Latest news with #Phone3a
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Gizmodo
Sorry Haters, the Nothing Phone 3 Looks Good
The Nothing Phone 3 has one of the most outlandish designs of any device out there, and it's ruffled more than a few feathers. Frankly, it's shaken the whole henhouse. Every Nothing device, from Phone 1 through Phone 3a, all featured transparent glass backs and a 'Glyph Interface' full of winding LED strips that would light up with custom alerts or visual cues. That's gone with the Phone 3, replaced with a field of square boxes called the 'Glyph Matrix' that displays simple pixelated images and a trifecta of asymmetrical, misaligned camera bumps. To sum it up, fans hated it, and one word showed up in critiques over and over: 'ugly.' In an interview with Design Milk, Nothing's lead designer, Adam Bates, extolled the Glyph Matrix with its small field of micro-LEDs as more 'expressive,' but he failed to articulate just what the hell was going on with the rest of the device. We're still planning to share our full thoughts on the Phone 3, where we'll compare Nothing's first $800 'flagship' mobile device to other expensive phones, but I'm not here to talk about its supposed less-than-flagship chip or the quality of the cameras compared to other heavy hitters. I'm not even here to talk about how repairable it is compared to other devices. I just want to talk about how the thing looks. Guess what? It looks good. We sit here every day hearing from consumers just how bored they are with the same slab phone design. Every iPhone is practically indistinguishable from the latest Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone—from the flat sides and rounded corners down to the camera bump. We want a design that tells a story, that examines the tech housed inside that chassis of glass and metal. So why is the internet so universally antagonistic to something that tells a story through its aesthetic? The manufacturers of phone cameras often combine all lenses into a single array. That's how most of the larger phone makers procure them—prefabricated. Your regular iPhone 16 Pro places each Sony-made lens in a triangular pattern, but the actual apparatus is connected to the phone's motherboard as one unit. In a teardown of the phone shared exclusively with Gizmodo, the repair gurus at iFixit showed how each camera is an individual unit on the Nothing Phone 3. The repair team said there are four press connectors that attach to the top of the motherboard, and you can remove all three cameras without needing to take out the motherboard. The Phone 3 has a 50-megapixel wide, a 50-megapixel periscope, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. We don't know if Nothing procured its cameras like this because it was cheaper or for some other reason related to supply chains or its mobile design. iFixit told us the cameras are arranged so it may be possible to shift the top telephoto sensor, aligning top to bottom. It's unclear if this would cause some other issue with the device or if the parts sourced for the phone wouldn't allow for cameras to sit in a row. Either way, it comes across as eye-catching, an asymmetry that I would describe as evocative in a way that speaks to the niche online circles who love modding and pseudo-analog tech. It harkens to my growing appreciation for ad hoc-stylized science fiction, specifically all that gets laid under the umbrella of 'cyberpunk.' I've been a little too obsessed with CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 lately, partially because I had to play the game ported to both Switch 2 and Mac in quick succession. The game holds a beauty far beyond the number of pixels it's pushing. It's all down to the inherent design ethos, which you can find in its digital art book. The game's designers took inspiration from classic high-tech, low-society genre sci-fi. Other great examples of this kind of asymmetrical tech can be seen in the many examples inspired by the anime film Ghost in the Shell, down to the Brazilian cover art of William Gibson's seminal 1984 novel Neuromancer designed by artist Josan Gonzalez (we'll have to see if the upcoming Apple TV show can match our collective imaginations). In this art, we see the tech exposed, wires exploding out of devices like exposed veins connected to an LED heart—what would be nonsense and excessive by most standards of engineering. The Phone 3 isn't that explicit, but its glass back and near-nonsensical panels are obviously drawing from this style of tech. The developers of Cyberpunk 2077 managed to encapsulate this style in their game. They crafted four separate archetypes that can help us understand where the Phone 3 fits in. One of those that stands out is 'Entropism'—the idea that crude necessity and slapdash tech can itself be a kind of 'style.' This is the opposite of what the designers called 'Kitsch,' which could be best boiled down to style over substance—or gaudy extremes and neon caked into every crevice, serving no purpose. Then there's 'Neokitsch,' a combination of the former two, extolling excess while working within the confines of practicality. The Phone 3 fits neatly into that category, though its off-white plastic almost has a kind of 'NASA Punk' appearance akin to Bethesda's Starfield. Naysayers lambaste its odd misplacement of the three camera bumps. That asymmetry is not a flaw but a necessity born out of how Nothing decided to source its three cameras. Other teardowns by YouTuber JerryRigEverything show us how the makers of the Phone 3 created a wireless charging coil that's shaped like an apple with a bite taken out of it. This odd shape means it could support the special glyph button used to operate the new Glyph Matrix. Whether or not that button is usable or even useful is another question. Instead, we can take in the design and understand more of why it was built the way it was. There's a beauty in that. It's expression through design and engineering, something that's so rarely seen in today's world of Apple-like, all-too-clean tech. The Phone 3 design isn't what anyone would call 'lo-fi,' but in ways it reminds me of how special effects designers imagine technology. Star Wars is one of the best examples of a high-tech setting with a low-tech aesthetic—born out of director George Lucas and the first film's prop crafters' need to make futuristic devices with whatever was on hand. That history of design extends to today's best Star Wars content. Andor's first season is a perfect example of this. In episode 5, the young idealist Karis Nemik extols the benefits of tech not made by the Empire, that it can be remodeled and remade by its owner. His device is blocky, asymmetrical, and dirty. That's because it was likely an old Polaroid camera, specifically an SX-70, with other bits and bobs stapled to its front and sides. We don't know what all those doohickeys are for, but it drives the imagination. Similarly, the Phone 3 wants me to wonder what each random button does, why the cameras are located where they are, or why it has a red camera light. Even if the answer isn't as engaging as the question, I'm glad it made me wonder all the same. Despite the appearance of modularity, there's nothing to say the Nothing Phone 3 is any more repairable than the company's previous devices. iFixit told Gizmodo the phone is annoying to open since it requires users to remove several adhesive components, including the back cover. If Nothing worked to make its phones the most customizable, the most repairable, and combined that with a look that emphasizes all those, it would be a winner. What if Nothing started to sell parts to its phones while maintaining its 'Neokitsch' style? That would be enough to truly set the brand apart from all the others, and maybe it would be enough to calm the haters… maybe.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Nothing to launch 'T' or 'Lite' smartphone? Here is what we know so far
Nothing Phone 'T' or 'Lite' coming soon: Nothing budget smartphones are reportedly on the horizon, and the buzz is growing around the newly leaked "Lite" and "T" series, which are set to expand the lineup above the popular Nothing Phone 3a models. With Nothing's premium and mid-range offerings under pressure, insiders suggest the brand is preparing more affordable handsets—priced below the ₹20,000 mark—to capture a broader audience. Inspired by successful budget strategies from peers like Xiaomi and OnePlus, these Lite/T variants could mark Nothing's shift from exclusivity to mass-market appeal. If true, this move would signal a significant evolution for Nothing's roadmap, blending distinctive design with wallet-friendly pricing. Stay tuned to see how this expansion could reshape the brand's future in emerging markets. Nothing to launch Nothing Phone 'T' or 'Lite' (Expected) Looks like Nothing could be adding 'Lite' or 'T' branded phones to their models are just not cutting it.. In an X post, tipster Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) asserted that Nothing could reveal budget-friendly, less expensive phones. The handsets that are the subject of speculation might feature "Lite" or "T" branding. It has been reported that this action is being taken because the current premium and mid-range "Pro models are inadequate. Nothing Phone 'T' or 'Lite' expected price in India As a result, the alleged cost-effective "Lite" or "T" branded smartphones from Nothing may be priced under Rs. 20,000 in the country. No timeline for the launch of the rumored models has been proposed. Readers should view this information sceptically, since all we currently possess is the assertion of a tipster. The Nothing Phone 3 is available at a cost of ₹79,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant and ₹89,999 for the 16GB + 512GB option. Meanwhile, the starting prices for the 8GB + 128GB variants of the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro are Rs. 22,999 and Rs. 27,999, respectively.
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Business Standard
18-07-2025
- Business Standard
Nothing rolls out 'Essential Space' update for Phone 3: Check new features
Nothing has rolled out a new update to Essential Space, its AI-powered productivity hub, for the Phone 3. The latest version brings three new features: Google Calendar integration, manual editing for AI-generated content, and an enhanced Essential Recorder with Flip-to-Record functionality. Announced via the Essential account on X (formerly Twitter) and detailed on the company's community forum, the update aims to make Essential Space a more responsive and intelligent tool for managing everyday tasks. Google Calendar integration The standout feature in this update is the ability to sync Essential Space with Google Calendar. The integration allows AI-generated tasks and events to appear automatically in selected Google accounts. This brings tighter personalisation and streamlines scheduling, giving users greater control over their calendars directly from Essential Space. Editable AI summaries and events Essential Space now allows users to manually edit content generated by the AI. If the AI creates a task or schedules an event incorrectly, users can revise the details directly. Whether it's adjusting a meeting time or refining a task description, this new control adds much-needed reliability and flexibility to the AI assistant. Enhanced Essential Recorder with Flip-to-Record The Essential Recorder feature has also been upgraded. Users can now record conversations or meetings, with the AI generating a summary and transcript that can be edited and exported in formats such as image, PDF, or Markdown. A new 'Flip-to-Record' function has been introduced as well. When the device is placed face down on a surface, it automatically begins recording, providing a discreet and intuitive way to capture audio. Rollout and device compatibility These features are currently available on the Nothing Phone 3, with support for the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro expected to follow soon. What is Essential Space Essential Space is Nothing's on-device AI assistant built into Nothing OS. Accessed via a dedicated Essential Key, it acts as a second memory for users to capture voice notes, screenshots, and other content from across the device. The AI processes this input to create summaries, schedule tasks, and suggest actions, making it a central hub for daily productivity. First launched with the Phone 3a series, Essential Space continues to evolve with updates.
Stuff.tv
08-07-2025
- Business
- Stuff.tv
One of the best cheap phones of 2025 is even cheaper for Prime Day
Nothing's recent Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro handsets fall firmly into budget smartphone territory. But, they offer some top features at a lower price point. We awarded the Phone 3a a full five stars in our review. And for Prime Day, these cheap phones are even more of a steal, thanks to some tasty offers. Right now, you can bag the Nothing Phone 3a for £319 from Amazon UK – that's a 16% saving from the regular price of £379. Unfortunately, US shoppers miss out, since these handsets aren't technically on sale across the pond. Both the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro pack flagship-like features into an affordable package. They sport a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120-Hz refresh rate, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset with 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery with 50-watt fast charging. They share most hardware traits and a sleek, unique design complete with LED Glyph lights and AI features like the Essential Key. The Pro model stands out with a more advanced triple-camera system, including a periscope telephoto lens for enhanced zoom. Despite some missing extras like wireless charging, both phones offer impressive performance and style at a great value. It's also on offer for Prime Day, reduced to £389 from the regular price of £449. Other Nothing Prime Day deals It's not just the Phone 3a series that you can bag for less this Prime Day. You can also shop the CMF Phone range and earbuds in the deals: Product Deal Regular Price New Price % Saving £ Saving Ear (a) £89 £69 22% £20 Ear Open £129 £90 30% £39 CMF Phone 2 Pro £219 £184 16% £35 CMF Buds 2 £40 £30 25% £10
Stuff.tv
04-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
The Nothing Phone 3 is available to pre-order – here's where to buy it
After releasing the Phone 3a and 3a Pro budget smartphones earlier this year, Nothing has shown off its latest handset. With a starting price of $799/£799, Nothing is putting this device in flagship territory, and it looks like it comes with the chops to match. The new smartphone is available to pre-order from today, and will begin shipping out to customers later this month. Nothing's Phone 3 looks a little different from its predecessors. The circular glyph matrix takes pride of place at the rear, next to an asymmetrical three-camera setup that's very like-it-or-hate-it. The white on black LEDs can flash up app notifications, countdown timers, and the current time when placed screen-down on a flat surface, as well as act as a pixellated selfie camera viewfinder. It packs a triple-camera setup with three 50MP sensors: the main lens with OIS and f/1.68 aperture, a periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom and AI-powered 60x 'super res,' and an ultrawide with a 114-degree field of view. All three cameras shoot 4K/60fps video, and Nothing's souped-up image pipeline promises sharper HDR, better portraits, and an action mode for fast shots. The phone comes in white or black, has Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, Victus on the back, slim bezels, IP68 water resistance, and a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen that reaches a blinding 4500 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it's running on a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which is solid but not exactly top dog compared to pricier rivals. You'll get 12GB or 16GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage, a 5150mAh battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging, plus the firm's own monochrome-heavy Nothing OS 3.5. There's a promised upgrade to Android 16 and five years of software support. Where to buy the Nothing Phone 3 If you're looking to get your hands on Nothing's latest budget smartphones, your best bet is going to be ordering directly or from third-party retailers. Unfortunately, the handsets aren't available on any carrier plans, so you'll need to purchase either device outright. For the first time, the Nothing Phone 3 is available for anyone to buy in the US without being part of the developer community. In the UK, the device is up for grabs directly from Nothing. Phone 3 will set you back £799 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Normally it would be £899 for the higher spec with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, but if you pre-order from Nothing it's £799 – making this model the better deal. As well as grabbing either handset straight from Nothing, the devices are also available from Amazon, Currys, John Lewis, and more. If you happen to be in London, the devices will be in stock at the brand's flagship Soho store as well. Over in the US, the device is only up for grabs directly from Nothing for now. Phone 3 will set you back $799 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Once again, while normally it would be $899 for the higher spec with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, if you pre-order from Nothing it's $799 – making this model the better deal.
