Nothing Phone 3 Launches With Glyph Matrix, Snapdragon 8s, and 50MP Cameras

Nothing Phone 3 Brings Big Upgrades—With a Bold New Glyph Matrix

At Squaredtech, we’re watching closely as Nothing makes a bold return with the Nothing Phone 3, announced on July 1, 2025. This flagship arrives after the company’s unusual decision to release the more affordable Phone 3a lineup first in March.

The Nothing Phone 3 starts at $799 and introduces the most radical change to its signature design yet: the Glyph Matrix. This dot-matrix screen replaces the old light strips on the back panel, transforming the phone from a visual gimmick into something that adds functional value.

With a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, 50MP cameras across the board, and a brighter AMOLED display, the Phone 3 looks ready to compete with devices like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. Here’s what stands out.

Read More About Our Article of Nothing OS: The Next Big Disruptor in Mobile Tech? Published on November 14, 2024 SquaredTech

The Glyph Matrix Changes Everything

The Glyph Matrix is Nothing’s major design overhaul for the Phone 3. Instead of light bars flashing in patterns, this new system uses a monochrome dot-matrix display powered by 489 LEDs. A physical Glyph button, hidden under the rear glass, gives users direct control over its functions.

Squaredtech sees this as a shift from aesthetics to utility. Here’s what it can do:

• Show preset or custom images for contact notifications
• Display live widgets like the weather, battery level, and stopwatch
• Work as a timer with visual countdowns
• Act as a low-resolution mirror
• Even play games like rock-paper-scissors or spin the bottle

Nothing plans to launch an SDK so developers can create their own Glyph-based experiences, further expanding its usefulness.

Powerful Specs in a Slimmer Frame

The Nothing Phone 3 is the company’s thinnest model to date—18% slimmer than the Phone 2. Its three-column transparent back panel takes inspiration from New York City subway lines, continuing the brand’s focus on unconventional design.

Under the hood, the hardware stacks up well:

• Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
• AI performance: 60% better than Phone 2
• Display: 6.67″ AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, up to 4,500 nits peak brightness
• RAM/Storage: 12GB or 16GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage

The new 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery supports 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging (exclusive to premium models). Users can expect 50% charge in 20 minutes and full charge in under an hour.

On the software side, it runs Android 15 with Nothing OS. Users get Essential Space, a hardware-button launcher, and Essential Search, an AI-powered tool for natural language search across the device. However, Smart Collections, an AI-based file manager, won’t be ready at launch.

A Serious Camera Setup for Creators

Squaredtech notes that Nothing Phone 3 takes cameras seriously, aiming at content creators and mobile photographers.

The triple rear camera layout includes:

• Main: 50MP, f/1.68, 70% faster than Phone 2
• Periscope: 50MP with 3x optical, 6x digital, and 60x AI Super Resolution Zoom
• Ultra-wide: 50MP, 114° field of view
• Front camera: 50MP for selfies and video

Extra features include:

• LED flash indicator for video
• Portrait Optimizer, Action Mode, Macro Mode
• Lossless 1.5x zoom and multiple presets

Removing the Glyph lights allowed engineers to make the phone thinner and fit smaller, custom camera components, according to head of design Adam Bates. The result is a system that, while not flush, offers better layout balance and high-end performance.

Pricing, Launch Dates, and Market Matchups

Pricing for the Nothing Phone 3 is straightforward:

• $799 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB model
• $899 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB version

Pre-orders start on July 4, 2025, with in-store availability beginning July 10 and general sales July 15. Buyers can choose between black and white models, either from nothing.tech or select retail stores.

Squaredtech sees the Phone 3’s biggest competition coming from:

• Google Pixel 9
• Samsung Galaxy S25 ($800 with Snapdragon 8 Elite)

While the Galaxy S25 may edge out in raw power, the Phone 3 focuses on design innovation and practicality through the Glyph Matrix, custom software, and silicon-carbon battery tech.

First Impressions and What’s Next

Early hands-on reports praise the faster camera app and strong low-light performance. Reviewers like Mat Smith say the results now rival those from the Pixel lineup—a major leap for Nothing.

The Phone 3 strikes a balance between distinct design and practical upgrades. It avoids chasing every high-end spec and instead builds a more deliberate experience. With the Glyph Matrix, brighter display, and fast-charging battery, it’s trying to stand out—not just keep up.

Final Thoughts from Squaredtech

The Nothing Phone 3 isn’t just a refresh—it’s a shift in how the company approaches design and functionality. At Squaredtech, we believe its success depends on how well users embrace the Glyph Matrix as a practical tool, not just a visual gimmick.

With solid hardware, a striking look, and a focus on interaction rather than just aesthetics, the Nothing Phone 3 may finally deliver the meaningful flagship experience Nothing has promised since day one. It’s not the most powerful phone at this price, but it may be the most different—and that might be exactly what people want.

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