Key Takeaways
1. The Nothing Phone (3) features a unique rear design inspired by artistic interpretations of smartphone internals, making it visually distinct but harder to take apart.
2. The Glyph Matrix, consisting of 489 LEDs, is integrated beneath the transparent glass back and may require replacement if damaged, showcasing innovative design but added complexity.
3. The Phone (3) offers similar durability to high-end Android devices, with scratch, burn, and bend resistance, despite its unconventional aesthetics.
4. The Essential Key, while a standout feature, is prone to scratching and may lose its shine over time, and the elevated camera rings are at risk of damage.
5. The Phone (3) is made with eco-friendly materials, including 80% recycled steel and 100% recycled aluminum, but its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC and battery size may not meet future industry standards.
The Nothing Phone (3) has been unveiled with a design that can be kindly termed as deconstructed, especially noticeable around its camera bump and the new Glyph Matrix. Popular YouTuber Zach Nelson from the JerryRigEverything channel has compared its look to a Picasso artwork, showing a bit more appreciation for it.
Unique Rear Design
The rear of the Phone (3) features intricate details that are said to be inspired by “an artist’s view of the inside of a smartphone.” Ironically, this artistic flair makes it harder to take off compared to a typical Android phone.
Glyph Matrix and Components
The Glyph Matrix is an additional part that could require replacement if damaged. Fortunately, it’s positioned beneath the transparent glass back panel of the smartphone, making it somewhat safer from harm compared to the Phone (3)’s cameras.
This interface includes 489 separate LEDs and is operated via a small capacitive button on the back. Interestingly, Nothing had to find a wireless charging coil that folds in on one side to make this feature work.
Future of Smartphone Components
Rumors suggest that this kind of component might appear again when the iPhone 17 Pro is ready for disassembly.
The Phone (3)’s appearance on JerryRigEverything indicates that it has scratch, burn, and bend resistance similar to other high-end Android smartphones, despite its unique design.
Essential Key and Camera Concerns
The Essential Key is highlighted as another unique aspect of the Phone (3), despite being similar to OnePlus’ Plus Key. This button has a shiny finish that, as Nelson pointed out, scratches easily and may lose its sheen over time with regular usage.
Additionally, the camera rings on the Phone (3) are quite elevated and could be at risk of damage, especially if a user were to use Mohs hardness picks on its 6.67-inch AMOLED screen.
Sustainability Efforts
Nothing claims to have utilized 80% recycled steel, 100% recycled aluminum, and 100% renewable energy in the Phone (3)’s production, making it more eco-friendly in that regard.
However, this may not counterbalance the device’s other well-known drawbacks, primarily its sub-premium Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC and a relatively small battery (stay tuned for our complete review to get the full insight).
The battery spec (which reaches up to 5,500mAh in India) may start to look less impressive as we move into what 2025 has to offer in the smartphone industry.
Despite everything, the Nothing Phone (3) is available for $799 on Amazon, which is notably less than many “normal” Android flagship phones priced above $1,000.
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