The company Nothing is famous for its active and engaged community, whose feedback seems to directly impact the design of the company’s upcoming devices. Given the hype surrounding the brand, expectations are understandably high.
In July 2023, the Nothing Phone (2) was launched as an upgrade to the original Nothing Phone (1). Following the usual smartphone release cycles, many anticipated that the Nothing Phone (3) would be next. However, that’s not happening just yet.
Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, has provided some insights into their next flagship phone. Unfortunately, if you were hoping for a launch soon, it looks like you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Here’s all the current information.
When will the Nothing Phone (3) be released?
Considering the previous models were released in 2022 and 2023, it seemed likely that Phone (3) would arrive around the same time this year.
However, a post by Pei on X (formerly known as Twitter) in early June indicated that the next flagship from Nothing may not be released until next year.
Pei mentioned that it is crucial to perfect the Phone (3) by integrating hardware and AI, suggesting that this focus is why the Phone (3) won’t be coming out this year. Nothing wants to deliver a polished product that highlights their AI capabilities.
Though we don’t have a specific release date, based on previous launches, it’s reasonable to expect the Phone (3) to come out in July 2025. Some hints suggest it might even arrive a bit earlier.
According to Yogesh Brar, Nothing is actively developing three new phones, all expected to launch in the first half of 2025. Comments on the X post suggest these might be different versions of the Phone (3), including a 3a and a 3 Pro alongside the standard model.
How much will the Nothing Phone (3) cost?
Past models were priced as follows:
The Phone (1) was one of the top mid-range phones in 2022, largely due to its price. Its successor, Phone (2), utilized a flagship chipset, resulting in a price increase, although it wasn’t the latest silicon available at launch.
If Nothing opts for a more advanced chipset like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the price of the Phone (3) might rise again.
According to 91Mobiles, the upcoming phone could be priced between ₹40,000 and ₹45,000, similar to the Phone (2) launch price, translating to around £579/$599.
What specs and features will the Nothing Phone (3) have?
There have been several leaks about the Phone (3). Android Headlines mentioned a mysterious device with the codename ‘Tetris,’ initially thought to be the Phone (3).
However, BIS certification (via 91Mobiles) suggests this device is likely the first smartphone from CMF, Nothing’s value-oriented sub-brand.
While it’s not the Phone (3), it doesn’t stop us from speculating on improvements over its predecessor.
Design
The earlier Nothing Phone models made compromises in build quality to keep prices low. For the third version, enhancements in protection and durability are expected. Adopting newer glass technology, such as Gorilla Glass Victus, could improve the overall build quality.
Another improvement could be in water and dust resistance. The Phone (2) had an IP54 rating, which is lower than the IP68 rating typical for flagship smartphones. Achieving an IP68 rating would align Phone (3) with industry standards.
Screen & Speakers
We don’t expect major changes to the display for Phone (3) compared to Phone (2), which featured a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and LTPO tech to conserve battery. However, increasing brightness would be beneficial as the current outdoor panel averages 1,000 nits with a peak of 1,600 nits, which is insufficient for real-world use.
Improvements in sound quality and internal speakers could enhance the audio experience, even for those who mostly use Bluetooth earbuds. While Nothing offers its Ear (2) earbuds, users shouldn’t feel obligated to use them constantly.
Performance
Despite the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset in Phone (2), there were concerns about slowdowns in user experience. The Phone (3) might address this by upgrading to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, used in many 2023 flagships.
Alternatively, it could adopt the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which sits between the 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3, allowing it to compete with the best Android phones in performance.
This upper mid-tier chip offers impressive specs, including a Cortex-X4 core at 3GHz, three performance cores at 2.8GHz, and four efficiency cores at 2GHz.
There’s also a possibility of it featuring the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, as indicated by a recent Geekbench listing. This chipset includes an octa-core configuration with 1 prime core at 2.5 GHz, 3 performance cores at 2.4 GHz, and 4 efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz. It reportedly comes with 8GB RAM, achieving benchmark scores of 1,149 (single-core) and 2,813 (multi-core).
Glyph Interface
Building on the advancements made with Phone (2), refining the software is crucial. The Glyph Interface, while innovative, requires practical enhancements. Attracting third-party support for Glyph features could significantly enhance its attractiveness.
The Glyph Interface has the potential to be a major selling point for Phone (3). Exploring new uses, such as creating a universal standard for broader applications, and collaborating with major retailers for unique Glyph features could further boost its unique appeal.
Cameras
Enhancing the camera setup would be a welcome change. Specifically, Nothing could introduce a better primary sensor and address issues with the ultrawide lens.
Improving low-light performance, color accuracy, and reducing shutter lag should also be priorities for Phone (3).
Battery & charging
The Phone (2) features a sizable 4,700mAh battery, with support for 45W wired fast charging. It’s likely that Phone (3) will have similar specifications, keeping it ahead of more premium models like the latest iPhones, Galaxys, and Pixels.
Expectations are high for even more advanced fast charging technology and increased battery capacity. Improved battery density is one direction rivals like Honor and Sony have taken.
Software
If a 2025 launch is planned, the Phone (3) will likely come with Android 15 and Nothing OS 2.5 or Nothing OS 3 pre-installed.
As Pei mentioned on X in June 2024, Phone (3) will be central to the company’s AI initiatives. Therefore, we can anticipate numerous AI features, though specifics remain undisclosed.
We’ll update this article as more details about Phone (3) are revealed. Meanwhile, check out our recommendations for the best current Android phones and mid-range phones to explore the competition.