Nothing Phone (3) Review - Worthy Upgrade or Just a Glorified Phone (2)?

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The Nothing Phone 3 is a premium flagship smartphone with a unique design, enhanced performance, and upgraded features. Priced higher than the Nothing Phone 2, it targets Indian consumers seeking a stylish, powerful device. Below is a concise review and comparison with the Nothing Phone 2.

Nothing Phone 3: Key Features
Design
The Phone 3 features a transparent back with a new Glyph Matrix (25x25 pixel display) replacing the Phone 2's Glyph Interface. It has a "tri-column" design, aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus (back), Gorilla Glass 7i (front), and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Display
It sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution (2800x1260, 460ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, and 4500 nits peak brightness, significantly brighter than the Phone 2's 6.7-inch OLED (1080p, 1600 nits).

Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, it offers a 36% CPU boost and 60% better AI processing over the Phone 2's Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. Configurations include 12GB RAM/256GB storage (₹79,999) and 16GB RAM/512GB storage (₹89,999).

Camera
The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP periscope telephoto (3x zoom), with a 50MP front camera. It improves on the Phone 2's dual 50MP setup (main, ultrawide) and 32MP selfie camera, enhancing low-light and dynamic range performance.

Battery and Charging
A 5,150mAh battery supports 65W fast charging (54-minute full charge) and 15W wireless charging, better than the Phone 2's 4,700mAh battery and 45W charging. No charger is included.

Software
Running Nothing OS 3.5 on Android 15, it includes the Essential Key for AI features and promises five years of Android updates and seven years of security patches, outpacing the Phone 2's shorter support.

Pros

• Premium, durable design with IP68 rating.
• Vibrant 1.5K AMOLED display with high brightness.
• Strong performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.
• Versatile triple-camera system.
• Improved battery life and faster charging.
• Long software support.

Cons

• Higher price (₹66,999 vs. Phone 2's ₹44,999 for 256GB).
• Glyph Matrix and asymmetrical camera design may not appeal to all.
• Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 lags behind Snapdragon 8 Elite in competitors.
• No autofocus for ultrawide camera.
• No LTPO display for adaptive refresh rates.
• No charger included; USB 2.0 port.

Comparison with Nothing Phone 2

• Design: Phone 3's IP68 rating and Glyph Matrix contrast with Phone 2's polycarbonate back and Glyph Interface. Phone 3 feels more premium but less familiar.
• Display: Phone 3's 1.5K, 4500-nit display outshines Phone 2's 1080p, 1600-nit screen.
• Performance: Phone 3's Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is faster than Phone 2's Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, especially for AI tasks.
• Camera: Phone 3's telephoto lens and improved processing surpass Phone 2's dual-camera setup.
• Battery: Phone 3's 5,150mAh battery and 65W charging improve on Phone 2's 4,700mAh and 45W.
• Price: Phone 3 (₹79,999) is pricier than Phone 2 (₹38,999 - current discounted price), impacting affordability.
• Software: Phone 3's longer update commitment (5+7 years) beats Phone 2's shorter support.

The Nothing Phone 3, starting at ₹79,999, offers a premium design, vibrant display, and strong performance, making it a compelling choice for Indian buyers seeking a flagship experience. However, its higher price, mid-range chipset, and design changes may deter fans of the Phone 2's affordability and iconic Glyph Interface. It competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9, appealing to those prioritizing style and camera versatility in India's premium smartphone market.

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