Nothing Phone 3 Review: Minimal Design Meets Powerful Performance

Nothing Phone 3, Redefining Smartphones
Nothing, the bold tech brand started by Carl Pei, is back with Nothing Phone 3, aiming to stand out in the crowded smartphone world. With its transparent design and midrange flagship specs, this phone wants to offer premium features without burning a hole in your pocket. In India, it has already created buzz among tech enthusiasts and first-time buyers alike.
If you’re searching for a phone that’s unique in design but strong in performance, the Nothing Phone 3 might be the one. Let’s dig deeper.
Design: Transparent, Minimal, Yet Eye-Catching
A Look Inside: Transparent Design
The Nothing Phone 3 keeps the signature transparent design which allows you to see some of the inner components. It’s minimalistic yet stylish, something very few brands dare to do. It doesn’t only look different, it feels different in hand too.
Build and Ergonomics
The phone is slightly heavier than its predecessor but feels solid. The edges are smooth, and the device is comfortable for daily use. The transparent back also shows off the LED light strips, which can be customized for notifications, giving it a playful but functional twist.
Performance: Midrange Flagship Power
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Processor
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone 3 runs on Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. Multitasking feels smooth, apps open quickly, and gaming is handled quite well for a midrange flagship. While it’s not the absolute fastest in the market, it’s more than enough for most users.
AI Features for Smarter Usage
Nothing OS 2.5 brings AI-powered tweaks to improve battery usage, camera, and app suggestions. These small AI touches make everyday use feel more seamless than phones without such smart features.
Camera: Capture Life Clearly
Triple 50MP Camera Setup
Nothing Phone 3 comes with three 50MP sensors. It’s good for bright daylight shots, portrait pictures, and landscape photography. Colors are vivid and the details are mostly sharp.
Low-Light and AI Photography
Thanks to AI optimization, low-light photography is decent but not flawless. It’s better than most midrange phones but still not matching ultra-premium phones like iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25.
Software: Nothing OS 2.5
Clean and Minimal Interface
Nothing OS 2.5 is clean and intuitive. There’s little bloatware and the animations feel smooth. If you like simplicity without sacrificing features, you’ll enjoy this.
Updates and Security
Nothing promises regular software updates and security patches. So the phone won’t just feel new at launch, it will stay updated for a few years.
Battery Life: Enough for a Day
Battery performance is solid for daily tasks. Streaming videos, casual gaming, or social media scrolling won’t drain it too quickly. Heavy gaming might make it a bit shorter, but overall, it lasts comfortably for a day.
Price and Availability in India
In India, Nothing Phone 3 is priced competitively compared to other midrange flagships. You can buy it online through official retailers or from select offline stores.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique transparent design
- Smooth performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
- AI-enhanced camera system
- Clean and minimal Nothing OS 2.5
- Competitive price in India
Cons:
- Design might not appeal to everyone
- Low-light camera could be better
- Slightly heavier than previous model
Comparison: Nothing Phone 3 vs Competitors
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | Samsung Galaxy S25 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Transparent, minimal | Sleek and uniform | Premium metal and glass |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Exynos 2200 | A16 Bionic |
| Camera | Triple 50MP | Quad 108MP | Dual 48MP |
| OS | Nothing OS 2.5 | One UI | iOS 17 |
| Price in India | ₹79,999 | ₹89,999 | ₹1,19,999 |
FAQs
1. What is special about Nothing Phone 3?
It’s mainly the transparent design and minimalistic interface combined with solid midrange flagship performance.
2. Can it handle gaming?
Yes, it runs most games smoothly thanks to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Heavy games may need reduced settings.
3. How good is the camera in low light?
It’s decent but not perfect. AI helps, but it still lags behind premium flagships in extreme low-light conditions.
4. Will Nothing OS 2.5 get updates?
Yes, regular software and security updates are promised.
5. Where to buy Nothing Phone 3 in India?
It’s available on official websites and authorized online/offline retailers.

