I still need a new phone and I’m losing hope - Nothing Phone (3)

Quick Overview

The Nothing Phone (3) falls short of being a true flagship, featuring a last-generation Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chip that compromises battery life compared to modern flagships. Despite its unique transparent design, all 50MP cameras, and new dot LED Glyph interface, the phone's performance and some software quirks prevent it from competing at the top tier, though it offers IP68 water resistance and fast charging at a higher price point than its predecessor.

Key Points: The Nothing Phone (3) is not a 'true flagship' as initially hyped, utilizing a last-generation Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 processor instead of the latest chip. Battery life is a significant drawback, with the Phone (3) lasting only 14 hours and 2 minutes in video playback tests, considerably less than competitors like the Samsung S25 Edge's 21 hours and 7 minutes. All four cameras (telephoto, wide, ultra-wide, and selfie) feature 50MP sensors, offering high resolution across the board, though the rear camera's lens flare is an issue. The phone features a new dot LED Glyph interface, replacing the full Glyph of the Phone (2), which Linus finds more practical for notifications and includes interactive 'Glyph Toys.' The display offers a high resolution (1260x2800) with up to 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and an impressive 4500 nits peak HDR brightness. The Nothing Phone (3) is IP68 water and dust resistant, supports 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wireless charging, and includes WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The price has increased by $100 over the Nothing Phone (2), now starting at $799 for the base model, making its value proposition questionable given its 'almost flagship' status.

Context: Linus Sebastian, a tech reviewer, discusses the newly released Nothing Phone (3). He expresses his long-standing desire to fully embrace Nothing's unique phone designs but has been consistently let down by previous models due to various 'deal-breakers.' This video serves as his first impressions and a detailed review of the Nothing Phone (3), focusing on whether it finally delivers on the promise of a 'true flagship' experience.