Latest news with #Phone(3
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Nothing Phone (3) review: A flagship smartphone for hipsters and geeks
In tech, one of the fundamental ways to become dominant is to make consumers submit to your vision and choose to live within that world. That's why companies like Apple and Nintendo remain so successful, despite releasing several not-so-well-received products over the years. It's not just one product that makes you popular, it's how people believe in the brand and become fans of it. I see a similar pattern with Carl Pei–led Nothing, which is seeking the kind of validation that made Apple and Nintendo household names – not by following a tried-and-tested formula, but by offering a distinctive take on everyday tech products. Its Phone (3), perhaps its first true high-end flagship, may tick all the boxes of what a premium smartphone should be, but at its core, it's a doorway to something more playful. It's an unusual experience, and sometimes it may or may not make sense, especially with the new Glyph Matrix interface. But that's exactly what Nothing wants to be: a company known for doing the unexpected and embracing the strange. In fact, if I am honest, it feels refreshing and welcoming. And it's okay if the Nothing Phone (3) isn't the most spec-heavy smartphone – it has Nothing's own quirkiness through and through. But this time, the ambitions are grand and so is the sticker price. The real question is: does the Phone (3), as baffling and fascinating as it might be, make sense to you? What: Nothing Phone (3)| Price: Rs 80,000 Pick any Nothing device, and there's a distinct dystopian aesthetic to it. I am glad the company is comfortable with its design choices and isn't afraid to express itself. The Phone (3) follows the same path though this time everything feels more polished. The see-through transparent glass back gives the device that signature Nothing feel. The back features a grid pattern, showcasing three printed circuit boards, along with visible screws, circles, and cutouts that give off the vibe of a tech product, not just another smartphone. The cameras, meanwhile, have a rather unusual layout. The three sensors are positioned within specific squares in a separated arrangement: two are lined up next to each other, while the third sits in a corner of the phone, not really aligned with anything else. It feels absolutely wild every time I see the Phone (3). There's something undeniably charming about the Phone (3), with its retro-chic aesthetic. The hipster-friendly, old-school design may be polarising to some, but I kind of enjoy the goofiness and the disturbingly weird vibe at the same time. And honestly, that's okay, as long as you are the right audience for it. The Phone (3) looks beautiful and feels great in the hand. I love holding it in a way I haven't since the iPhone X. It comes in black and white, and the white version, which I have for review, reminds me of the original iPod. The device features an aluminum and glass sandwich design and weighs 218 grams. The Phone (3) also supports the standard IP68 water and dust resistance. For me, the most eye-catching feature of the Phone (3) is a small dot-matrix screen on the top-right corner of the device that powers the Glyph Matrix interface; and it's a nifty experience. At times, it feels a bit gimmicky, but there's a certain thrill to it. And because it's a physical hardware feature (reminding me of the crank on the Playdate console), the interaction feels natural. With the Phone (3), Nothing has done away with the signature 'Glyph' LED strips on the back, the ones that used to light up in complex patterns for notifications, calls, timers, and charging, a staple of its earlier smartphones. In their place is the new Glyph Matrix interface. The idea remains the same: to notify users about things like messages and calls. But this time, since it's a real display, it's more functional. However, unlike many others who have tried (and failed) to integrate secondary displays, Nothing opted for a dot-matrix screen, the kind you often see on buses and at airports displaying important information. The matrix is made up of 489 LEDs and can display monochromatic images. Well, the Glyph Matrix showcases Glyph 'Toys,' as Nothing calls them. Right now, there are a handful of Glyph Toys. Some are simple widgets, like a battery level indicator or a stopwatch. But my favourites are still the games, like Spin the Bottle, Rock, Paper, Scissors, and the Magic 8 Ball. One Glyph Toy that felt silly but fun to me is the one that lets you take photos and turn them into Glyph patterns. It reminded me of how Nintendo made a camera for the Game Boy that let you take photos and convert them into monochrome images. I am hoping to see more Glyph Toys in the future, as Nothing is making it easy to make your own Glyph Toys via an SDK. I think the idea of a dot-matrix display is really fun, even if it may feel a bit silly at times. But that's exactly what makes the Phone (3) stand out from other smartphones. I also liked how you interact with the matrix through the Glyph button, which is built into the rear of the Phone (3). It's a single button that, when pressed, activates the Glyph Matrix, allowing you to cycle through different Toys, with a long press used to activate them. The interaction is simple and intuitive, though I do wish there was some form of tactile feedback. In the Settings menu, you can customise the Glyph Matrix to your liking. A standout feature of the dot-matrix display is how neatly it handles notifications. You can choose to be notified about specific alerts from select apps and even set custom display artwork to appear on the Glyph Matrix, making it easier to recognise what the notification is about at a glance. I also like this notification approach because I don't have to open the phone every time a notification comes in. It's a better way to avoid the madness and anxiety that constant notifications can cause, especially when you don't want to be glued to your phone. The Phone (3) has a 6.7-inch screen size; it's a large, fast OLED display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and reaches up to 1600 nits at maximum brightness, peaking at 4,500 nits with compatible HDR content, which looks really good. The Phone (3) is powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, which is fast but not quite flagship-grade. Nothing is very clear that it's not chasing the spec game with the Phone (3), and I think that makes sense, the longevity of the chip matters most, especially since smartphones these days receive software updates for years. In my time testing the Phone (3), the device felt snappy, and apps opened quickly with no noticeable lag. My review unit is a premium unit with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. The battery life is great: the Phone (3) ships with a 5,150 mAh battery that lasts about two days between charges, even with a mix of 5G and Wi-Fi usage. A compatible 65W wired charger is supported. There's also 15W wireless charging, if you care about it. The Phone (3) runs Nothing's version of Android 15, which offers a relatively clean, fast, and unique experience, thanks to subtle design touches based around dot-matrix art. The design language Nothing has used for the user interface is interesting, and the wide range of customisation options makes the interaction a lot more fun. I particularly enjoyed the monochrome, distraction-free themes. As for updates, Nothing's software policy still doesn't match the likes of Google Pixel devices or Samsung Galaxy smartphones, but it's getting close, with the company promising five Android OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates. A major software addition to the Phone (3) is Nothing's Essential Space app, which leans heavily on AI. The app essentially collects and analyses various screenshots, text, and voice notes. A dedicated button on the side of the phone captures what's on screen, while pressing and holding it records a quick voice note to go along with it. The app then analyses the content to generate summaries, transcriptions, and possible actions such as reminders or to-do lists. Right now, the app is fairly basic, to say the least. Some features, like AI summaries, are hit-or-miss, but others, like Essential Search, show great potential. The Phone (3) has three cameras on the back: a 50MP main camera with an f/1.68 aperture, a 50MP ultra-wide camera with a 114-degree field of view, and a 50MP periscope lens offering up to 3x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom, and 60x AI Super Res Zoom. This will also serve as a macro camera, allowing for clearer close-up shots. The front-facing camera is also 50MP. Photos taken with the Phone (3)'s main camera look good, delivering fine detail and solid dynamic range. I think it performs well in most situations, though low-light performance isn't its strong suit. The ultrawide camera is reasonably good, while the 3x zoom camera is arguably the best of the three. I wouldn't say the Phone (3) beats the top smartphone cameras on the market, but it's remarkably good, especially the 3x zoom, which lets you get incredibly close to subjects while capturing plenty of detail. It's a great option if you enjoy taking macro-style shots. The Phone (3) has more power than I know what to do with. That's the premise Nothing is going for with its first and most expensive smartphone. It's right there, but not quite in the same league as the highest-end options from Apple, Samsung, or Google. In fact, it's the opposite, and that's refreshing. It's a smartphone that goes back to the basics, while still offering a sense of premiumness. The Phone (3) is a forward-looking device, and I admire it for its design and the unique dot-matrix display. At the same time, it's a fascinating puzzle… one that takes some time to figure out. On the surface, Nothing's new high-end smartphone feels deeply nostalgic, rooted in the idea of building a legacy in the way Apple and Nintendo have done. There's a far more interesting device hidden in here, an experience that, at its best, has a sense of humour, if you can understand and relate to it. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
Deccan Herald
10-07-2025
- Deccan Herald
Nothing to host drop pop-up store in Bengaluru this weekend
London-based consumer electronics company Nothing Inc. as part of global drop pop-up store initiative, is going to host an exclusive Phone (3) sale in Bengaluru this pop-up store will be set up at UB City, Bengaluru at 7:00 pm IST. The hundred first customers of Phone(3) will get Headphone (1) worth Rs 21,999 for prospective buyers will get chance to test the Phone (3) and headphones hands-on before making the informed decision to buy the new Search: Gemini-powered AI Mode is now available to all users in Phone (3) retains most of the design elements of the predecessor, such as the see-through back panel, it looks fresh and unique. Additionally, the device features a Glyph Matrix, which replaces the traditional LED-based Glyph is a micro-LED display. It offers smarter, more expressive way to notify the user >This way, user need not have to see the screen to view messages or any notifications and based on allowing them to view only what matters, when it matters, without needing to look up for more and scroll Phone (3) also supports Glyph Toys, a playful extension of Glyph Matrix, which brings quick tools and micro-games to the back of the phone. These include a Glyph Mirror, Digital Clock, Stopwatch, Battery Indicator, and Solar Clock, plus games like Spin the Bottle, all accessible and controlled through a dedicated button on the Phone (3) sports a 6.67-inch 1.5K (2800 x 1260p) AMOLED display with variable 30-120Hz refresh rate, offering up to 4500 nits peak brightness. It is protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass 7i shield and IP68 water-and-dust rating. The device features an in-display fingerprint scanner, a Type-C port, and a single physical SIM slot (with an e-SIM option).Under the hood, it houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 octa-core with Adreno 825 GPU, Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.5, 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, triple-camera module- 50MP main camera with 50 ultra-wide sensor and 50MP 3X Periscope sensor with LED flash on the back, 50MP front camera and a 5,500mAh battery with support for 65W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless Phone (3) comes in two colours—white and black. It is available in two configurations—12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage—for Rs 79,999 and Rs 89, new Headphones (1) too come with a see-through design and features tactile controls built into the physical design. It has a Roller, Paddle, and Button, which promises a more precise and reliable way to adjust volume, navigate media, and switch ANC modes. .The Button is customisable and can be programmed to summon a digital assistant or the Essential Space feature on the Nothing has collaborated with the KEF to custom-design a 40mm dynamic driver to deliver rich, natural audio with deep bass, detailed mids, and crisp treble across all modes, including ANC, Transparency, and Spatial also boasts dual feedforward and feedback microphones and assists in real-time ANC control. With a full charge, it can deliver up to 35 hours of listening time, and a quick 5-minute charge can provide 2.4 hours of playback, all with ANC on. The Headphone (1) comes in two colours—black and white.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Nothing Phone (3) first impressions
Nothing has introduced its latest smartphone, the Phone (3). This flagship device aims to combine a 'thoughtful design' with focused functionality. Starting at Rs 79,999 (excluding offers), the Phone (3) brings updates across hardware, user experience, and software over its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (2). With features like the Glyph Matrix, a pro-level triple rear camera system, and AI-integrated tools, Nothing is positioning the Phone (3) as a device for those looking for more intentional interaction with their tech. Here's what we noticed during our first hands-on experience with the phone. Design and build The Phone (3) continues Nothing's signature transparent design language, now enhanced with a tri-column layout and refined geometry. The R-angle frame improves grip comfort, while the uniform bezels around the display give the device a balanced, symmetrical front. We'll talk more about this in our review. The aluminium frame and clear back panel look well put together and feel secure in hand. Available in Black and White, the phone has a distinct aesthetic that avoids being overly flashy. Despite its larger battery and display, the weight is well-distributed and manageable during daily use. Glyph Matrix and interaction tools One of the most notable changes is the redesigned Glyph Matrix on the back. It now supports app-specific alerts, real-time progress indicators, and contact-based notifications. It also introduces Glyph Toys, which include simple tools like a digital clock, a stopwatch and mini-games that can be accessed using a dedicated rear button. Display and visuals The Phone (3) features a 6.67-inch flexible AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution, capable of reaching up to 4500 nits peak brightness under HDR content. The 30–120Hz adaptive refresh rate, combined with 2160Hz PWM dimming, offered a comfortable viewing experience even in dim light. Performance and software Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, the Phone (3) felt quick while navigating through apps, multitasking, and using the camera. It comes with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB and 512GB. The device runs Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15. In our short testing window, features like Essential Search, monochrome UI modes, and customisable widgets worked without any hiccups. The interface was clean and offered a focused experience. Nothing says the phone will receive 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches, making it a long-term option for users who value consistent support. Camera Phone (3) is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch main sensor with lossless optical zoom, full OIS across lenses, and the ability to shoot 4K 60fps video on all cameras. The pro-designed presets, co-created with professional photographers, aim to simplify cinematic-style photo and video capture. In our early testing, the camera felt responsive with good detail in various lighting situations. The zoom worked without a noticeable drop in image quality, and head-tracking for video kept the frame steady. More comprehensive results will follow in our full review. Battery and charging The 5500mAh silicon-carbon battery is Nothing's biggest yet. According to the company. The 65W wired charging can refill the battery in just under an hour, while 15W wireless charging adds flexibility. After a quick 30-minute charge, the phone had enough power for several hours of moderate usage. These early impressions suggest decent efficiency for day-to-day tasks. What We Think The Nothing Phone (3) brings together design innovation, AI-driven software tools, and a feature-rich camera system in a familiar yet updated package. With the new Glyph Matrix, clean software approach, and upgraded hardware, it feels aimed at users who prefer a minimal but versatile smartphone. The Rs 79,999 starting price includes additional benefits like free Nothing Ear earbuds for early buyers and an extended warranty. It will be available from July 15 across Flipkart, Vijay Sales, Croma, and offline retail stores. We'll explore its camera tuning, long-term software performance, and real-world efficiency in the full review. So, stay tuned.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Samsung has a new Android phone rival that's like Nothing you've seen before
The team at Nothing is back with a new device that gets one very unique upgrade. Samsung and Google might make some of the most popular phones on the planet, but they are now going head-to-head with another new rival. Nothing has been shaking up the Android market since it launched its first phone back in 2022. Now the UK-based tech giant is back with an all-new call maker called the Phone (3) and it packs one very unique feature that Galaxy and Pixel devices can't match. On the rear case of the Phone (3) is a new Glyph Matrix micro-LED display which offers the ability to see alerts, view timers and even play games without ever using the main 6.67-inch main AMOLED panel on the font. Nothing says the Glyph Matrix has been designed to reduce screen time and streamline how users receive key information. Those who have used or seen Nothing devices in the past will be well aware of the Glyph Interface found on previous phones, which glowed and flashed when calls or texts arrived. That unique system is now gone, with Nothing clearly thinking that this new small screen on the rear panel is more useful. Just like all of predecessors, the Phone (3) looks very different from the norm with it featuring a see-through case that lets you peek inside. There's an improved triple-lens rear camera system on the back as well which offers better shots at night along with the ability to record video in stunning 4K resolution. The Phone (3) is also powered by a fast Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 processor and it features a massive 5150mAh battery which can be fast charged or refilled wirelessly. Of course, like all new smartphones there's also some smart AI included which helps speed up tasks such as searching the web, editing photos and sorting inboxes. 'Tech has become boring; every phone looks the same, feels the same, does the same,' said Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing. 'That's why we took our time. After two years of focused development, Phone (3) is our answer: a flagship built to make tech feel personal again. To spark creativity, reflect identity, and give people more control over how they connect and create. At Nothing, we don't follow trends, we build with intention, and we build with our community.' If any of that sounds enticing, the Phone (3) will be available in black and white in two configurations. There's the 12 GB + 256 GB version for £799 or the 16 GB + 512 GB model for £899. Global pre-orders begin 4 July 2025.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Nothing launches its first ‘true flagship' The Phone 3. Check specs, price and availability
Camera system built for creators Glyph Matrix evolves the back of the phone Specs and performance Design updates Software: Nothing OS 3.5 Playful tools and community-built features Availability and pricing London-based tech company Nothing has unveiled the Phone (3), marking its first official entry into the flagship smartphone category. The device continues the brand's distinct design language while aiming to offer a fresh perspective on what a personal device can Phone (3) features a new camera system designed with creators in mind. It includes a 1/1.3-inch main sensor for improved low-light performance, lossless optical zoom, and the ability to shoot 4K video at 60fps across all lenses with full optical image stabilization. The company has collaborated with professional photographers to offer preset cinematic looks that are accessible out of the of Nothing's signature design elements returns in a new form. The Glyph Matrix — a customizable micro-LED display on the rear — is designed to reduce dependence on the main screen. It provides app-specific alerts, caller ID, and real-time progress indicators. New additions like Flip to Record allow face-down transcription of in-person conversations via the Essential Space by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, the Phone (3) promises improved performance across AI tasks, gaming, and image processing. It's backed by a 5500mAh silicon-carbon battery, offering more than a day's use, and supports 65W wired and 15W wireless 6.67-inch AMOLED display delivers up to 4500 nits peak brightness (HDR), with 1.5K resolution and adaptive refresh rate from 30Hz to 120Hz. It also features PWM dimming at 2160Hz for eye the Phone (3) introduces a tri-column layout and refined geometry, drawing inspiration from modern architecture. Uniform 1.87mm bezels (18% slimmer than the previous model) frame the display. The R-angle shape has been tweaked for better grip and overall Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.5, the phone includes several AI-powered features. Essential Search is a universal smart search bar; Essential Space offers an AI-organized hub for notes and ideas; and Flip to Record enables screen-free says it is taking a more considered approach to AI integration, aiming to build experiences that are genuinely helpful rather than bolted on. The company promises five years of Android updates and seven years of security patches. Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.0 are expected to arrive in Q3 addition to practical tools, Nothing has added playful elements via Glyph Toys — including a digital clock, solar clock, stopwatch, and games like Spin the Bottle. Some features, like Magic 8 Ball and Leveler, were created with input from the Nothing community. A public SDK is available for developers interested in building additional Phone (3) will be available in Black and White with two storage configurations:12GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹62,999 (inclusive of launch offers)16GB RAM + 512GB storage: ₹72,999 (inclusive of launch offers)Pre-bookings have started. Early customers will receive the Nothing Ear (worth ₹14,999) at no extra cost, and an additional one-year extended warranty. Up to 24 months of no-cost EMI will be offered via select banks.
