Nothing finally goes full flagship, and the Glyph Matrix steals the show.
8.0
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Phone (3) is Nothing’s first true flagship, pairing a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip with a striking transparent design and the playful Glyph Matrix light display on the back. Four 50MP cameras cover every focal length, and the 5150mAh silicon carbon battery keeps it running deep into day two. It is a confident, characterful alternative to the usual slab, even if a few rough edges remain.
Loves
- Striking transparent design with the unique Glyph Matrix display
- Four 50MP cameras including periscope telephoto
- Large 5150mAh battery with 65W fast charging
- Clean Nothing OS with long update promise
- IP68 water and dust resistance
Not For
- Price jump over the Phone (2) stings
- No charger included in the box
- Ultrawide camera lags behind the main sensor
- Glyph Matrix is fun but mostly novelty
The Details
Full Review
Quality
Build quality feels properly premium, with a glass sandwich design, exposed screws and tight tolerances that give the phone real presence in hand. The 6.67 inch 120Hz AMOLED display is bright and smooth, and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 keeps everything fluid. Camera output from the main and periscope lenses is strong in good light, though the ultrawide is the weak link. Nothing OS remains one of the cleanest Android skins, and the five years of OS updates plus seven years of security patches is a serious commitment.
Value
At $799 it sits right beside the Pixel and Galaxy flagships, which is a big ask for a brand built on value. You get distinctive design, solid cameras and excellent software support for the money, and frequent sales have pushed it lower. If you prize personality over spec sheet dominance, the value case holds. If you just want the best camera or the longest support, the mainstream picks still edge it.
You’ll Love It If
Buy it if you want a flagship Android phone with genuine personality and a clean software experience.
Skip It If
Skip it if you need the absolute best cameras or want a charger in the box.
FINAL VERDICT
The Phone (3) proves Nothing can play in the flagship league without losing its identity. It is not the best phone at $799 on paper, but it might be the most interesting. For buyers bored of identical glass slabs, that counts for a lot.
8.0/10
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