For a corporation that makes such attention-grabbing units, I’ve all the time been underwhelmed by the design of Nothing’s smartphones.
Whereas undoubtedly distinctive, a lot of the expertise was centred across the ‘Glyph Interface’ of lights on the again, which flash, pulse and flicker in all kinds of situations.
Nevertheless, as quickly as I’ve completed reviewing a Nothing telephone, it’s one of many first issues I swap off. I discover the Glyph lights all the time annoying, usually distracting and infrequently helpful.
So, once I heard that Nothing could be ditching them on the Cellphone (3), its first flagship telephone (in the event you can name a £799/$799 telephone a flagship), I used to be excited.
And, after going hands-on with the Cellphone (3), I’m delighted that Nothing has ditched the Glyphs, even when its alternative hasn’t blown me away.
The same design, but in addition very completely different
To say there’s lots happening with the Cellphone (3)’s design could be an understatement. The Glyphs is perhaps gone, however the handset continues to be certain to show loads of heads.
As an alternative of the lights, we now have ‘Glyph Matrix’, a set of 489 monochrome LEDs that can be utilized to indicate much more at-a-glance data than the lights ever might. We’re speaking every thing from caller IDs and app notifications to get together video games corresponding to spin the bottle and even a Magic 8 Ball, which you’ll be able to work together with by way of the brand new ‘Glyph Button’ on the again.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
I’m not going to fake that it is a groundbreaking function (it’s been accessible on Asus ROG gaming telephones for years) and even one thing I’ll use frequently. Nevertheless it’s a hell of much more discreet than large lights, and doesn’t look dangerous when switched off.
To say there’s lots happening with the Cellphone (3)’s design could be an understatement
The highest of the telephone’s again is slightly busy for my tastes, with three digicam lenses and a flash all crammed in alongside the ‘Glyph’ matrix on the high of the telephone.
It’s much less noticeable on the black mannequin, however the semi-transparent design will get a bit misplaced. If you need your telephone to face out from the group, go for the white model.
True flagship sturdiness
Identical to earlier Nothing handsets, the Cellphone (3)’s design will likely be polarising. However nobody can have any complaints in regards to the construct high quality.
With a glass back and front and an aluminium body, the telephone feels noticeably extra premium than the plastic-framed Cellphone (3a) Professional. It has a satisfying weight in your palms, although at 218g, it’s one of many heavier telephones round.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The glass itself is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i on the entrance and Gorilla Glass Victus on the again, each of that are rated to outlive most bumps, drops and scratches. Based mostly on early impressions, the Cellphone (3) is among the few handsets I’d think about using case-free – grip actually isn’t a problem.
The Cellphone (3) is among the few handsets I’d think about using case-free – grip actually isn’t a problem
It’s additionally the primary Nothing telephone to get flagship-level IP68 water and mud resistance, which means it’s in a position to survive submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater and is absolutely protected towards all particles.
No-compromise show, slight-compromise efficiency
I’ve solely used the Cellphone (3) for a couple of minutes, however I can already let you know it has a wonderful show.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel seems to be attractive, providing the mixture of vivid colors and deep blacks that assist content material come alive. A 1260 x 2800 decision isn’t fairly the 1440p we see on some flagships, however the element is on no account missing.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
And even underneath the cruel lighting of a hands-on space, visibility was wonderful. A peak brightness of 4500 nits actually helps!
I’ve solely used the Cellphone (3) for a couple of minutes, however I can already let you know it has a wonderful show
The quick 120Hz refresh charge is reliant on efficiency being sturdy, which is strictly what the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip seems to ship.
It is perhaps one step down from the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite, however alongside a minimum of 12GB of RAM, I doubt you’ll discover except you propose on a number of high-end cell gaming.
Virtually good software program help
Nothing will ship the Cellphone (3) operating Nothing OS 3.5, which continues to be Android 15 underneath the floor.
Consequently, the software program expertise is similar to what we’ve seen on current Nothing telephones. Other than the ‘Glyph Matrix’ performance, the one new function of notice is ‘Flip to Report’ inside the Important House, which is able to begin recording audio while you put the telephone face down and maintain the Important Key, then it’ll transcribe and summarise the recording routinely.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nevertheless, the corporate has confirmed that Nothing OS 4.0, which relies on Android 16, will likely be rolling out in Q3 – that’s any time between now and the tip of September.
Trying additional forward, Nothing will likely be supporting the Cellphone (3) with 5 main OS updates, taking it to a possible Android 20, with safety patches persevering with till 2032.
It’s a formidable improve on the three and four-year dedication for the Cellphone (2), although Samsung and Google nonetheless have the higher hand with seven years of each.
The 2 nice unknowns
After all, there are many issues you possibly can’t take a look at correctly throughout a quick hands-on session. Within the case of the Cellphone (3), that features two areas which might make or break its success.
The primary is battery life. With a beneficiant 5150mAh cell, Nothing claims the Cellphone (3) generally is a two-day telephone with lighter utilization.
Given how good the 4700mAh Cellphone (3a) Professional’s battery life was, I’ve few issues right here, however you possibly can by no means be fairly certain earlier than you take a look at it. Hopefully, the elevated energy calls for of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset gained’t have an excessive amount of of an influence.
Nevertheless, I’m altogether extra involved about digicam efficiency.
On paper, the Cellphone (3)’s 4 50Mp lenses (major, periscope telephoto, ultrawide and selfie) can greater than compete with the common Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25, each of that are priced on the identical £799/$799 start line.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Nevertheless, as we all know, software program processing performs an enormous position within the closing picture you see. And the picture high quality on previous Nothing telephones has beforehand been a small step down in comparison with rivals.
Has Nothing been in a position to handle this on its first-ever flagship? With out correct testing, it’s unattainable for me to reply that at this stage.
Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that the Cellphone (3) is a compelling addition to the flagship smartphone section. Even when it doesn’t have top-tier cameras, I can see loads of folks being tempted to change from a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy telephone.
Pre-orders for the Nothing Cellphone (3) will likely be accessible on 4 July by way of the Nothing web site, forward of a limited-stock ‘Nothing Drops’ launch on 12 July and the total normal sale on 15 July.
To see what else the Cellphone (3) will likely be up towards, take a look at our information to the very best telephones you should buy proper now.