I have had a Nothing Phone (3) since launch, here is my thoughts.
Overall, it’s a good phone; the performance is exactly what you need, and the battery life lasts for one and a half to two days. I’ve been using it as a work phone alongside a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (thoughts on that will come later).
The design is classic Nothing. I’ve been a massive fan of Nothing's design language ever since I tested the first devices from this fairly fresh manufacturer.
The Phone (3) replaces the glyph lights with a small dot-matrix screen. I was open-minded about it, but I have to be completely honest and admit that I prefer the old glyphs. Yes, they provide less information, but in my opinion, they provide enough. And I often used the glyph lights as a torch when I needed a bit less light, or as a fill light when filming or taking photos. The new screen isn’t as good for this. I also found the new screen a bit more fiddly to configure.
The camera is good enough. Very few people actually need anything of higher quality. I’ve used both the Phone (3) and the Phone (3)a Pro in production contexts for Teknisk Ukeblad Media, and I’ve been highly satisfied with the quality.
The software is the best thing about Nothing. Right now, I’m using a Z Fold7 and a Pixel 10 Pro Fold. What I miss the most is Nothing's software. Beautiful monochrome icons, pleasing fonts, and great widgets and quick settings.
If I were choosing a Nothing phone today, I unfortunately wouldn't choose the Phone (3); I would have gone for the Phone (3)a or the Phone (3)a Pro. I’ve tested those as well, and with them, you get more value for money and you get to keep the classic glyphs on the back of the phone.
The Nothing Phone (3) is overall a good phone, but they are trying a bit too hard to innovate. Score: 6/10
