The Nothing Phone (3) has emerged as one of 2025’s most divisive smartphones, drawing both praise and criticism for its bold design choices and uneven feature set, according to a detailed review published by 9to5Google. The device continues Nothing’s unconventional approach, prioritizing visual identity and software flair over broad mainstream appeal.
Summary
A new review from 9to5Google describes the Nothing Phone (3) as a highly polarizing device. While its distinctive design and clean software experience stand out, compromises in hardware and pricing limit its mass-market appeal.
Design Remains the Center of Attention
According to 9to5Google, the Nothing Phone (3) doubles down on the brand’s signature transparent design language. The rear panel, complete with visible components and lighting elements, remains the phone’s defining feature.
The design is intentional and immediately recognizable, but it also divides opinion. Some users see it as refreshing in a market dominated by similar-looking slabs, while others view it as unnecessary and distracting.
The review notes that Nothing continues to treat design as a core product feature rather than an aesthetic afterthought.
Display and Build Quality
The Nothing Phone (3) features a large, high-quality display that aligns with expectations for a premium-tier smartphone. According to the review, the screen performs well for everyday use, offering smooth scrolling and strong visual clarity.
Build quality is described as solid, though the phone’s emphasis on visual elements means durability and practicality may not be its strongest selling points compared to more conservative rivals.
Performance and Hardware Trade-Offs
Performance is one of the areas where the Phone (3) draws mixed reactions. 9to5Google reports that while the device delivers smooth performance for typical tasks, its internal hardware does not clearly outperform competitors in the same price range.
The phone handles daily use, multitasking, and common apps reliably. However, power users may notice limitations when compared to similarly priced flagship devices from larger manufacturers.
These trade-offs reinforce the idea that the Phone (3) is not designed to win spec-sheet comparisons.
Software Experience
The review highlights software as one of the Phone (3)’s strengths. Nothing OS continues to emphasize minimalism, consistency, and visual cohesion.
According to 9to5Google, the software experience feels polished and intentional, with fewer unnecessary features and a strong focus on user experience. This approach appeals to users who value clean interfaces over extensive customization.
However, the restrained software philosophy may feel limiting to users who prefer feature-heavy Android skins.
Camera Performance
Camera performance on the Nothing Phone (3) is described as competent but not class-leading. The review notes that image quality is generally reliable in good lighting, but the phone does not consistently match top-tier camera phones in challenging conditions.
This positions the Phone (3) as acceptable for casual photography rather than a standout option for camera-focused buyers.
Pricing and Value Proposition
One of the most debated aspects of the Nothing Phone (3) is its pricing. According to 9to5Google, the phone sits in a competitive segment where buyers expect either top-tier performance or clear practical advantages.
Instead, the Phone (3) offers a distinctive identity and refined software, asking consumers to value design and brand philosophy over raw specifications.
This pricing strategy contributes heavily to the device’s polarizing reception.
Who the Phone (3) Is For
The review emphasizes that the Nothing Phone (3) is not meant to appeal to everyone. It is aimed at users who want a smartphone that looks and feels different, even if that means accepting compromises elsewhere.
For buyers tired of conventional designs, the Phone (3) offers a rare alternative. For others, the trade-offs may outweigh the aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
According to 9to5Google, the Nothing Phone (3) stands out as one of 2025’s most polarizing smartphones. Its bold design, clean software, and strong brand identity make it memorable, but its hardware choices and pricing limit its broader appeal.
Rather than chasing mainstream success, Nothing appears content delivering a phone that sparks conversation and targets a specific audience.
