The Nothing Phone (3) has finally landed in our office in its full retail glory, ready for an in-depth review. We had a brief hands-on during the launch event, but now it’s time to dig deeper.
First up – the unboxing experience.
Inside the box, you’ll find the essentials: a USB-C cable, a SIM ejector pin, and a transparent case that shows off the device’s striking design. The phone is available in two sleek finishes – black and white.
Pricing starts at $799/€799/£799/₹79,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model. For power users, the top-tier 16GB + 512GB version comes in at $899/€899/£899/₹89,999.
The design? It’s definitely a conversation starter. People in our office are either obsessed with it or can’t stand it – there’s no in-between. Its bold looks paired with the ultra-clean Nothing OS based on Android 15 make it feel like a breath of fresh air. If you’re someone who appreciates thoughtful UI design, this combo might win you over instantly.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM delivers top-notch speed. The OS is buttery smooth and arguably more polished than many Android skins out there. It’s one of those things you have to feel to believe – everything just flows.
But it’s not all just aesthetics and speed. Nothing has packed smart, AI-powered software touches, like the Smart App Drawer that intelligently organizes apps into categories, very reminiscent of Apple’s App Library but with a slicker execution.
Plugging in a USB cable triggers a futuristic sound effect and a quick flash of light along the bottom of the screen. Locking the phone results in a beautiful fading effect aligned with the power button – subtle design elements that elevate the experience.
Camera-wise, the app is loaded with creative modes. The B&W Film preset captures moody 50mm shots with rich contrast, while the Lenticular mode adds a trippy, layered filter effect, similar to the wallpapers preloaded on the phone. However, these artistic presets only function with the rear cameras, not the front-facing one – a bit of a missed opportunity.
The Nothing Phone (3) 5G is more than just another Android phone. It’s a statement piece with personality, clever software, and enough performance power to match its bold look.