Nothing Phone 3 Review: Is It Really Worth $799 or Just Flashy Hype?

The Nothing Phone 3 has landed in the U.S., and it’s turning heads with its quirky design and bold promises. Priced at $799, it’s marketed as Nothing’s “first true flagship,” boasting a fresh Glyph Matrix dot-matrix back, a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, and the sleek Nothing OS 3.5.

But with heavyweights like the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE in the same price range, does this phone live up to the hype, or is it just a flashy gimmick?

Let’s dive into the specs, features, and real-world buzz to find out.

Quick Look: Nothing Phone 3 Key Specs at a Glance

Here’s the rundown of what the Nothing Phone 3 brings to the table:

Quick takeaway: Solid specs for the price, but it’s not quite matching the raw power of top-tier flagships.

Design & Build: Flashy, Fun, or Flawed?

Is the Glyph Matrix a head-turner or a gimmick?

The Nothing Phone 3 screams “look at me” with its Glyph Matrix, a 25×25 dot-matrix display replacing the LED strips of past models. This circular grid on the transparent glass back shows notifications, timers, or even playful “Glyph Toys” like Spin the Bottle. It’s undeniably cool in a cyberpunk way, but some might find it a bit… much.

The build quality? Premium. The glass back (protected by Panda Glass) and metal frame feel high-end, though at 8.4mm thick, it’s chunkier than the Galaxy S25 (7.6mm) or Pixel 9 (8.0mm). The flat design offers a comfy grip, but the protruding camera module might annoy some. For U.S. buyers craving something different from the usual Samsung or Google designs, it’s a breath of fresh air—just don’t expect everyone to love the bold aesthetic.

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Performance & Software: Fast Chip, Clean UI

Can the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 keep up with the big dogs?

The Nothing Phone 3’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a step below the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite (found in the Galaxy S25). In Geekbench 6 tests, it scores around 1,500 single-core and 4,000 multi-core—solid but trailing the Pixel 9’s Tensor G5 (1,700/4,800) or OnePlus 13’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (1,800/5,200). Still, real-world use is snappy: apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and games like Genshin Impact run at 60fps without hiccups. The vapor chamber keeps heat in check, too.

Nothing OS 3.5 (based on Android 15) is a highlight. It’s minimalist, with pixelated fonts and fun dot animations that tie into the Glyph Matrix. Features like Essential Space (an AI-powered screenshot organizer) and Flip to Record (auto-summarizing audio) add practical flair. It’s less bloated than Samsung’s One UI and feels more playful than Google’s stock Android. Hardcore Android fans might love it, but it’s not perfect—some testers noted occasional app reloads when multitasking heavily.

Camera System: Pro in Name, Mid in Output?

Can the Nothing Phone 3’s cameras compete with Pixel or Samsung?

The Nothing Phone 3 packs a triple 50MP camera system: a 1/1.3” main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP periscope with 3x optical zoom (up to 60x digital). In daylight, photos are vibrant with good contrast and sharpness, rivaling the OnePlus 12R but falling short of the Pixel 8’s color accuracy. The telephoto lens is a standout for a sub-$800 phone, capturing crisp 3x shots that beat the Galaxy S23 FE’s zoom.

Low-light performance? It’s decent but not Pixel-level. Night shots have vibrant colors but lose some detail compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S25. Video recording at 4K/60fps (main and telephoto) is smooth with solid stabilization, though the ultrawide is capped at 1080p/30fps, which feels limiting. The 50MP selfie camera is sharp but overprocesses in dim light. Compared to the Nothing Phone 2, it’s a clear upgrade, but it’s not dethroning Google’s computational photography.

Battery Life & Charging: Reliable All-Day Power

Will the Nothing Phone 3 last through your day?

The 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery is a beast, delivering about 8-10 hours of screen-on time with mixed use (social media, gaming, streaming). In tests, it outlasted the Pixel 8a (4,400mAh, ~7 hours) and matched the OnePlus 12R (5,500mAh, ~9 hours). Standby drain is minimal, thanks to Nothing OS’s optimization.

With 65W wired charging, it hits 50% in ~20 minutes and 100% in ~45 minutes—faster than the Galaxy S25 (45W, ~60 minutes). The catch? No charger in the box, and while 15W wireless charging is included, there’s no reverse wireless charging. For budget-conscious buyers, the lack of a charger stings, but the battery life and speed are flagship-worthy.

The Glyph Interface: Gimmick or Genius?

Is the Glyph Matrix actually useful?

The Glyph Matrix is Nothing’s boldest design move yet. This 489-LED dot-matrix display on the back shows notifications, call alerts, timers, or battery status with pixelated visuals. You can customize patterns and sync them with ringtones, making it a fun way to personalize your phone. In dark rooms, it’s a visual treat—think retro gaming vibes. But in bright daylight, it’s less noticeable, and some users might find it more style than substance.

Practical uses include a digital spirit level, stopwatch, or even mini-games like Magic 8 Ball. Nothing’s SDK lets developers create more “Glyph Toys,” so the potential is there. For tech enthusiasts, it’s a quirky flex; for others, it might feel like a novelty that wears off.

What’s Missing?

Are there dealbreakers at $799?

• IP Rating: The Nothing Phone 3 has IP68 dust and water resistance, a step up from the Phone 3a Pro’s IP64. No complaints here.
• Wireless Charging: Included (15W), but no reverse wireless charging—unlike the Galaxy S25 or OnePlus 12R.
• Carrier Compatibility: Works on T-Mobile and AT&T without issues, but Verizon users may need to whitelist the IMEI. Limited 5G band support could mean spotty coverage on some networks.
• Software Updates: Nothing promises 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches—decent but dwarfed by Google and Samsung’s 7-year commitments.

Here’s the thing: at $799, these gaps hurt, especially when the Pixel 9 offers better carrier support and longer updates for a similar price.

Nothing Phone 3 vs. Pixel 8 vs. Galaxy S23 FE vs. OnePlus 12R

Value Analysis: The Nothing Phone 3’s $799 price feels steep when the Pixel 8 ($699) offers better cameras and longer updates, and the OnePlus 12R ($499) delivers stronger performance and charging. The Galaxy S23 FE ($599) is a budget-friendly middle ground but lacks the Nothing’s unique design. The Nothing Phone 3 is for style-conscious tech enthusiasts who want a standout device and don’t mind sacrificing some flagship perks.

User Reactions So Far: Love It or Leave It?

What are people saying about the Nothing Phone 3?

• Reddit (r/Android): “The Glyph Matrix is so cool at night, but I barely notice it during the day. Camera’s good, not great—Pixel 8 still wins.” – u/TechNerd22
• YouTube (TechSpurt): “It’s the most interesting phone of 2025, but $799 is a tough sell when the OnePlus 12R is cheaper and faster.”
• Media Snippets:
  • CNET: “The Glyph Matrix is more usable than the old lights… but it’s still a bit gimmicky.”
  • The Verge: “Nothing’s bold design stands out, but it’s not a true flagship.”
  • Android Authority: “Great for those who want a unique phone, but the Pixel 9 offers more for less.”

Common Praise: Unique design, fun UI, solid battery life.
Common Complaints: Pricey for the specs, cameras lag behind Pixel, limited U.S. carrier support.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nothing Phone 3?

Final Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3 is a bold, fun choice for U.S. tech enthusiasts who want to stand out and love quirky features like the Glyph Matrix. But for budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing raw performance and camera quality, the Pixel 8 or OnePlus 12R offer better value. It’s a vibe, not a value king.

Where to Buy Nothing Phone 3 (Best U.S. Deals)

• Official Site: nothing.tech – Base model ($799) and 16GB/512GB ($899) available directly.
• Retailers: Limited availability in the U.S. Check Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H Photo for stock updates. Currently, it’s not widely available outside Nothing’s site due to the beta program.
• Pro Tip: Check latest deals before you buy—it may drop fast post-launch, especially around Black Friday or holiday sales!

What Do You Think?

Would you spend $799 on a phone that lights up with a dot-matrix display? Drop your thoughts below! Subscribe for our hands-on comparisons and deal alerts, or check out our Android accessories roundup for the best Nothing Phone 3 add-ons.