Like 2024's excellent Nothing Ear buds, the headphones launch in attractive Black and White colorways. The Nothing Headphone 1 bring OS-agnostic functionality and industry-leading audio tech to iOS and Android fans. Contrary to many of their competitors, the Nothing Headphone 1 opt for tactile buttons instead of touch controls. While this can inadvertently alter the fit and affect active noise cancelation (ANC) and sound quality during use, I like it in this instance. Despite my longer hair, I found I could conduct most commands without much issue. The only problem I experienced during the review period was with the roller on the right ear cup. In ideal conditions, this can be pressed to play or pause music, held to activate ANC or transparency mode, or scrolled horizontally to adjust volume. However, the roller seems to struggle registering volume swipes when hair gets in the way, which is a little annoying. Tom Triggs / Android Authority The ear cups feature plush polyurethane memory foam that should mold to most head shapes. The headphones feature an intuitive paddle control for track skipping and for answering or ending calls. If you feel like replaying a catchy riff, you can hold the paddle in either direction to fast forward or rewind songs by 10-second increments. However, this feature isn't supported ubiquitously — for example, I couldn't get it to work on Spotify, but I used it successfully with my smartphone's built-in media player. Some people will love the Nothing Headphone 1's tactile buttons, while others will miss the ease of touch controls. In addition to the roller and paddle, the Nothing Headphone 1 sport a small circular multifunction button. This can be customized in the Nothing X companion app to activate your phone's voice assistant, navigate through ANC modes, enable spatial audio, and more. Tinkerers can even assign a second function that's executed by pressing and holding the button, allowing easy control of two unique features on the fly. Nothing phone owners can assign the button to activate the company's AI-powered Essential Space organizational hub. This lets you capture voice notes, reminders, and fleeting thoughts without having to navigate through your phone. Likewise, the multifunction button can be assigned to Nothing's new Channel Hop feature, which cycles between recent audio apps and other favorite functions directly from the headphones. However, the latter only works with the newly announced Nothing Phone 3, which is a fairly harsh restriction for long-term Nothing fans. Don't sweat it — Nothing has you covered Tom Triggs / Android Authority The right ear cup houses the button, roller, and paddle for controlling most of the headphones' features. I'm overjoyed to tell you that, unlike most consumer over-ear headphones, the Nothing Headphone 1 feature an IP52 water- and dust-resistant rating. This spells good news for gym fanatics, as the headphones' components are guarded against small solid objects and dripping water at a maximum tilt of 15 degrees. Nothing has seemingly put the cans through their paces with over 50 rigorous reliability tests for drops, twists, sweat, and extreme temperatures. This marks them ahead of industry leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM6, allowing fans to trust them as a reliable companion during sweaty workout regimens. The Nothing Headphone 1's water-resistant design gives it an advantage over industry leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM6. The ear cup padding features polyurethane memory foam that molds to different head shapes. While it's somewhat firmer than some rivals out of the box, the padding should relax over time. Likewise, despite the current oppressive British heatwave, I only experienced mild heat buildup during testing. Nothing claims the ear cushions are oil and makeup-resistant, too, which is good news if you plan on wearing them to the Met Gala. Just be mindful that being oil-resistant doesn't mean they won't stain or need a clean once in a while. Tom Triggs / Android Authority You should be able to achieve 35 hours of ANC-enabled listening time from the Nothing Headphone (1). As far as battery life goes, according to Nothing, the headphones should last 35 hours with ANC and up to 80 hours without it. Our sister site, SoundGuys, is hard at work on a review that will contain all the objective testing measurements you'll ever need, but I can tell you that Nothing's claims more or less match up with my experience after a week of testing. If this holds long-term, we can expect the cans to outperform the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max. For context, those headphones enjoy roughly 32 hours, 27 hours, and 20 hours of ANC-enabled playtime, respectively. The Nothing Headphone 1's battery life falls short only of the Sony WH-1000XM6, JBL Tour One M3, and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Fewer charging cycles generally mean good long-term battery health and slower degradation. However, your mileage will depend on whether you are listening over the SBC, AAC, or LDAC Bluetooth codecs. The last is the most power hungry, meaning you may only receive 30 hours of ANC-enabled playtime and 54 hours without ANC. Nevertheless, those in a bind can fast-charge Nothing's over-ear cans for five minutes to receive approximately two hours and 24 minutes of charge. Auto-play/pause is also supported, so you don't need to worry about the headphones marching through your favorite playlist when you lay them down. Packed with future-proof tech Tom Triggs / Android Authority The Nothing Headphone (1) support USB-C audio and sports a 3.5mm headphone jack. I was particularly excited to learn that Nothing packed the Headphone 1 with many desirable features under the hood. For example, the cans support USB-C audio and sport a 3.5mm port. The former is most beneficial, given that smartphones with headphone jacks are basically dead outside select budget phones. Don't worry if you haven't stocked up on cables, either — Nothing packages a sensibly long USB-C and aux cable in the box. Those prone to scuffing their belongings in transit will also appreciate the headphones' 264g softshell carry case. Downloading the Nothing X app is essential to get the most out of the headphones. For example, you can cycle through the Low, Mid, High, and Adaptive ANC modes. Truthfully, I didn't hear any tangible difference between each of the modes, but perhaps this will be refined in a future firmware update. Nevertheless, the headphones' ANC quells an exceptional amount of noise. I wore the cans while boiling the kettle and was surprised to find I could barely hear it. Conversation and clattering dishware cuts through more, but not so much as to infiltrate your mix when listening to music. Nothing's transparency mode also does an excellent job of amplifying external sounds without being shrill. Just try not to jump when you first hear the breathy sound prompt. The Nothing Headphone 1 enjoy built-in spatial features for movie fans and gamers. The Nothing Headphone 1 also feature native spatial audio with head-tracking. This transforms any stereo mix into a three-dimensional soundscape without necessarily being mixed for Dolby Atmos. While its application for listening to music is questionable, I enjoyed it immensely while streaming shows on Netflix. I didn't notice any latency issues, and even so, the Nothing X app supports Low lag mode if you need improved performance during gaming. Listeners can get set up in a cinch thanks to Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair support. Likewise, those who frequently switch between devices can use Nothing's Dual Connection feature. This lets you connect up to two devices with the Headphone (1) simultaneously. Once set up, you can listen to music on your laptop and answer calls from your phone seamlessly. If you're a klutz like me, you can also use Nothing's Find My feature to locate the headphones. Just be mindful not to test this function while wearing the cans — it's loud! Tom Triggs / Android Authority Nothing's multifunction button controls many handy features on the fly. The Nothing X app hosts four EQ presets for refining your sound. These include Balanced, More Bass, More Treble, and Voice. I relied heavily on the first, although the last is handy if you frequently listen to podcasts or spoken word. You can also customize your own simple EQ preset by dragging three points on a circular visualizer to adjust the Bass, Mid, or Treble. Cutting usually works best, as you're less likely to introduce distortion by overamplifying a specific frequency band. I did notice that boosting one frequency range too aggressively made the other two sound significantly quieter. Audiophiles and the sonic inquisitive will enjoy Nothing's upgraded 8-band custom EQ. Each band can be adjusted by +/- 6dB, and the EQ features new horizontal sliders for fine-tuning each band's frequency and quality factor. The latter controls the bandwidth, which is handy if you want to adjust a wide range of frequencies with the same band. There's even a separate 5-level bass enhancer, if that's your sort of thing. Fans can import a pre-made EQ profile by scanning a QR code or uploading one from their device memory. Likewise, you can share your proudest, most finely-tuned EQ settings with others by generating one of nine genre-specific QR code images. The Nothing X companion app is packed with flagship features. Listeners can customize a basic custom EQ with the three-band visualizer. The Nothing X app unlocks an 8-band custom EQ with horizontal sliders for adjusting frequency and Q factor. Frequent Zoom callers will be pleased to know that the Nothing Headphone 1 have decent call quality. While they don't hold a candle to dedicated condenser microphones, voices are intelligible in most cases. Using my kettle again, I roped my partner into calling me whilst wearing the headphones and making a cup of tea. Like before, the cans did an excellent job of rejecting the kettle's low rumble while retaining the voice. The results were similar even when taking calls out on a breezy day and while tapping a computer keyboard. However, while the headphones quieten keyboard clicks when there is no speech, you may hear some taps when conversing. Overall, Nothing claims the headphones provide 37 hours of ANC-enabled talk time, or 53 hours without ANC. Plush features, minimal padding Tom Triggs / Android Authority The headband isn't plush enough to support super-long listening sessions. So far so great, but it pains me to call out a few stumbles, starting with my biggest gripe: the Nothing Headphone 1 just aren't as comfortable as I'd have liked. For starters, they weigh a very hefty 329g. That's roughly 80g heavier than many top competitors, including the Sony WH-1000XM5, XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Sure, the aforementioned Apple AirPods Max weigh more, but that's not saying much. Apple's over-ear headphones have a fabric headband with a large surface area, distributing the weight more evenly across the head. The same cannot be said for Nothing's headphones. Unfortunately, I found my listening sessions cut short by the minimal padding of the headband. While fine at first, my scalp would begin to exhibit some pain around the two-hour mark. Sliding the telescopic arms for a looser fit helps somewhat in alleviating pressure, but this compromises the seal around the ear. Speaking of which, the Nothing Headphone 1 have a noticeably tight clamping force compared to the competition. While this is useful for achieving excellent ANC performance, it can also cause ear fatigue. This was particularly acute for me, as the ear cups are only just wide enough to accommodate my ears. Anyone with a larger head or ears than mine may struggle to achieve a good fit with these cans. Those with a larger head and ears may struggle to achieve a comfortable fit. While I'm thankful that the headphones come equipped with a carry case, it's a shame they forgo foldable hinges. This would have awarded a smaller form factor and made them much easier to stow in a backpack. The rounded-rectangle shape of the ear cups also means they often collide with one another in transit. While I haven't scuffed them yet, it wouldn't surprise me to notice a few dings on the corners with repeated use. The Bluetooth pairing button is also fairly easy to miss, given its inconspicuous location on the inside of the right ear cup. The headphones' solid sound quality also comes with one minor caveat. Overall, the cans have a pleasing frequency response out of the box, and the available customization is ample. However, the headphones significantly over-emphasize the bass response when ANC is enabled. While this may be rectified in a future firmware update, at present, it requires some rather unwanted fine-tuning with the EQ when switching between ANC modes. Nothing Headphone 1 review verdict: Are they worth it? Tom Triggs / Android Authority The Nothing Headphone 1 are a reasonably priced and feature-rich alternative to rival flagship brands. For $299, they're a compelling and uniquely stylish pair of over-ear headphones for those who want handy tech like USB-C audio, Bluetooth 5.3, and an IP52 rating. The Nothing X app is also comprehensive, and the excellent noise canceling and built-in spatial features are worth the price tag. The environmentally-minded will also appreciate Nothing's claims that the headphones are Amazon Climate Pledge-friendly. Likewise, they reportedly use 100% renewable energy in final assembly, which is a nice touch. However, there are some questionable design choices that are less of an issue with rival cans. The heavy form factor and poor weight distribution mean the cans are tough to recommend if you want superior comfort. Likewise, those with a larger head and ears may struggle with the minimal headband padding and small ear cup size. The Nothing Headphone 1 bring high-end features and a unique design that's best suited for those with smaller heads. Anyone with a bit of extra cash who wants superior comfort should consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429 at Amazon). In addition to more supple padding and foldable hinges, Bose's cans support Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless and have excellent noise canceling. Meanwhile, price-conscious listeners will appreciate the JLab JBuds Lux ANC ($79.99 at Amazon). These use ear cups with wide openings at the top to accommodate real ear shapes and have a breathable fabric headband. They also support USB-C audio and enjoy decent sound quality. Those invested in the Nothing ecosystem who want to forgo over-ears altogether should grab the Nothing Ear ($149 at Amazon). While their ANC performance isn't the best, they are comfortable for long listening sessions, have excellent sound quality, and support the LDAC and LHDC Bluetooth codecs. Nothing Headphone 1 MSRP: $299.99 Stylish over-ear headphones. The Nothing Headphone 1 mark a bold debut in the over-ear headphones space, featuring USB-C audio, built-in spatial features, and a rare IP52 rating. See price at Amazon Positives Excellent noise canceling Excellent noise canceling Decent in-call noise rejection Decent in-call noise rejection Unique, IP52 water-resistant design Unique, IP52 water-resistant design USB-C audio support USB-C audio support Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC codec Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC codec 8-band custom EQ Cons Minimal headband padding and tight clamping force Minimal headband padding and tight clamping force Hinges don't fold Hinges don't fold Heavy, uneven weight Heavy, uneven weight Worse sound profile with ANC Worse sound profile with ANC Some Nothing-exclusive features
Android Authority
an hour ago
- Android Authority
Nothing Headphone 1 launched: Brings the heat, but not without trade-offs
Tom Triggs / Android Authority You should be able to achieve 35 hours of ANC-enabled listening time from the Nothing Headphone (1). TL;DR Nothing has launched Headphone 1, its first pair of wireless headphones with a transparent design and solid features. The headphones cost $299 and are available in Black and White color options. They feature 40mm dynamic drivers, IP52 water and dust resistance, Active Noise Cancelation (ANC), physical controls, including a customizable button, and more. Nothing has launched Headphone 1, its first pair of wireless cans that don't look like anything else out there. What Nothing has ensured is that you'll be able to spot someone rocking the Headphone 1 from a mile away. With their unique retro design and transparent body, Nothing's over-ear headphones are definitely a class apart, but can they sound out heavyweights from Sony, Bose, Apple, and the likes? Check out our Nothing Headphone 1 review for our full verdict, or read on for a quick breakdown of all the highlights. Nothing Headphone 1: The basics Tom Triggs / Android Authority The ear cups feature plush polyurethane memory foam that should mold to most head shapes. Headphone 1 make their entry into the Nothing ecosystem nearly four years after the company launched its first earbuds, the Nothing Ear 1. Priced at $299, cheaper than most flagship ANC headphones out there, Nothing's new headphones aim to disrupt a saturated market by marrying a bold design with solid specs. The headphones are visually striking, with transparent elements that match the brand's signature design language. Built with a mix of aluminum and durable plastic, Headphone 1 includes 40mm dynamic drivers and will be available in Black and White color variants. Pre-orders for Headphone 1 will open globally starting July 4, 2025, at and select partners, with sales beginning July 15, 2025. Apart from the US, Headphone 1 will also be available in Europe and the UK at €299 and £299, respectively. Nothing Headphone 1 MSRP: $299.99 Stylish over-ear headphones. The Nothing Headphone 1 mark a bold debut in the over-ear headphones space, featuring USB-C audio, built-in spatial features, and a rare IP52 rating. See price at Amazon Positives Excellent noise canceling Excellent noise canceling Decent in-call noise rejection Decent in-call noise rejection Unique, IP52 water-resistant design Unique, IP52 water-resistant design USB-C audio support USB-C audio support Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC codec Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC codec 8-band custom EQ Cons Minimal headband padding and tight clamping force Minimal headband padding and tight clamping force Hinges don't fold Hinges don't fold Heavy, uneven weight Heavy, uneven weight Worse sound profile with ANC Worse sound profile with ANC Some Nothing-exclusive features Nothing Headphone 1: The meat Tom Triggs / Android Authority The right ear cup houses the button, roller, and paddle for controlling most of the headphones' features. Despite their retro looks, the Headphone 1 pack some modern features and impressive specs. Some key highlights of the headphones include IP52 water and dust resistance, USB-C and 3.5mm audio support, and up to 80 hours of battery life without Active Noise Cancelation (ANC). Nothing claims a quick five-minute charge can give you over two hours of playback. The headphones can also pair with two Bluetooth devices at once and feature a physical roller, paddle, and button for touch-free controls. The button is a unique addition that can be customized to record voice notes, run through ANC modes, enable spatial audio, and more. All these button customizations can be achieved through the Nothing X app, which also unlocks other advanced features like an 8-band EQ, head tracking, and integration with the brand's AI-powered platform. Audiophiles will also appreciate that the headphones have been sound-tuned in collaboration with British hi-fi brand KEF, known for its high-end speakers. You can view the complete specs for the Nothing Headphone 1 in the table below: Nothing Headphone 1 Specs Dimensions Headphones: 173.8 x 78 x 189.2 mm 329g Case: 52 x 220 x 220 mm 264g weight Sound -Drivers: 40mm dynamic -Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz -Diaphragm: PU -Tuning: Sound by KEF Color White, Black Noise Cancelation -Real-time adaptive ANC, up to 42 dB -Transparency mode -4-mic ENC call architecture (6 mics total) Battery Rechargeable, lithium-ion 1,040 mAh Charging USB-C charging Full charge: 120 mins Fast charging: -ANC off, 5 mins charge for 5 hours playback. -ANC on, 5 mins charge for 2.4 hours playback Playback AAC: -Playback with ANC off: up to 80 hours -Playback with ANC on: up to 35 hours LDAC: -Playback with ANC off: up to 54 hours -Playback with ANC on: up to 30 hours Talk Time Talk time with ANC off: 53 hours Talk time with ANC on: 37 hours Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 (10 m range) Dual-device connection: Yes Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC Android 5.1 + | iOS 13 + | Nothing OS App Nothing X Other features -IP52 rating -Google Fast Pair & Microsoft Swift Pair -LED charging/status indicator -On-head detection (auto play/pause) While the device excels in tech and audio performance, comfort could be a sticking point, as we discovered in our review of the Nothing Headphone 1. At 329g, they're heavier than most rivals and feature a firm headband with minimal padding. The tight clamping may hamper the long-term wearing experience, particularly for users with larger heads or ears. And while tactile controls are a nice touch, the roller mechanism can occasionally misfire during use. Nothing Headphone 1: Hot or Not? 0 votes Hot NaN % Not NaN % What do you think of the Nothing Headphone 1? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
an hour ago
- Android Authority
I've used the Nothing Phone 3, and I probably said 'That's fun!' a dozen times
When the very first Nothing phone landed — the Nothing Phone 1 in 2022 — it was a breath of fresh air in an increasingly stale smartphone market. Not only did the Nothing Phone 1 look different from every other phone available at the time, but it offered some pretty stellar specs at a relatively low price. Sure, its cameras were pretty weak and Nothing OS was still finding its footing, but it was a solid opening move for a brand new company. Since then, we've had many other Nothing Phones — five, actually, meaning Nothing has released six phones in about three years. Today, we have the newest entry: the Nothing Phone 3. This is the company's first premium phone since 2023 and the company's first 'true flagship' — a phrase CEO Carl Pei has said about a million times over the past few weeks. I had the chance to get some hands-on time with the Nothing Phone 3 at the launch event in London. While the phone looks and feels a whole lot like previous Nothing phones, the company's knack for finding ways to make smartphones fun again shines through pretty brightly with the Phone 3. Nothing Phone 3 Nothing Phone 3 MSRP: $799.99 Nothing's first 'true flagship.' The Phone 3 is a stylish reinvention of Nothing's Android phone series, now with flagship specs, including a large silicon-carbon battery, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, and a periscope zoom lens with macro photography support. See price at Amazon Familiar yet different C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The Nothing Phone 3's design leaked well before today, and the response has been pretty negative. An Android Authority poll still running as I write this shows well over 50% of responders claiming to 'hate' the design, which is obviously pretty concerning. Now that I've seen it in the flesh, I can say that the new design is…fine? Love or hate the design, but the Nothing Phone 3 feels stupendous to hold. Look, let me be honest, here: I don't understand what Nothing was thinking with the asymmetrical and chaotic placement of the camera lenses on the back of this phone. My friend and colleague Paul Jones says it looks like Nothing asked ChatGPT to design a phone, and now that he's said that, I can't unsee it. It just doesn't look cohesive. However, it was very easy to move past that once I held the phone in my hands. The Nothing Phone 3 is quintessentially Nothing. Just like every other phone this company makes, it feels amazing to hold, better than 90% of all other phones I touch (even ones that cost twice as much). The flat aluminum sides feel terrific, the flat display panel with ultra-thin symmetrical bezels looks amazing, and the overall weight of the phone sits very nicely in your palm. As far as utilitarian design goes, this might be Nothing's finest achievement. The phone comes in two colorways: Black or White. I think the white model looks a lot better than black this year; it certainly is less of a fingerprint magnet. Whichever color you choose, the rails match (silver for White and black for Black). As with other recent Nothing phones, they also both have an Essential Key on the side underneath the power button. Really, it's not all that different from the Nothing 3a Pro we saw earlier this year. Another fun thing to note is the red square on the back of the phone. Not only does this bring a much-needed splash of color to this device, but it also lights up when you're recording video. It's a retro touch that I adore. I love the red square on the back. It lights up when you're recording video! But yeah, those camera lenses do confuse me. The lack of a camera module is also a bit strange as the two lower lenses protrude out the back quite far, and I can already imagine them getting caught on things as I pull the phone out of my pocket. Regardless, the Nothing Phone 3 was a delight to use for the short time I had it. I can only hope that I'd get more used to its idiosyncrasies over time. Goodbye Glyph, hello…Glyph? C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The most iconic aspect of all Nothing phones launched prior to today was the Glyph: various strips of light that appear on the back of the phones. These lights can be purely decorative but can also become utilitarian when you use them as a flashlight, a way to track timers and other countdowns, or as a fill light during video recording. The Glyph has become synonymous with Nothing itself, which is why it's astonishing to say that the Nothing Phone 3 does not have Glyph lights. The Glyph lights are gone, but the Glyph display is here to replace them. Instead, the Nothing Phone 3 has, well…Glyph lights. Nothing swapped out the light strips for a small dot-matrix display that lives in the upper right corner of the phone's back. However, despite this dot-matrix display being fundamentally different from the light strips of yore, Nothing decided to just keep on using the Glyph name for both systems. It's confusing, but whatever. Anyway, the new Glyph loses out on a few of the use cases I described earlier. It's not bright enough to be a flashlight or fill light, but it can still display different types of information. Out of the box, it will tell you how much battery you have left, whether or not the phone is level, and simple info such as the time. There are also mini games (playfully called Glyph Toys), such as Rock-Paper-Scissors. There's even a selfie camera that shows what your face would look like if you turned into an SNES-era video game character. It's easy to swap between tools in the dot-matrix display by pressing a button that lives under the back glass of the phone. You can swap between these various modes using a button on the back of the phone. It's not a touch-sensitive button, so it requires a little bit of force to push it down, but it's an easy and tactile way to swap to a new utility or game. You can tweak each mode (or download new ones) within Nothing OS. In a word, this new Glyph is fun. What's even more fun, though, is that Nothing is offering an SDK for anyone who wants to create tools/toys for the dot-matrix display. The aforementioned leveling tool as well as a Magic 8 Ball toy are examples of community-made Glyph features. The sky's the limit, really, on what people will be able to do with this tiny informational display. As cool as this all is, I immediately missed the traditional Glyph lights. I think a lot of other people will too. Interestingly, during the keynote presentation at the London launch, Carl Pei told us that 80% of all current Nothing Phone users have Glyph lights activated. One would think the company would want to continue to incorporate a feature with such wide adoption, but Nothing apparently thinks people will like this even more. Regardless, the new Glyph is cool and could end up being as big of a hit as the original. Some very welcome spec upgrades C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Unfortunately, during my brief hands-on time with the Nothing Phone 3, I couldn't do any deep testing. Nothing is not allowing camera tests or comparisons, benchmarking, or any other deep examinations. Those will need to wait for the full review coming very soon. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is under the hood here, for better or worse. However, there are a few notable upgrades with the Nothing Phone 3 that I want to call out, even if I couldn't test them. First, the processor powering this phone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. This is a fairly new chipset — newer than even the Snapdragon 8 Elite. However, it is not as powerful as the 8 Elite. The only other commercially available phone with the chipset is the Poco F7, and my buddy Hadlee Simons has a terrific examination of what you can expect from that phone's performance. Obviously, Nothing's version could perform slightly differently, but it's safe to assume that the Nothing Phone 3 will likely be equal to or slightly less powerful than a Samsung Galaxy S24. That's not bad, but does make all the talk of this being Nothing's first 'true flagship' a bit of a red herring. Another notable spec for this phone is the battery, which is absolutely true flagship-tier. It's a silicon-carbon cell, making this one of the very few phones you can get in the United States with this new technology. It has a capacity of 5,150mAh and can charge with a cable at up to 65W or wirelessly at 15W. Once again, I couldn't test any of this out either, but these specs sound very nice and put every smartphone from Apple, Samsung, and Google to utter shame. The Nothing Phone 3 has a silicon-carbon battery and charging speeds that put Samsung, Google, and Apple to shame. Although the camera lens placement on this phone is contentious, I doubt the specs of the cameras will be. Every single lens on this phone has a 50MP sensor underneath and is capable of recording video at 4K/60. There's also a periscope telephoto lens with macro support, making this Nothing's first smartphone to compete with something like a OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro. I'm excited to put these cameras through their paces, as they seem like they could be winners. Other cool spec upgrades include a new 1.5K (2,800 x 1,260) AMOLED display with a 460ppi density and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus on the back and a new Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, an IP68 rating (the first Nothing phone with that distinction), and the option for 16GB of RAM (another first for Nothing). The Nothing Phone 3 is also getting five years of Android upgrades and seven years of security patches, putting it nearly up there with the big boys Samsung and Google. Nothing Phone 3 impressions: Best yet, but will you buy one? C. Scott Brown / Android Authority It will be a while before we can put the Nothing Phone 3 through its paces, but based on previous Nothing phones and the on-paper spec pedigree of this device, I can't imagine it getting anything but high marks. It seems like another solid win for the brand. However, great reviews have always been a feather in Nothing's cap. The problem Nothing has had and will continue to have with the Phone 3 is the fact that Samsung, Google, and Apple exist. Outside of the United States, this might be less of an issue. But the Nothing Phone 3 ($799.99 at Amazon) is coming here (not in a beta program or caveat-laden trial; for real), which puts it in direct competition with those behemoths. Can it even hope to make a dent? Can Nothing sway folks ready to buy a new Galaxy or Pixel? I will readily admit that the price of this phone is very enticing. For what it offers, the $799 entry price is exceptional. Spec for spec, it could handily topple the Galaxy S25 ($809.99 at Amazon), which costs the same. The issue, though, is that any American can walk into pretty much any carrier store and get a Galaxy S25 for a minimal down payment — or even $0. Nothing won't have that advantage. The question thus becomes how many Android geeks will choose to skip something from Samsung or Google to grab this instead. This becomes all the more worrisome when you remember that Samsung has some new foldables launching in about a week and Google has the Pixel 10 series launching in a little more than a month. How is Nothing going to compete with that? I love that Nothing exists. I love that there's a smartphone company that doesn't play it safe. I love that Nothing exists. I love that there's a smartphone company that doesn't play it safe, puts a lot of thought into what it creates, and has an unending willingness to take giant leaps of faith on its products. In a lot of ways, though, the Nothing Phone 3 feels like a make-or-break moment for the brand. Will it be able to fight against the big dogs on their turf, or will it be forced to stick to being a small fish in a small pond forever? I sincerely hope it is able to be the big fish it has always dreamed of being. The Nothing Phone 3 is proof that it has the product to do so — it just needs the buyers to align with its vision.
