London-based tech startup Nothing has officially lifted the curtain on its highly anticipated Phone (3), showcasing a daring redesign and positioning itself further into the premium smartphone segment. The device, announced at Nothing’s "Change Is Coming" event in London, aims to redefine the brand’s identity but comes with a price tag that may give budget-conscious fans pause.
A Design That Divides Opinion
The Phone (3)’s most striking departure from its predecessors is its unconventional "industrial-modular" design. Gone is the signature transparent back panel with Glyph LED lights—replaced by a matte, segmented rear casing featuring removable magnetic panels. These panels, available in colors like "Steel Gray" and "Bold Red," can be swapped for customization or functional add-ons (e.g., a wallet attachment or extended battery pack). While innovative, the aesthetic has drawn mixed reactions; critics call it "jarring," while proponents praise its utilitarian flair.
Under the hood, Nothing hasn’t cut corners. The Phone (3) boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Nothing OS 3.0—a cleaner Android skin focused on "digital wellbeing." The camera system, co-engineered with imaging specialists from former Nokia teams, features a 50MP main sensor with computational photography upgrades.
The Price of Ambition
With a starting price of €899 (roughly $960), the Phone (3) positions itself squarely against flagship rivals like the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24. This marks a significant jump from the Phone (2)’s €699 launch price. Nothing CEO Carl Pei defended the increase, stating: "We’re delivering materials and innovation that challenge industry norms. This isn’t just a phone—it’s a platform for future expansion."
Early hands-on reviews note the magnetic ecosystem’s potential but question its mainstream appeal. As tech analyst Rita Chen observes: "The modular design feels experimental. Nothing is betting heavy on ecosystem loyalty, but that price requires mass-market confidence."
Market Context and Challenges
Nothing’s bold pivot comes amid cooling global smartphone demand. The brand’s earlier models won fans through affordability and quirky design, but the Phone (3)’s premium shift risks alienating its core audience. Competitors like Motorola and Xiaomi offer similar specs at lower prices, though few match Nothing’s design daring.
For deeper insights into the Phone (3)’s specs and early impressions, check out Notebookcheck’s hands-on analysis:
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Nothing-Phone-3-official-with-a-peculiar-new-design-and-a-somewhat-expensive-price-tag.1048493.0.html
Availability
Pre-orders begin July 15, with global sales starting August 1. Nothing will also sell modular accessories separately, with panels priced at €49–€79. Trade-in programs and bundled offers may soften the blow, but the Phone (3) unmistakably targets early adopters willing to pay for boundary-pushing—and divisive—innovation.
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