When considering the offerings from Nothing, a mobile company, the first thought that often comes to mind is their emphasis on value. Take, for instance, the Nothing Phone 3a, priced at $379. This device feels much more premium, boasting a stylish design and solid performance that rivals that of much pricier alternatives.

While not every feature found on high-end models like the latest iPhones, Pixels, or Galaxies is included, this selective approach is deliberate. Nothing eliminates functionalities that are often overlooked at this price range, while incorporating essentials that many budget phones skimp on. In a landscape dominated by expensive flagship devices, it’s refreshing to see a brand committed to delivering a high-quality smartphone experience without excessive pricing.

Take the Phone 2, for example; while not labeled as a budget device, it debuted at $599—definitely less expensive than the Phone 3a, but still below the premium pricing of flagship models. This creates a curious situation regarding the upcoming Nothing Phone 3, recently announced to launch in July 2025.

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Few specifics about the new model have been shared, but CEO Carl Pei mentioned during the Google I/O event that the Nothing Phone 3 would be the brand’s “first true flagship smartphone,” set to feature “upscale materials, significant performance enhancements, and software advancements.”

These components sound appealing—who wouldn’t desire such attributes in their next device? However, these advantages appear to come at a cost. Following the initial announcement, Pei revealed a price of £800, roughly translating to $1,085 in USD. This puts the Nothing Phone 3 in direct competition with the likes of the iPhone 16 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and the Galaxy S25+.

There is a possibility that the pricing may vary in the U.S.: According to 9to5Google, insider leaker MysteryLupin suggested on X that the Phone 3 would retail for $799, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is projected to go for $899. This pricing could significantly impact market positioning, potentially placing it below the iPhone 16 and in the same pricing tier as the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9. While leaks should be viewed skeptically, the company only confirmed the U.K. pricing, leaving room for changes in the U.S. market.

At this stage, it’s hard to ascertain if the projected $800 to $1,000 price point will justify the expense. The true gauge will be when reviewers provide insights on the Phone 3. While there exists potential for this device to emerge as a leading contender this year, there is skepticism surrounding its value proposition. Nothing’s appeal lies in its minimalist approach—crafting a phone that looks strikingly different from competitors while maintaining an attractive price point. Additional features and high performance are valuable, but paying an extra $700 raises questions about their necessity.