Should You Upgrade from the Nothing Phone (1) to the Nothing Phone (3)?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Nothing Phone (1) to the Nothing Phone (3), 3 years apart.
Yes — the Nothing Phone (3) is a worthwhile upgrade
The Nothing Phone (3) is 3 years newer than the Nothing Phone (1), and the BeastScore rises from 82.8 to 87.6. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, camera rated 3 points higher, battery rated 10 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 24.5 g heavier, launched $400 more expensive.
What you gain with the Nothing Phone (3)
- +Performance rated 10 points higher
- +Camera rated 3 points higher
- +Battery rated 10 points higher
- +Display rated 4 points higher
- +650 mAh bigger battery
- +32W faster wired charging
- +10W faster wireless charging
- +0.1" larger screen
- +3,300 nits brighter peak display
- +4 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −24.5 g heavier
- −Launched $400 more expensive
| Spec | Nothing Phone (1) | Nothing Phone (3) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 82.8 | 87.6 | +4.8 (6%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 90 | +10 (13%) |
| Camera score | 88 | 91 | +3 (3%) |
| Battery score | 78 | 88 | +10 (13%) |
| Display score | 86 | 90 | +4 (5%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 5,150 mAh | +650 mAh (14%) |
| Wired charging | 33W | 65W | +32W (97%) |
| Wireless charging | 5W | 15W | +10W (200%) |
| Screen size | 6.5" | 6.7" | +0.1" |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | 4,500 nits | +3,300 nits (275%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | +4 GB (50%) |
| Weight | 193.5 g | 218 g | +24.5 g (13%) |
| Launch price | $399 | $799 | +$400 (100%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Nothing Phone (1) is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Nothing Phone (1) vs Nothing Phone (3): Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Nothing Phone (1) to the Nothing Phone (3)?
Yes — the Nothing Phone (3) is a worthwhile upgrade. The Nothing Phone (3) is 3 years newer than the Nothing Phone (1), and the BeastScore rises from 82.8 to 87.6. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, camera rated 3 points higher, battery rated 10 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 24.5 g heavier, launched $400 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Nothing Phone (1) and Nothing Phone (3)?
Performance rated 10 points higher: 80 on the Nothing Phone (1) vs 90 on the Nothing Phone (3).
Does the Nothing Phone (3) have a bigger battery than the Nothing Phone (1)?
The Nothing Phone (3) has a 5,150 mAh battery versus 4,500 mAh on the Nothing Phone (1) (+650 mAh (14%)).
Who should upgrade to the Nothing Phone (3)?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Nothing Phone (1) is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.