Is the 'Nothing Phone 3' Another Chinese Device Masquerading as British? Specs, Price and More

Nothing, the London-based tech firm founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has unveiled its boldest device: the Nothing Phone 3.

Priced at £799 ($1096), this 'true flagship' challenges Apple and Samsung with premium specs and quirky design.

Yet, with manufacturing in China and Pei's Chinese roots, some on X question if Nothing is a British brand or a Chinese phone in disguise.

Bloomberg explores the company's identity, specs, and ambitions. Is the Phone 3 a game-changer or a clever rebrand? Let's dive into the specs, price, and debate.

Unpack the Flagship Specs

Launched on 1 July 2025, the Nothing Phone 3 boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness, perfect for sunlight viewing.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, it delivers strong performance, though not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, per TechRadar.

Its triple 50MP rear cameras, primary, ultrawide, and periscope with 3x optical zoom, rival top-tier rivals, while a 50MP front camera ensures crisp selfies.

The 5,150 mAh battery supports 100W fast charging, wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Running Nothing OS 3.5 on Android 15, it features a revamped Glyph Matrix, a circular LED notification display, as per Free Press Journal.

Shipping begins 15 July 2025.

Decode the Price and Value

At £799 ($999) for the 12GB/256GB model and £899 ($1,233) for 16GB/512GB, the Phone 3 is Nothing's priciest yet, per Bloomberg.

It undercuts Samsung's Galaxy S25 £999 ($1,370) and iPhone 16 £879 ($1,205), offering flagship specs at a mid-tier price.

X posts praise its value, with one user saying, 'Premium features without Apple's price tag.'

However, some note the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a 'flagship killer' chip, sacrifices some power for cost.

With five-year software support and the unique Glyph Matrix, the Nothing Phone 3 competes with the Google Pixel 9, per TechRadar, appealing to those seeking innovation on a budget.

Question the British Brand Narrative

Nothing's London base and Pei's British branding spark debate. With manufacturing in China—standard for Apple and Samsung, critics on X call it a 'Biggest bust of 2025?'.

Pei, Beijing-born but London-based, insists Nothing's design ethos is British, blending creativity and functionality, per Forbes.

TechRadar also notes its global appeal targets young, style-conscious users, not national loyalty.

The debate seems overblown, manufacturing location doesn't define brand identity, but clearer messaging about Nothing's roots could ease scepticism and build trust.

Nothing's Bold Bet Pays Off?

The Nothing Phone 3, priced at £799 ($999) and shipping 15 July 2025, delivers flagship specs, 50MP triple cameras, 5,150 mAh battery, and a vibrant Glyph Matrix, at a competitive price.

While its Chinese manufacturing fuels debate about its British credentials, Nothing's focus on design and innovation resonates globally.

Founder Carl Pei's London-based vision targets young, global buyers, but critics question its branding and authenticity, but vibrant online chatter highlights its cultural buzz and competitive pricing.

As X buzzes with excitement and scepticism, Nothing must prove its flagship can outshine established players.

.The phone's competitive price and unique design aim to challenge Apple and Samsung.

Pei's vision is bold, but winning over doubters will require performance as distinctive as its glowing back. Is it worth the hype? If you crave something different, it just might be.