The highly anticipated Nothing Phone 3 and the brand’s first over-ear headphones, Nothing Headphones 1, have officially launched in Australia, making waves with their avant-garde design, cutting-edge features, and bold pricing. Set to be released on July 15th, both devices are available for pre-order now at JB Hi-Fi and Optus, promising to redefine the smartphone and audio experience for tech enthusiasts.
Nothing Phone 3 and Headphones 1 [Credit: Press Start]
A Radical Reinvention: The Nothing Phone 3
Nothing’s latest flagship, the Nothing Phone 3, departs from the flashy Glyph Interface seen in earlier models and instead introduces a more refined and interactive Glyph Matrix. Positioned in the top-right corner of the transparent back, this dot-matrix-style display uses 489 LEDs to deliver monochromatic animations, mini games, and functional widgets like weather and battery levels. Users can also customise glyphs via an SDK, adding a creative layer to everyday notifications.
A workstation displaying the Phone 3 at Nothing’s headquarters in London. [Photo credit: Carlotta Cardana/Bloomberg]
In founder Carl Pei’s words, “We have a blend of useful features and more stupid, fun features,” reflecting the brand’s focus on young, creative users. Pei’s company, founded after his exit from OnePlus, has built a strong cult following, and with the Nothing Phone 3, it is ready to take on industry giants like Apple and Google.
Premium Specs and Playful Design
The Nothing Phone 3 boasts a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 4,500 nits of peak brightness. The phone features four 50MP cameras: main, ultra-wide, periscope (3x optical zoom), and front-facing, delivering a well-rounded photography experience. The Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chip powers the device, backed by either 12GB RAM + 256GB storage ($1,509 AUD) or 16GB RAM + 512GB storage ($1,689 AUD).
Nothing didn’t chase the most powerful processor but claims a fivefold improvement over the Phone 3a, with a 60% increase in AI performance compared to the Phone 2. The 5,150mAh battery supports 65W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, making it one of the few flagship phones with a silicon-carbon battery in Australia.
The device runs on Android 15 with Nothing OS, offering new features like Essential Search and a minimalist UI focused on less screen time. It also maintains IP68 water and dust resistance, a crucial feature for everyday use.
A Smartphone Meant to Be Used Less
Nothing’s design philosophy stands apart. The Nothing Phone 3 is deliberately crafted to help users disengage. From dot-matrix timers and clocks that display when the phone is face down to built-in games like spin-the-bottle and rock-paper-scissors, the phone encourages moments of detachment. As Pei explained, “The idea is to help people stay connected without constantly picking up their phones and disconnecting from the world around them.”
Pricing and Australian Availability
Australian buyers can pre-order the Nothing Phone 3 now through JB Hi-Fi or Optus. Those who pre-order via JB Hi-Fi will receive a $200 bonus gift card. The phone comes in black or white variants and will officially hit shelves on July 15th.
Nothing Headphones 1: Distinctive and Feature-Rich
Alongside the Nothing Phone 3, the company has introduced the Nothing Headphones 1, designed to complement its smartphone range with a striking transparent design. The over-ear headphones come in black or white and include a matching fabric case.
The headphones feature:
- Up to 80 hours of playback (35 hours with ANC)
- KEF-tuned acoustics for superior sound quality
- Spatial Audio, ANC, and Transparency Mode
- Roller, paddle, and button controls
- Wired playback option
- 5-minute quick charge for 2.4 hours of listening
Priced at $549 AUD, the headphones are available for pre-order now, with release also scheduled for July 15th. While the sound quality has impressed reviewers, the case design has received some criticism for its durability and zipper performance. Nevertheless, the AI-enabled features and unique design aim to appeal to Nothing’s core audience.
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Challenging Tech Giants with a Cult Identity
Nothing’s ambition to challenge market leaders like Apple, Samsung, and Google is bold. The company doubled its revenue in 2024 to over $500 million and has surpassed $1 billion in lifetime sales. Backed by prominent investors including Google Ventures and iPod creator Tony Fadell, the company continues to grow rapidly, particularly in India, Japan, and Europe.
While its global market share remains small at 0.2%, the brand’s identity and growing fanbase position it as a credible disruptor in the smartphone and audio markets. “We saw a big opportunity in the market because the industry had gotten really boring,” said Pei.
Is the Nothing Phone 3 Flagship Enough?
Despite a few compromises, particularly the Snapdragon 8S chip, the Nothing Phone 3 appears to strike a compelling balance between form, function, and fun. With high-end specs, unique features, and a price that challenges established premium devices, it stands as one of the most distinctive smartphones of 2025.
For Australian consumers seeking a phone that dares to be different, the Nothing Phone 3 is more than just a conversation starter, it’s a fresh take on how technology can empower and entertain without overwhelming.
Nothing Phone 3 and Nothing Headphones 1 launch on July 15th. Pre-orders are now live at JB Hi-Fi and Optus across Australia.
