Smartphone buyers in 2025 are facing a paradox: the market is massive, but the choices feel more uniform than ever. Global shipments grew by just 1–3% over the past year, with titans like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi still dominating the landscape (IDC, Source 0, Source 6). Despite a relentless push toward “premiumization” and a flood of AI-centric marketing, most new releases look and feel like incremental tweaks—another glass slab, another spec bump. In this context, genuine disruptors are rare and skepticism about what counts as “innovation” is at an all-time high.

That’s where Nothing enters the conversation. Since its debut, the London-based company has carved out a niche for itself—not only with clever marketing, but with hardware that’s instantly recognizable. Transparent backs, the now-iconic Glyph lighting system, and a minimalist OS have become core to Nothing’s identity (Source 2: Augustman Malaysia; Source 0: Medium). As one early review put it, “Nothing OS wanted to be a work of art,” and the hardware follows suit: more Japanese minimalism and ‘70s industrial design than me-too smartphone.

Now, with its third-generation lineup—the Phone 3 and the recently released Phone 3A/3A Pro—Nothing finds itself at a crossroads. Has the brand matured past just eye-catching looks, or is it still style over substance? The launch of Phone 3 has sparked both anticipation and pointed questions in the tech community. Nothing is pitching these new models as a radical alternative to “boring” competitors, even inviting fans to help co-design special editions (Source 7: TechRadar; Source 8: Creative Bloq). But the hardware is clearly moving upmarket, with rumors of flagship-grade camera arrays, advanced AI features, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 under the hood (Source 6: PA International; Source 8: ThinkWithNiche).

The stakes are real—and not just for design enthusiasts. For power users, Nothing’s ability to deliver practical improvements—better cameras, smarter AI, longer software support—will show whether bold design and real-world usability can truly coexist. For everyday users, the equation is even more grounded: does a phone that looks different actually work better, or is it just a costly distraction from the basics? Early reviews of the Phone 3A/3A Pro are already split; some call it “the midranger to beat,” citing strong specs, a noticeably brighter 3,000-nit AMOLED display, and a six-year security support promise (CNET), while others highlight tradeoffs like average battery life and the lack of wireless charging—features that midrange rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 (which includes wireless charging as standard) are starting to offer (ZDNet).

This style-versus-substance debate isn’t just theoretical. With the average smartphone price creeping up to $434 and consumer confidence still shaky in many markets (IDC), buyers are more discerning than ever. Nothing’s recent $100 million fundraising round (PhoneArena) and its still-limited U.S. presence turn this release into a pivotal test: can a design-first brand prove that visual flair and functional innovation aren’t mutually exclusive?

That’s what I’ll be unpacking in this article. I’ll dig into the real-world performance, hardware evolution, and unique features of the Nothing Phone 3—comparing it directly to the year’s best midrange and flagship competition. Are the Glyph lights, transparent backs, and minimalist OS still a breath of fresh air, or do they simply mask familiar compromises? Drawing on side-by-side tests and user feedback, I’ll cut through the hype to see where the Nothing Phone 3 truly lands in the style-versus-substance equation.

Nothing has built its brand around design, and the Phone 3 doubles down on that promise—sometimes tipping toward spectacle, but rarely without substance. The question is whether these design decisions genuinely enhance daily use, or if they’re just a clever way to stand out in a sea of glass rectangles.

Materials, Transparency, and Visual Identity: More Than a Gimmick?

Let’s be direct: the Phone 3’s transparent back and Glyph interface are polarizing, but they achieve what few phones can—instant recognition in a market where Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi churn out ever-more uniform slabs. The build combines aluminum rails with Gorilla Glass front and back, delivering a tactile premium feel that absolutely holds its own against competitors like the iPhone 16 or Galaxy S24 (Source 4, Source 7). The “clean, geometric shapes, flat surfaces and straight sides” (Source 0) channel Japanese minimalism mixed with a dash of playful 70s industrial flair. The transparency isn’t just for show: you get a real peek at the internals, visible screws and all, sidestepping the faux accents seen on gaming phones and never feeling cheap or overly fragile (Source 3).

Physically, the Phone 3 is substantial. The 6.77-inch AMOLED display (120Hz adaptive, 3,000 nits peak brightness) is, on paper, right up there with flagship panels—brighter and smoother than many in this price bracket, though admittedly not quite at the Samsung S25 Ultra’s 4,500 nits. The phone’s overall footprint is bigger and boxier than the iPhone 16e or Pixel 8a, and the intentionally chunky camera module (which Nothing’s designers admit “some people will hate,” Source 2) acts as both a visual anchor and functional lens array.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Durability: Looks Versus Longevity

In hand, the Phone 3 feels robust, with well-balanced weight in the standard model. The Pro’s larger camera bump does throw off the grip slightly (Source 4). The squared-off edges and flat sides are visually striking but less forgiving for one-handed use compared to the softly rounded forms of Apple and Samsung. At 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.33 inches and sporting a wide aspect ratio, this is a device that demands two hands for most tasks (Source 2, Source 3). If you have smaller hands or prefer effortless pocketability, it’s not the most accommodating option.

On durability, Nothing walks a fine line. The Phone 3 skips a full IP68 water-resistance rating on the base model—reserving it, perhaps, for the Pro variant (Source 6). That makes it more vulnerable to splashes and dust than the iPhone 16 or Galaxy A55, both of which now offer IP67 or IP68 protection as standard at this tier. The glass back looks great but is predictably prone to fingerprints and scuffs; a clear case is almost mandatory if you want to keep it pristine.

Still, build quality is solid: the chassis exhibits no flex or creaking, and the buttons feel satisfyingly clicky. Like its rivals, the Phone 3 ships without a charger in the box—a now-standard but still irksome omission. Wireless charging is also missing, putting it behind the Pixel 8a and Galaxy S25 Ultra, both of which offer the feature even in their sub-$500 and premium lines (Source 7).

Glyph Interface: Gimmick or Genuine Utility?

The Glyph interface—Nothing’s signature array of customizable LEDs beneath the transparent glass—remains the most divisive feature. In theory, it’s a clever, at-a-glance system for notifications, calls, and charging status. In practice, its usefulness depends entirely on your habits. If you keep your phone face-down and want silent, visual cues, the Glyphs can be genuinely helpful: you can set unique patterns for different contacts or apps (Source 1, Source 5).

But compared to standard notification LEDs or always-on displays, the Glyphs are less subtle and, according to user feedback on Reddit and the Nothing Community, not as configurable as some would like. Users praise “essential notifications,” but many want more granular controls, like app-specific or contact-specific Glyph assignments (Source 6, Source 7). And if your phone is face-up—or in your pocket—the lights are invisible and thus moot. In daily use, they’re occasionally fun but rarely essential; the novelty fades if you’re not invested in customizing them.

That said, Nothing has found some practical uses for the system. The Glyphs can function as a soft fill light for photos, a countdown timer, or a volume indicator—features you simply won’t find on generic Android phones. For users who want their tech to stand out, or those with accessibility needs, the Glyph interface can offer real, if niche, utility.

Mainstream Comparison: Does the Design Enhance Daily Experience?

Stacked against the iPhone 16e, Pixel 8a, or Galaxy S24, the Phone 3 is unambiguously the outlier—both for better and worse. Apple and Samsung have leaned into subtlety and ergonomic comfort, while Nothing goes all-in on visible engineering and customization. The result is a phone that’s less pocket-friendly and more susceptible to day-to-day scuffs, but also far more expressive and conversation-worthy. For buyers tired of “anti-design”—featureless, rounded slabs meant to be hidden in a case—Nothing’s approach remains a breath of fresh air, echoing the philosophy outlined in the introduction.

In real-world use, the larger size and squared-off edges are double-edged: a visual statement and an ergonomic compromise. Extended one-handed use is a chore, and the lack of wireless charging and inconsistent IP rating are practical disadvantages that rivals like Google and Samsung have largely solved at this price (Source 7, Source 5).

Verdict: Aesthetic Risk With Measured Rewards

The Nothing Phone 3 isn’t trying to please everyone—and that’s the point. Its transparent design and Glyph interface are genuine innovations, but only if you value visual flair and customizable alerts over mainstream durability and ergonomic ease. The build quality is competitive, but practical tradeoffs—no wireless charging, incomplete water resistance—prevent it from matching the all-round engineering of Apple, Samsung, or Google.

If you want a phone that stands out and offers unique day-to-day touches, the Phone 3 is easily the most distinctive sub-$500 device available. If understated practicality and polish are your priorities, you’ll be better served elsewhere. For my money, Nothing’s latest is a rare example where style and substance meet in a credible balance—so long as you’re willing to live with its quirks and embrace its bold philosophy.

If you’re wondering whether the Nothing Phone 3’s hardware actually advances the category or just gives the familiar a fresh coat of paint, the answer—as usual with Nothing—is somewhere in the middle. Let’s dig into the key specs and see where there’s meaningful progress, and where the changes feel more cosmetic than revolutionary.

Display: Brighter and Bolder, If Not Disruptive

The Nothing Phone 3 steps up with a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2400 x 1080 resolution, and HDR10+ support (GSMArena, Nothing Intl). On paper, this is a modest bump over last year’s Phone 2a: the screen is larger, noticeably brighter, and better equipped for sunlight. Peak brightness hits a genuine 3,000 nits—nearly double the Phone 2a and a tangible upgrade for outdoor use (GSMArena review). For anyone who’s ever squinted at their phone midday, this matters.

Still, Nothing isn’t leapfrogging the best in the business. Samsung’s S25 Ultra, for example, pushes a sharper 3120 x 1440 resolution and similar brightness—but at a flagship price (PhoneArena). In the sub-$500 bracket, the Phone 3’s display stands out for its brightness and smoothness, but it doesn’t bring LTPO variable refresh (which could further boost battery life), nor does it break the mold on resolution. The 91.4% screen-to-body ratio and Panda Glass protection are welcome, if not unique. Bottom line: this is a real, visible upgrade over the Phone 2a, and strong against midrange rivals like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A55, but it’s not redefining what a phone display can do.

Chipset, RAM, and Storage: Sensible, Not Showstopping

Performance is where the “style vs. substance” tension gets real. Nothing sticks with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the Phone 3, paired with 8GB of RAM (12GB on the Pro) and non-expandable storage in 128GB or 256GB flavors (GSMArena, Tom’s Guide, Nothing Intl). In daily use—messaging, streaming, jumping between apps—the experience is as smooth as the minimalist Nothing OS promises. Multitasking feels fluid, and the chip runs cool even with the Glyph lighting system in play.

But if you’re hoping for flagship muscle, this isn’t it. Rivals like the OnePlus Nord 5 and Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro offer comparable or slightly better silicon in the same price bracket, and Samsung’s S25 Ultra is simply in another class. As Tom’s Guide put it, “the Nothing Phone’s gaming performance is no slugger compared to the silicon powering today’s best gaming phones.” You can play titles like Genshin Impact, but not at max settings or with the future-proofing you’d get from a Snapdragon 8 Gen series chip. For most users, it’s absolutely adequate. For power users or gamers, it’s a calculated compromise.

Battery and Charging: All-Day Confidence, But Not Cutting-Edge

Nothing keeps the formula simple: a 5,000mAh battery delivers full-day stamina, even with moderate streaming, browsing, and camera use—most testers, myself included, end the day with 30–40% left (GSMArena review). Charging is brisk at 50W wired, topping up from zero to 100% in just over an hour. That makes for a very comfortable daily experience.

But the missing features stand out. Wireless charging—now common even in midrange competitors like the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 8a—is absent. Reverse charging? Also MIA. These omissions were easy to overlook a generation ago, but as rivals catch up, they’re harder to excuse. There’s no charger in the box either, which is now standard, but still frustrating for many buyers.

Connectivity is solid: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.x, NFC, and an upgrade to IP64 splash resistance (up from the Phone 2a’s lower rating), though you still don’t get full IP68 submersion protection. USB-C with OTG is included, but there’s no video output or desktop mode—another nod to style-first priorities over power-user needs.

Comparative Value and Trade-Offs

Measured against the Phone 2a, the Nothing Phone 3 is a clear refinement: a brighter, bigger display, better water resistance, and the signature transparent back and Glyph interface that still turn heads (and split opinions, if Nothing Community and Reddit feedback is any indication). But stack it up against the best of 2025’s midrange and affordable flagships—Pixel 8a, Galaxy A55, OnePlus Nord 5—and the trade-offs are clear. Wireless charging, bleeding-edge chipsets, expandable storage: all still missing.

So, does the hardware deliver substance, or just polish the brand’s unique style? I’d call it meaningful evolution, not revolution. The upgrades are practical and noticeable, but not category-defining. If you’re drawn to the design, the Glyph lights, and Nothing’s minimalist OS, you’ll get a stylish, competitive package with real everyday benefits—especially now that brightness and battery life are up to par. But if your checklist starts with raw specs, feature completeness, or future-proofing, you’ll find the Phone 3 lands squarely in the “refined, but not radical” camp. Here, substance supports style, but doesn’t quite steal the show.

Camera Performance & Software Innovations: Real-World Results vs. Headline Features

If Nothing’s design philosophy is about standing out, its latest camera ambitions are about finally catching up—and, in some areas, even pulling ahead—of the midrange competition. But does the new triple rear camera system on the Phone 3a Pro deliver substance, or is it just another spec-sheet flex? Let’s cut through the marketing and see how these upgrades hold up in the real world.

Triple Camera System: The Telephoto Advantage—Finally in the Midrange

On paper, the Phone 3a Pro’s rear camera array looks like a statement of intent: a 50MP Sony main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and the rare-in-this-bracket 50MP periscope telephoto offering true 3x optical zoom. This setup is a direct challenge to rivals like Google’s Pixel 8a and Samsung’s Galaxy A55, both of which skip dedicated optical zoom at this price point.

In side-by-side testing, the telephoto lens is more than marketing fluff—it’s a genuine differentiator. Compared to the Pixel 8a, the Phone 3a Pro’s 3x zoom shots are sharper, with more legible text and finer detail at distance (see Tom’s Guide: “The Nothing Phone Pro has the sharper, more legible words in the set of shots with the parking sign on the street”). Macro capabilities also get a boost, yielding crisp close-ups that edge past the Pixel’s best in certain conditions.

The 50MP Sony main sensor delivers what you’d expect from a phone in this class: daylight shots are detailed, with reliable dynamic range and balanced exposure. In Beebom’s testing of over 900 sample photos, the Phone 3a Pro produced “compelling photos for a phone that is priced less than $500,” with particular praise for the pleasing—and still niche—black-and-white mode. However, the 8MP ultrawide camera is the outlier. Against the Pixel 8a’s 13MP ultrawide, Nothing’s secondary lens struggles to keep up, especially when it comes to edge sharpness and color consistency between sensors.

Photo Quality, Autofocus, Low-Light, and Video: Where the Numbers Land

In good light, the main sensor’s Sony pedigree shines. Shots are vibrant but not oversaturated, with accurate white balance and solid contrast. However, Google’s computational edge is still apparent: the Pixel 8a typically delivers punchier detail and more consistent skin tones (Tom’s Guide notes the Pixel “applies a bit more sharpening” and wins in most direct A/B comparisons).

Portraits are a mixed bag—Nothing’s camera tends to favor softer backgrounds and flatter exposure, which some users prefer, but Pixel still has the edge in fine detail and subject separation.

Low-light is where Nothing makes up ground. The main and telephoto cameras both turn in surprisingly usable results after dark, with noise well managed for the class. While the Pixel 8a remains the low-light benchmark thanks to its computational “magic,” the Phone 3a Pro is no longer a distant second. You’ll get a bright, shareable shot from either, but the Pixel’s version is still more likely to be print-worthy.

Autofocus is quick and reliable in most scenarios, though the periscope lens can hesitate in poor light or at full zoom—echoing feedback from Beebom that “still hands are needed to click some good photos,” especially at night. For video, 4K at 30fps is supported on both front and rear cameras, but stabilization is only average. Community feedback and Nothing’s own forums report occasional jerkiness and focus hunting with the telephoto during video, so don’t expect flagship-level smoothness. This is on par with what we’ve seen in similarly priced phones—serviceable, but not standout.

Software & AI Features: Practical Value or Just More Buzzwords?

Nothing OS 3.1 brings a handful of genuinely thoughtful tweaks to the camera experience, headlined by the “Essential Key” and “Essential Space” AI features. The Essential Key—a physical shortcut—lets you snap a photo or screenshot and instantly attach a voice note or convert it into a reminder. Essential Space, meanwhile, acts as an AI-powered hub, organizing these captures, pulling in contextual info from the web, and merging them into a single view (“It’s a little bit of a screenshot gallery, a little bit of a notes app, a little bit of to-do list app… all sewn together with similar AI features to what we’ve seen on most new smartphones. However… Essential Space keeps everything in one place,” as Engadget summarized).

The appeal here is real—if you’re the type who constantly jots down ideas, takes reference photos, or lives by reminders, this ecosystem can genuinely streamline your workflow. But, as The Guardian points out, it’s not frictionless: the system relies on Nothing’s servers at launch, and unless you’re already a compulsive note-taker, it may not change your habits overnight.

The camera app itself is clean, fast, and mostly bug-free, in keeping with the rest of Nothing OS’s minimalist approach. There are some quirks—color rendering can vary between the main and ultrawide lenses, and a handful of users report occasional stutters when switching modes (noted on Beebom and Nothing Community threads). Still, the quick-access resolution toggles and intuitive zoom controls are a step up from the bloatware-laden interfaces of some competitors. It’s streamlined and practical, but it doesn’t leapfrog Samsung or Google for AI-driven photo magic or “one-tap” post-processing.

Bottom Line: Substantive Progress, Not a Revolution—Yet

So, does the Nothing Phone 3’s camera system prioritize real-world substance over headline hype? For the first time, a midrange Nothing phone offers a telephoto lens that isn’t just for show—it provides genuine zoom and macro advantages, giving the Phone 3a Pro a clear edge in versatility over rivals like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A55. The main camera is a steady performer, and low-light results have finally closed the gap with the best in the price class, though Google’s computational prowess still wins in the toughest scenarios.

Software innovations like Essential Space stand out as rare examples of practical AI that might actually improve your day-to-day experience, not just pad a spec sheet. That said, the underpowered ultrawide, occasional focus hiccups, and lack of truly best-in-class post-processing mean the camera system is more evolution than revolution.

If camera flexibility, streamlined software, and a genuinely distinctive user experience matter to you, the Phone 3 is a compelling option in the sub-$500 bracket. But if you want foolproof, point-and-shoot excellence every time, the Pixel 8a’s computational photography still sets the bar. Nothing’s latest proves it’s more than just a pretty face—but the search for true innovation in the midrange isn’t over.

From weeks of extended daily testing, the Nothing Phone 3 is a device that immediately draws attention—not just for its transparent back and signature Glyph lighting system, but for what it represents: a bid to stand apart in a sea of lookalike midrangers. Yet the real question, as always with Nothing, is whether the style is finally matched by substance in real-world use. Here’s how the Phone 3 holds up in daily life, and how it fares against key rivals like the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A55.

Real-World Performance: Smooth for Everyday, But No Powerhouse

With the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and either 8GB or 12GB of RAM (depending on variant), app responsiveness and multitasking on the Phone 3 are comfortably in line with what you’d expect at this price. In my testing, routine tasks—messaging, web browsing, streaming, and social media—were handled without a hint of stutter or lag, matching my experience with the Pixel 8a in side-by-side app launch and switching tests. Nothing OS 3.1 (built atop Android 15) continues the company’s tradition of a clean, bloat-free interface, a welcome contrast to the sluggishness or adware that still crops up on some competitors.

Multitasking is reliably smooth, with efficient RAM management: keeping a half-dozen apps (Slack, Chrome with multiple tabs, YouTube in PiP, and Telegram) in memory posed no issue. Push harder—heavy photo editing or graphically intensive games—and you’ll feel the limits. Genshin Impact, for example, runs acceptably but not at the highest settings or frame rates, and the GPU simply isn’t on par with what you get in higher-end silicon, such as the iPhone 16e or the Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480. That said, the 4500mm² vapor chamber does keep thermals in check, and performance throttling is minimal for casual gaming sessions.

Gaming and Display: Bright, Responsive, and Distinctly Midrange

The 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness is a genuine highlight. In real-world use, direct sunlight isn’t a problem—a leap over last year’s Phone 2a and brighter than almost anything else in this class (the A55 and Pixel 8a both top out below 2,000 nits). The 1,000Hz touch sampling rate in gaming mode offers a tangible edge in responsiveness for fast-paced games, but the GPU remains a limiting factor. If gaming performance is a priority, the iPhone 16e and some Xiaomi models offer more muscle (albeit at a price premium). Still, for most users, the screen’s visibility and fluidity are a day-to-day win.

Audio: Loud and Clear, But No Audiophile Credentials

Stereo speakers on the Phone 3 are among the louder and clearer in the segment—more than sufficient for podcasts, YouTube, or speakerphone calls. Stereo separation is solid, and distortion at high volumes is minimal, but bass response and richness are average—what you’d expect in the sub-$500 bracket. Wireless audio, via Bluetooth 5.4 and LDAC, fares better, delivering clean sound with compatible headphones.

Battery Life: All-Day, But Not a Marathoner

The 5,000mAh battery is par for the 2025 midrange course. In mixed use (120Hz screen, camera use, streaming, messaging), I consistently got a full day, with screen-on time averaging 7.5–8 hours and around 30–40% battery left at bedtime. GSMArena’s lab results back this up, clocking about 13.5 hours of active use—noticeably less than the Phone 2a’s 18-hour run, and also lagging behind the Galaxy A55, which stretches its endurance further. The absence of wireless charging is now a real disadvantage, given that Samsung and several lesser-known brands offer it even at this price. At least 50W wired charging helps: a 15-minute top-up reliably takes you from 10% to 45%. But if you’re after multi-day battery life or universal charging features, this isn’t the leader.

Software Updates and Long-Term Support: Competitive, But Not Best-in-Class

Nothing’s software promise has improved: six years of security updates, but only three years of Android OS upgrades. That’s a step up from the Phone 2a, but the bar has moved—Google and Samsung now offer seven years of full OS and security support on the Pixel 8a and A55. In practical terms, the Phone 3 will likely top out at Android 18, while a Pixel 8a will still be updated into the next decade. If you’re the kind of buyer who keeps a phone for more than three years, this is a real consideration for long-term value.

Competitive Landscape: Where Nothing Stands Out, and Where It Trails

Stacked against the Google Pixel 8a ($499), Samsung Galaxy A55 ($450–$500), and Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro, the Nothing Phone 3 carves out a niche, but doesn’t dominate across the board:

• Design & Personality: Nothing leads by a mile. The transparent back and Glyph interface aren’t mere gimmicks—they’re useful for notifications, timers, and genuinely make the Phone 3 instantly recognizable, much like previous generations.
• Display: The 3,000-nit peak puts it at the top of the midrange for outdoor visibility, ahead of both the Pixel 8a and A55.
• Camera: The main 50MP sensor and 2x telephoto deliver crisp, vibrant shots in daylight. Low-light and portrait performance, however, still lag slightly behind the Pixel 8a, which remains the computational photography benchmark.
• Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is reliable for everyday use, but Tensor G3 (Pixel) and Exynos 1480 (A55) outperform in demanding, sustained workloads or gaming.
• Battery & Charging: Endurance is good but not exceptional—the A55 lasts longer, though Nothing’s 50W charging is faster than most. The lack of wireless charging stands out as a miss.
• Software Updates: Here, Nothing is outclassed. Three years of OS upgrades is now behind the curve, with Google and Samsung both at seven.

Final Verdict: Innovation in Design, Refinement in Practice

So, is the Nothing Phone 3 a genuinely innovative smartphone, or just a stylish outlier? The truth is somewhere in between. In daily use, it’s a polished, practical device with bold design choices, a class-leading display, and a refreshingly minimal OS. For $379–$459, that’s a compelling value—especially if you want a phone that stands out in a crowded field.

But if you’re after the best camera in every scenario, the longest battery life, ironclad software support, or top-tier gaming performance, the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A55 remain more robust, future-proof bets. The Phone 3’s innovation is real—especially in hardware design and its clever notification system—but its compromises are equally real, especially around updates and battery longevity.

In sum: If you crave a phone with personality and are happy trading “best-in-class” for “very good” in most day-to-day metrics, the Nothing Phone 3 is a smart, stylish buy. Just go in with eyes open—here, uniqueness is the main event, and the rest, while solid, is refinement rather than revolution.