Nothing Phone (3) Review: A Spec-Driven Style Statement

The Nothing Phone (3) hit the market on July 15, 2025, and it’s already sparking chatter! Priced at SGD 1199 for the 16GB RAM/512GB variant, this “true flagship” aims to rival the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 with its bold design and AI edge. Drawing from pre-launch specs and early reviews by tech insiders who’ve tested the real thing, we’re digging into what this phone offers. Is it a fresh pick for young tech fans, or just a stylish shell? Let’s break it down!

Design and Build

The Phone (3)’s transparent back with a tri-column grid and quirky camera layout is a standout, enhanced by the Glyph Matrix—a 25x25 LED dot display that lights up for notifications or mini-games. Reviewers highlight its retro charm, appealing to younger users, though the 217g weight and 8.6mm thickness might feel bulky. The aluminum frame with IP54 rating is solid but fingerprint-prone, and the asymmetrical design divides opinions—some love the flair, others find it odd. Compared to the Z Fold 7’s sleek foldable elegance, it’s more playful than premium, with a case likely needed for durability.

• Pros: Unique Glyph Matrix, eye-catching look.

• Cons: Heavy, fingerprint magnet.

Performance and Features

Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, the 6.67" AMOLED display (2712 x 1220, 120Hz, 4500 nits) handles apps and casual gaming smoothly, per early tests. However, it lags behind the Z Fold 7’s Snapdragon 8 Elite in heavy multitasking, with heat reaching 56°C under stress. Nothing OS 3.5 on Android 15 brings AI notifications and the Essential Key (screenshot/voice note), but AI sorting glitches have been noted. It’s a solid choice for light use or coding, though not a performance leader.

• Pros: Bright display, feature-rich OS.

• Cons: Heats up, mid-tier chip.

Camera System

The triple 50MP setup (main with OIS, ultra-wide, 3x telephoto) earns praise for sharp macros and 4K selfie video, ideal for creative shots. Low-light performance is grainy, and the offbeat layout can confuse framing, making it less versatile than the Z Fold 7’s 200MP main. It’s a fun tool for young photographers, not a pro-grade system.

• Pros: Sharp macros, good selfie video.

• Cons: Noisy in low light, awkward layout.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5150mAh battery lasts a full day with mixed use, outpacing the Z Fold 7’s 4400mAh in early estimates. With 65W wired and 15W wireless charging, it hits 50% in under 20 minutes, though no charger is included. Heat during charging suggests occasional breaks, but it’s reliable for daily tasks.

• Pros: Long battery life, fast charging.

• Cons: No charger, warms up when charging.

Feature	Nothing Phone (3) (512GB, 16GB RAM, SGD 1199)	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (512GB, 12GB RAM, SGD 2698)
Release Date	July 15, 2025	July 9, 2025 (available July 25, 2025)
Dimensions & Weight	163.3 x 76.4 x 8.6mm, 217g	158.4 x 68.1 x 8.9mm (closed), 4.2mm (open), 215g
Display	6.67" AMOLED, 2712 x 1220 (1.5K), 120Hz, 4500 nits	6.5" (cover) & 8.0" (main) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2520 x 1080 (cover), 2184 x 1968 (main), 120Hz, 2600 nits
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM & Storage	16GB LPDDR5X, 512GB UFS 3.1	12GB LPDDR5X, 512GB UFS 4.0
Camera System	50MP (main, f/1.9, OIS) + 50MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) + 50MP (3x tele, f/2.4), 50MP (selfie, f/2.5)	200MP (main, f/1.7, OIS) + 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) + 10MP (3x tele, f/2.4), 10MP (cover, f/2.2), 10MP (under-display, f/1.8)
Battery	5150mAh, 65W wired, 15W wireless	4400mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless
Operating System	Nothing OS 3.5 (Android 15)	One UI 8 (Android 16)
Special Features	Glyph Matrix (25x25 LED display), AI notifications	Foldable design, multi-window multitasking
Build	Glass front/back, aluminum frame, IP54	Glass front/back, aluminum frame, IPX8
Price (SGD)	1199	2698

Verdict

The Nothing Phone (3) at S$1199 is a stylish contender, undercutting the Z Fold 7’s S$2698 with its bright display and battery edge. Its Glyph Matrix and OS charm make it a hit for tech-curious kids aged 6+ who dig its vibe. But its mid-tier chip, camera limits, and weight suggest it’s not a full flagship—more a trendy companion. The IP54 rating and heat issues temper its appeal, so it’s a “wait and see” for younger users. It’s a cool pick if style beats raw power—does it grab you?

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