Nothing Phone 3 Wishlist: 6 Things We Want

Nothing Phone (3) is expected to build on the distinctive Glyph interface and transparent design of its predecessors, but fans are hoping for meaningful upgrades in cameras, battery life, and software longevity. This wishlist covers the six most requested improvements, from a periscope telephoto lens to a larger battery and a cleaner update policy, based on community discussions and the company’s own public statements.

Background: The Nothing Phone Lineup So Far

Nothing, founded by Carl Pei in 2020, released its first phone, the Nothing Phone (1), in July 2022. It was a mid-range device with a transparent back and Glyph LED notifications. The Phone (2) followed in July 2023, moving to a flagship-tier Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, wireless charging, and a brighter display. Both phones run a near-stock version of Android called Nothing OS, which emphasizes monochrome widgets and a distinctive dot-matrix font.

As of mid-2024, the Phone (3) has not been officially announced. Rumors suggest a launch in late 2024 or early 2025, possibly with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Gen 4. The company has said it wants to focus on AI and a simpler user experience, which could shape the next device.

1. A Periscope Telephoto Camera

Both the Phone (1) and Phone (2) have a dual-camera setup: a 50MP main and a 50MP ultrawide. There is no dedicated telephoto lens, so zoom is digital only. For a flagship in 2024, that is a major gap. Competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro offer 5x optical zoom or better.

What fans want: a periscope lens with at least 3x or 5x optical zoom. This would allow clear photos of distant subjects without cropping. A periscope lens uses a prism to bend light, letting the camera module sit flat inside the phone while achieving a longer focal length. It is more expensive and takes up space, but it is the single most requested camera upgrade on Nothing forums.

If Nothing adds a periscope, it should also improve the camera software. The current Night Mode and HDR are decent but not class-leading. A dedicated telephoto would make the Phone (3) a true flagship camera phone.

2. Bigger Battery and Faster Charging

The Phone (2) has a 4,700mAh battery and 45W wired charging. That is good but not great. Many Android flagships now have 5,000mAh or larger batteries and 80W or 100W charging. The OnePlus 12, for example, has a 5,400mAh battery and 100W charging.

For the Phone (3), users want at least a 5,000mAh battery and 65W or faster wired charging. Wireless charging should stay at 15W or higher. A bigger battery directly addresses the main complaint about the Phone (2): it lasts a full day but not much more. With a more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a larger cell, the Phone (3) could easily last two days for moderate users.

Faster charging also reduces the need for a huge battery. If the Phone (3) charges from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes, a 5,000mAh cell is more than enough. Nothing should also include a charger in the box, which many competitors have stopped doing.

3. Longer Software Support

Nothing currently promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches for the Phone (2). That is below the industry standard set by Samsung (seven years) and Google (seven years for the Pixel 8 series). For a phone that costs around $600, buyers expect it to last more than three years.

The Phone (3) should offer at least five years of OS updates and six years of security patches. This is not just about longevity; it also affects resale value and environmental sustainability. Nothing has positioned itself as a brand for enthusiasts, and enthusiasts keep phones longer.

Longer support also means better software quality. Nothing OS is already clean, but it needs to stay updated with the latest Android features. If Nothing can commit to five years, it will match or beat most Android brands and become a strong reason to buy.

4. Better Glyph Interface and Customization

The Glyph interface is Nothing’s signature feature: a set of LED strips on the back that light up for notifications, calls, and timers. The Phone (2) added more LEDs and a Glyph Composer that lets you create custom ringtone patterns. However, the Glyph is still limited compared to what it could be.

Users want:

• More LED zones for finer patterns (currently 11 on the Phone 2).
• Full color LEDs instead of just white.
• Third-party app integration so any app can trigger a specific Glyph pattern.
• An always-on Glyph clock that works without waking the phone.

Nothing has already shown a Glyph API for developers, but it is not widely used. The Phone (3) should make the Glyph more functional, not just a gimmick. For example, a countdown timer that uses the LEDs to show progress is useful, but it should also work with apps like Uber or food delivery.

More LEDs and color would also make the back look even more striking, which is a key selling point.

5. Improved Haptics and Speakers

The Phone (2) has a linear vibration motor, but it is not as strong or precise as the ones in the Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro. Haptics are a subtle but important part of the user experience. Good haptics make typing, scrolling, and notifications feel more responsive.

For the Phone (3), Nothing should use a larger X-axis linear motor, which provides stronger and more detailed vibrations. It should also allow users to adjust the intensity per app or gesture. The current haptic feedback is fine, but it lacks the “premium� feel of the best phones.

Speakers are another area for improvement. The Phone (2) has dual stereo speakers that get loud but lack bass and clarity at high volume. The Phone (3) should use larger drivers and better tuning, possibly with Dolby Atmos support. Good speakers matter for watching videos, gaming, and hands-free calls.

6. Brighter Display with Lower Peak Brightness

Wait, that sounds contradictory. What users actually want is a display that is brighter in sunlight but also has a lower minimum brightness for dark rooms. The Phone (2) has a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED with 1,600 nits peak brightness. That is already good, but the minimum brightness is still too high for night reading.

For the Phone (3), the wishlist includes:

• Peak brightness of 2,000 nits or higher for outdoor visibility.
• A minimum brightness of 1 nit or lower for comfortable night use.
• Better auto-brightness that learns from user habits.
• An anti-reflective coating like the one on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Nothing should also keep the flat display. Curved screens are prone to accidental touches and make screen protectors harder to fit. A flat, bright, and uniform display is what most users prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Nothing Phone 3 have a telephoto lens?

It is not confirmed, but it is the most requested camera feature. The company has not announced the camera specs yet. If they want to compete with other flagships, a periscope telephoto is likely.

What processor will the Nothing Phone 3 use?

Most rumors point to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is the same chip used in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12. Some speculate it could be the newer Gen 4, but that is less certain.

Will the Nothing Phone 3 cost more than the Phone 2?

Probably yes. The Phone (2) starts at $599. If Nothing adds a telephoto camera, a bigger battery, and a newer chip, the price could rise to $699 or more. But Nothing has said they want to keep prices competitive.

Is the Nothing Phone 3 waterproof?

The Phone (2) has an IP54 rating, which means it can handle splashes but not submersion. The Phone (3) should ideally get IP68, which is standard for flagships. Nothing has not confirmed this.

When will the Nothing Phone 3 be released?

Nothing has not given a date. Based on the pattern of the Phone (1) and (2), a launch in the second half of 2024 is possible, but it could slip to 2025.

Will the Glyph interface be more useful on the Phone 3?

That is the hope. Nothing has already opened the Glyph API to developers, so third-party apps can use it. The Phone (3) should have more LEDs and better integration with apps like messaging and ride-sharing.

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