Why Are People Not Liking This Phone? Where Did the Company Go Wrong?
The Nothing Phone 3 was expected to take the smartphone world by storm. It’s Carl Pei’s third flagship attempt under the Nothing brand and promised a futuristic blend of AI-driven features, a Glyph Matrix, and a more refined transparent design language.
However, after its official launch on July 1, 2025, the initial reactions are not as enthusiastic as expected. Many early users and tech reviewers are now asking the same question — What went wrong with the Nothing Phone 3?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the launch details, specifications, pricing, features, and user disappointment. We’ll also analyze whether you should buy this phone, compare it with rivals, and explore what the company could have done better.
Nothing Phone 3 Launch Details
- Launch Date: July 1, 2025 (Global and India)
- Pre-orders: Started on July 4, 2025
- Sales Begin: July 15, 2025 (Flipkart exclusive in India)
- Retailers: Flipkart, Croma, Vijay Sales, Nothing’s official site
Nothing Phone 3 Price in India (Live Info from Flipkart)
| Variant | RAM + Storage | Launch Price | Current Offer Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 16 GB + 512 GB | ₹94,999 | ₹89,999 (5% Off) |
| Black | 12 GB + 256 GB | ₹84,999 | ₹79,999 (5% Off) |
Source: Flipkart – Nothing Phones
Even with discounts, these prices put the Nothing Phone 3 in a premium category, directly competing with Samsung Galaxy S24, iPhone 15, and OnePlus 12.
Full Specifications of Nothing Phone 3
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67″ AMOLED, 1.5K Resolution, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm) |
| Rear Camera | Triple 50MP (Main + Ultra-Wide + Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 50MP |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0 |
| Battery | 5500mAh, 65W Wired, 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging |
| Operating System | Nothing OS 3.5 (Android 15) |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus, IP68 Rated |
| Software Support | 5 Years OS, 7 Years Security Updates |
What’s New in Nothing Phone 3?
- Glyph Matrix (489 LEDs): Interactive LED panel on the back for notifications, AI patterns, mini-games, and more
- Essential Key: A customizable physical button for quick actions like recording voice memos, AI voice search, and screenshot
- Nothing OS 3.5: Improved privacy controls, AI scheduling, Glyph Composer, redesigned widgets
Why People Are Disappointed: Real Reasons
Despite these strong specs, the Nothing Phone 3 is not receiving the kind of love its previous generations did. Here’s why:
Overpriced for What It Offers
Many users feel that pricing the base model at ₹79,999 (and the higher one at ₹89,999) is simply too much — especially for a phone running a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which is a tier below the top flagship chipset like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in the Galaxy S24 series.
In comparison:
- OnePlus 12 (SD 8 Gen 3) → ₹64,999
- iQOO 12 (SD 8 Gen 3) → ₹52,999
- Samsung S24 → ₹79,999
Hence, people are wondering — Why pay a premium for less power?
The Controversial Glyph Matrix
The rear LED system has now evolved into a pixel-style Glyph Matrix. While the previous designs looked clean and futuristic, this one feels over-engineered. Instead of enhancing functionality, many users say it feels like a party trick that offers no real productivity gain.
Some real user opinions:
“The Glyph matrix looks like a child’s toy now, not a flagship tool.”
– Reddit User, r/NothingTech”“Was very excited for the phone(3) but disappointed now”
– Reddit User, r/NothingTech
Weak Camera Experience
On paper, the triple 50MP rear cameras seem excellent. But early reviews reveal that:
- Night photography struggles with detail
- Color science still needs tuning
- Portrait shots lack edge detection
- No dedicated telephoto lens despite the price
Compared to Pixel 8 or Samsung S23, this falls short in real-world camera performance.
Lack of Carrier Partnerships & After-Sales Support
Nothing still lacks:
- Pan-India service centers
- 24×7 customer helpline
- Official partnerships with major Indian telecom operators (like Jio True 5G or Airtel 5G Plus)
This creates trust issues, especially among non-tech-savvy or general users.
AI Features Feel Gimmicky
While the phone promotes “AI Everywhere,” many features like:
- Essential Space
- AI-generated responses
- Predictive App Opening
…are either buggy or unnecessary in real usage.
Compared to Google’s Pixel AI (Circle to Search, Call Assist), Nothing’s AI feels shallow.
What the Company Could Have Done Better
- Pricing Strategy: They should have launched Phone 3 at ₹59,999 to ₹69,999.
- Premium Chipset: A flagship phone must have a flagship SoC like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- Polished Cameras: With 3 cameras, they should’ve optimized image processing better.
- AI Tools that Matter: Integrate ChatGPT or Gemini natively, not just “record to text” features.
- Simplify Design: Return to clean Glyph lights instead of complex matrices.
Comparison: Nothing Phone 3 vs Rivals
| Phone | Price | Processor | Camera | Charging | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone 3 | ₹79,999 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Triple 50MP, Mixed | 65W Wired | Unique but Overpriced |
| Pixel 8 | ₹67,999 | Tensor G3 | Best-in-class AI camera | 30W Wired | Smarter, Better Images |
| iQOO 12 | ₹52,999 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 50MP + Telephoto | 120W Fast | Performance Beast |
| OnePlus 12 | ₹64,999 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Versatile Flagship Cam | 100W Fast | Premium All-rounder |
Who Should Buy the Nothing Phone 3?
Good For:
- Students who like aesthetic, stylish phones
- Gamers who need good display and battery
- Professionals using AI tools & productivity features
- Nothing fans or design lovers
Avoid If:
- You want pure performance
- You prefer camera-focused phones
- You’re on a budget below ₹60,000
- You need trusted brand support like Samsung or Apple
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique LED Matrix Design
- Clean and Smooth Nothing OS 3.5
- 5-Year Software Support
- 65W Wired + Wireless Charging
- High Brightness OLED Display
Cons
- Overpriced Chipset
- Uninspiring Camera Output
- Gimmicky AI Tools
- No Real Flagship Experience
- Service Support Concerns
Optimized Image Alt Text Suggestions
- Nothing Phone 3 front and back view showcasing Glyph Matrix LEDs
- Close-up of the Nothing Phone 3 triple camera setup
- Nothing OS 3.5 UI on the Phone 3’s AMOLED display
- Comparison chart showing Nothing Phone 3 vs Pixel 8
- Phone 3 placed on wireless charging pad with LEDs glowing
FAQs
1. What is the price of the Nothing Phone 3 in India?
As of July 2025, it starts at ₹79,999 for 12GB + 256GB and ₹89,999 for 16GB + 512GB.
2. Is Nothing Phone 3 worth buying for gaming?
It has a bright 120Hz display and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Good for casual gaming, but not ideal for competitive players.
3. How is the camera quality on the Nothing Phone 3?
Mixed reviews. It’s decent in daylight, but night and portrait modes are not impressive compared to Pixel or iPhone.
4. Does the Nothing Phone 3 support wireless charging?
Yes. It supports 15W wireless and reverse charging as well.
5. How long will Nothing Phone 3 receive updates?
5 years of Android OS and 7 years of security updates.
External References
Read also : vivo Y400 Pro Review: Best Mid-Range 5G Phone 2025
Hi, I’m Vishal Jadhav, tech writer and founder of All Trend Update. I’m passionate about exploring the latest technology trends, gadgets, and software, and sharing clear, accurate, and trustworthy content to help you stay informed in the fast-changing tech world. Based in Pune, I’m dedicated to providing valuable insights you can rely on.