Hands-on with the Nothing Phone 3: A tiny, playful dot-matrix screen in its priciest model yet

Nothing Phone 3 introduces a unique dot-matrix Glyph Matrix for $799, offering unparalleled utility and design.

: Nothing has unveiled its most expensive smartphone yet, the Nothing Phone 3, priced from $799 for 12GB RAM up to $899 for 16GB RAM. The main feature is the innovative Glyph Matrix, a dot-matrix display that replaces the previous flashing lights setup. The device boasts a trio of 50MP cameras with various shooting modes and a new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. It also supports fast charging with a silicon-carbon battery, marking it as a technological forefront in Nothing's lineup.

The Nothing Phone 3 marks a significant departure from its predecessors, introducing the Glyph Matrix at its core. This dot-matrix screen, comprising 489 LEDs, replaces the earlier Glyph Interface's flashing lights, evolving into a more practical tool. Available functionalities include displaying monochromatic images, simple widgets such as weather and battery levels, and even engaging in basic games like rock-paper-scissors. Users can customize Glyph patterns and animations, adding a layer of personalization not previously available.

This standout feature isn't just for aesthetics. The Glyph Matrix offers genuine utility, with a Glyph button beneath the glass back enabling interaction. Although it's a single button with no tactile response, mastering its presses will unlock its full potential. At the global launch event, media personnel had the opportunity to test the Glyph mirror, though its selfie capabilities with primary cameras remain elusive.

A key focus of the launch event was photography prowess. The Nothing Phone 3 offers a triple-camera setup, each with a 50MP sensor. The main camera features an f/1.68 aperture, reportedly 70% faster at capturing images compared to the Phone 2. Notable advances include a lossless 1.5x zoom and low-light processing capabilities. The phone incorporates advanced features like Auto Tone, Portrait Optimizer, and Night Mode.

On the performance front, the Phone 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. While this may seem a compromise compared to higher-end chips in competitor models, the device promises a fivefold increase in speed over the Phone 3a. It also includes a silicon-carbon battery capable of reaching 50% charge in 20 minutes and full charge in under an hour with a 65W charger, making battery efficiency a highlight.

The Nothing Phone 3 features a 6.67-inch display with a higher 1.5K resolution than its predecessor. It offers IP68-rated protection, indicative of its robustness, and peaks at an impressive 4,500 nits brightness with HDR content. Available in black and white, it goes on sale on July 15, with pre-orders beginning July 4.

Sources: Engadget, Nothing Tech, Design Milk

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