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Nothing Phone 3 Review: A Stylish Flagship Contender

Standing tall as Nothing’s “first true flagship phone,” the Nothing Phone 3 enters the spotlight with bold ambitions and a $799 price tag—putting it head-to-head with heavyweights like the Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, and iPhone 16. If you’re searching for a device that dares to be different, this might be it. But with the competition fierce in 2025, many buyers are wondering: does the Phone 3 deliver flagship performance or just flagship pricing?

Unique Design Makes the Nothing Phone 3 Stand Out

Nothing’s design language has always split opinions, and the Phone 3 is no exception. It ditches the iconic Glyph lighting from its predecessors in favor of the new Glyph Matrix, a dot-matrix-style display that can show icons, animations, and emoji-based notifications. While some fans might miss the signature light show, the Matrix aims for more usability—like showing a WhatsApp icon instead of a generic flash. Still, whether that’s an upgrade or a downgrade depends on how much you value style versus function.

Performance and Features: Is It Flagship-Grade?

Here’s where the debate intensifies. Despite its price, the Nothing Phone 3 is powered by a chipset that feels underwhelming next to its direct rivals. It holds up well in day-to-day use, but if you’re into gaming or pushing your phone’s limits, it might not satisfy. The camera setup also leaves room for improvement, especially compared to the photographic prowess of Samsung, Google, and Apple’s offerings. That said, it does offer impressive storage, fast charging, and a large battery—making it a strong performer in the endurance department.

Should You Buy the Nothing Phone 3?

If design flair, brand uniqueness, and community-led innovation appeal to you, the Nothing Phone 3 deserves your attention. It’s clear the company is carving its own path, from the aesthetics to the quirky Glyph Toy features. But for users who prioritize raw power, camera quality, and tried-and-tested reliability, competing flagships still hold the edge. At $799, it’s not a budget phone—and whether it’s worth the price comes down to what you value more: personality or polish.