Nothing, on July 1, unveiled the Phone (3), its first true flagship smartphone, entering the fiercely competitive high-end market dominated by Apple and Samsung. With a transparent back and a unique Glyph Matrix — a programmable mini-LED display replacing the earlier Glyph interface — the Phone (3) brings a bold, controversial design to the table.
Starting at ₹79,999, it goes head-to-head with the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25, both of which maintain more minimal, premium designs. Here’s a detailed comparison of the three devices on paper.
Specifications comparison: Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25
| Specification | Nothing Phone (3) | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED | 6.1-inch XDR OLED | 6.2-inch sAMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Apple A18 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB |
| Battery | 5,500mAh | 3,561mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Charging | 65W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, 25W wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP telephoto | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 50MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Operating System | Nothing OS 3.5 (Android 15) | iOS 18 | One UI 7 (Android 15) |
| Software Support | 5 OS updates, 7 years security | 5–7 years OS updates | Up to 7 years OS updates and security |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 218g | 170g | 162g |
| Price (starting) | ₹79,999 | ₹79,990 | ₹80,999 |
Highlights
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Design: Nothing Phone (3) stands out with its transparent back and Glyph Matrix, whereas Apple and Samsung continue with sleek, understated premium builds.
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Display & Size: Nothing offers the largest screen at 6.67 inches with a high-resolution 1.5K AMOLED panel and 144Hz refresh, while Apple opts for compactness and Samsung balances the two.
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Performance: All three pack top-tier chips, though Nothing offers more RAM (up to 16GB).
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Battery: Nothing also leads with a massive 5,500mAh battery and faster 65W wired charging.
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Cameras: While Nothing brings a triple 50MP rear setup and a 50MP selfie camera, Apple and Samsung maintain more conservative but proven sensor configurations.
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Software: All three promise long-term support, with up to seven years of updates and security patches.
Verdict
On paper, the Nothing Phone (3) impresses with its standout design, larger battery, and high-spec cameras, offering excellent value at its price point. However, Apple’s ecosystem and Samsung’s refinements remain strong contenders, especially for users invested in their respective platforms.
For buyers seeking bold design and raw specs, the Nothing Phone (3) is worth considering. But for those prioritizing polished experience and brand reliability, the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 continue to set the standard.