London-based technology company Nothing has officially launched Phone (3), marking a significant milestone as their first genuine flagship device. After two years of focused development, this smartphone represents Nothing’s bold answer to an increasingly homogenised mobile market, bringing back the joy and personality that modern tech seems to have lost.
Phone (3) feels like the natural evolution of everything they’ve been building towards. The company has clearly taken their time to refine not just the hardware, but the entire user experience around what makes a phone truly distinctive.
The new standout feature for their first flagship is the new Glyph Matrix, which replaces traditional notification systems with a micro-LED display on the phone’s back. This isn’t just about looking different—it’s genuinely practical. The system shows app-specific alerts, contact-based notifications, and real-time progress indicators, letting you stay informed without getting sucked into endless scrolling sessions.
What makes this particularly clever is how it encourages users to look up more and scroll less. The Flip to Record feature exemplifies this philosophy perfectly—simply turn your phone face down to start transcribing and summarising conversations through Essential Space. No screen interaction required, which feels refreshingly intuitive.
Glyph Toys adds a playful dimension with quick tools and micro-games accessible through a dedicated rear button. Features like the Glyph Mirror, Digital Clock, and even games like Spin the Bottle show Nothing’s commitment to making technology more engaging. The fact that two features—Magic 8 Ball and Leveler—were co-created with the Nothing Community demonstrates how the company values user input in their development process.
Professional-grade camera system
Phone (3) doesn’t compromise on imaging capabilities. The pro-grade camera system centres around a class-leading 1/1.3″ main sensor that delivers exceptional low-light performance. Lossless optical zoom gets you closer to subjects without quality degradation, while full optical image stabilisation across all lenses ensures sharp, steady 4K 60fps video recording.
The collaboration with professional photographers for pro-designed presets is particularly noteworthy. This approach gives users access to cinematic looks without requiring extensive photography knowledge—something that should appeal to content creators who want professional results without the steep learning curve.
We’ll have a closer look at the camera capabilities once I have the new Phone (3) review unit in my hands soon.
Performance and design refinements
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor delivers substantial improvements over Phone (2). We’re talking about a 36% increase in CPU power, an 88% GPU upgrade, and 60% faster AI task processing. These translate to noticeably smoother multitasking, enhanced gaming performance, and more responsive AI features compared to their predecessor phones.
The design evolution impresses with its tri-column layout inspired by modern architecture. The redesigned R-angle shape improves ergonomics significantly, while the uniform 1.87mm bezels are 18% slimmer than Phone (2), creating a more immersive viewing experience. The 6.67″ AMOLED display reaches peak brightness of 4500 nits for HDR content, ensuring excellent visibility in any lighting condition.
Nothing OS 3.5 emphasises intentional AI integration
Rather than rushing to add AI features everywhere, Nothing has taken a more deliberate approach with OS 3.5. Essential Search provides universal smart search functionality with a simple swipe up from the homescreen. Essential Space acts like a second brain, organising ideas, notes, and content through AI assistance.
The focus on reducing distractions continues with customisation options like monochrome themes and the ability to remove app labels for cleaner aesthetics. It’s clear that Nothing understands that good software design isn’t about adding more features—it’s about making existing interactions more meaningful.
Nothing Phone (3) Australian Pricing and availability details
Phone (3) launches in black and white configurations. The 12GB + 256GB model costs A$1509, while the 16GB + 512GB variant is priced at A$1689. Australian customers can pre-order from 2 July 2025 through Optus and JB Hi-Fi, with global pre-orders beginning 4 July 2025. Open sales commence 15 July 2025.
The device ships with Android 15 and Nothing OS 3.5, with Android 16 and OS 4.0 arriving in Q3 2025. Nothing guarantees five years of major Android updates and seven years of security updates, providing excellent long-term value.
Stay tuned for the review at Craving Tech!
