By Jay Hilotin
Nothing, the London-based technology company known for its distinctive design and transparent aesthetics, launched its highly anticipated Phone (3) on Tuesday, hailed as its “first true flagship smartphone,” alongside its inaugural over-ear headphones, the Headphone (1).The dual product unveiling took place at a special event in London, drawing significant attention from tech enthusiasts and industry observers. .Nothing (3a) Series sticks with same UAE prices – but amps up on camera, other features.Nothing unveils Phone (3a), (3a) Pro series release date – here’s what to expect.Nothing unveils CMF Phone 2 Pro: Launch date, specs, price.With Nothing Phone (2a), smartphone brand opens up new price points – and design.The Phone (3) marks a pivotal moment for Nothing, signaling its ambition to compete directly with established premium smartphone brands like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. PricePriced at $799 (approximately €800 or Rs90,500), the device represents a significant leap in pricing compared to its predecessors, reflecting Nothing’s confidence in its upgraded features and capabilities. .Pre-orders open on Friday (July 4).The Nothing Phone (3) will be available in the UAE starting July 12, 2025, with limited units sold early at Dubai Mall before the global release on July 15. The phone is expected to be sold through major retailers in the UAE. Pricing starts at around $799 (about Dh2,930).For Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, the phone is expected to launch around the global release date of July 15, 2025, based on Nothing’s regional expansion and previous product launches, as per MyGSM. It will likely be available through popular online and physical stores across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries..Design, performanceTrue to Nothing’s design philosophy, the Phone (3) retains the brand’s signature transparent back, but with a revamped and enhanced Glyph interface.Moving beyond simple LED strips, the Glyphs now form a dynamic matrix that adapts to various usages, even featuring a unique dot-matrix display that provides real-time feedback for the rear camera during selfies.. This innovative approach aligns with CEO Carl Pei’s vision of creating technology that users actively “engage with” and imbue with meaning. Under the hood, the Phone (3) is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, a robust chipset that, while not the absolute most powerful available for Android devices, promises strong performance to handle demanding applications and user experiences.Screen, camera, batteryThe device boasts a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and responsive interactions. . Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Phone (3)’s impressive camera array, featuring four 50-megapixel sensors: three on the rear (including a periscope lens) and one on the front. A notable design touch is the red dot on the back, which now illuminates to indicate video recording, evolving from its purely decorative role in previous models.Powering these features is a substantial 5,150mAh battery, complemented by support for both wired and wireless fast charging.The phone will be available with options of 12GB or 16GB RAM and storage choices of 256GB or 512GB. .Strategic market pushThe Phone (3) launch also signifies Nothing’s strong return to the US market, with this model being the first since the Phone (2) in 2023 to have a genuine US launch. Preorders for the Phone (3) are set to begin on July 4th, with general availability starting on July 15th through Nothing’s official website and Amazon in the US.It will be fully compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T, with more limited 5G support on Verizon. Accompanying the Phone (3) is Nothing’s first venture into over-ear audio, the Headphone (1). While specific details about the headphones are still emerging, their launch alongside the flagship smartphone underscores Expansion modeNothing’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem and offering a complete user experience. Ben Wood, a leading analyst from CCS Insight, commented on Nothing’s journey, calling it a “striking ‘David and Goliath’ narrative.”He noted the company’s impressive growth, having shipped millions of devices and surpassed $1 billion in revenue since the launch of Phone (1). This success, Wood attributes to Carl Pei’s “relentless determination,” highlighting Nothing’s ability to challenge established players and carve out a unique niche in the competitive consumer electronics market. .Performance: The Phone (3) uses the newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip built on a 3nm process, offering up to 30-40% better performance and improved thermal management compared to the Phone (2)’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This means smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better battery efficiency.Display: The Phone (3) offers a brighter screen (up to 3000 nits peak brightness) with a higher resolution, improving visibility in bright conditions and delivering sharper images.Camera: The Phone (3) significantly upgrades the camera system with a triple rear camera setup including a 3x optical zoom periscope lens and a larger 50MP selfie camera, enhancing photo versatility and quality, especially in low light.Battery: A larger 5150mAh battery with better power management allows longer usage and less heating during intensive tasks.Design & Durability: The Phone (3) upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability and offers IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, compared to IP54 on the Phone (2).Glyph Interface: The Phone (3) introduces the innovative Glyph Matrix, a monochrome LED display on the back that can show custom animations, notifications, and even games, enhancing user interaction beyond simple LED lights on the Phone (2).Software: The Phone (3) ships with Android 15, offering newer features and improved security compared to Android 13 on the Phone (2).Should You Upgrade?If you want the latest flagship performance, better cameras, improved display, and a more durable build, the Nothing Phone (3) is the clear choice.However, if you use your phone mainly for everyday tasks and want a more budget-friendly option, the Nothing Phone (2) still offers solid performance and a unique design at a lower price.