In July 2025, Nothing unveiled its latest flagship — the Nothing Phone (3), sparking widespread discussion online. The phone aims to compete in the premium segment, but many believe its specs fall short of true flagship standards. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in 2024, remains the benchmark for top-tier smartphones. Experts from Gizmochina compared the two to see whether Nothing’s bold newcomer can challenge the reigning leader. Let’s break down which device comes out on top.

Design: Boldness vs. Elegance

The Nothing Phone (3) continues the brand’s signature transparent aesthetic but moves away from the minimalist symmetry of earlier models. It features asymmetrical camera modules of different shapes and sizes, as well as an angular Glyph Matrix — an LED notification panel for alerts, gaming, and battery indication. However, this new element, replacing the original Glyph Lights, has been criticized for its limited practicality. Users online call it a flashy but not always useful gimmick, likening it to decorative displays on ASUS ROG gaming phones.

In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sticks to a classic premium design: flat edges, a titanium frame, and a minimalist camera module. It’s sleek, refined, and seen as a status symbol. Samsung avoids eccentricity, instead offering practicality and reliability, appealing to a broad audience.

Verdict: Nothing Phone (3) stands out with bold design but may alienate those who prioritize practicality. The S24 Ultra is the choice for fans of refined, timeless design.

Display: Brightness vs. Versatility

Both smartphones boast high-quality OLED panels.

  • Nothing Phone (3) features a 67-inch OLED with 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1260), 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 4500 nits peak brightness. A high PWM rate (2160Hz) reduces eye strain, and Gorilla Glass 7i offers solid scratch protection.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Quad HD+ (3120 x 1440) resolution, LTPO technology (adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate), and 2600 nits peak brightness. It uses Gorilla Glass Victus Armor and anti-glare DX coating, which improves sunlight readability.

Despite lower peak brightness on paper, real-world visibility differences are minimal.

Verdict: Nothing wins in brightness and eye comfort, while Samsung offers higher resolution and a more adaptable, versatile display.

Performance: Flagship vs. Upper Mid-Range

The most notable difference lies in the processors.

  • Nothing Phone (3) uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a solid performer but below the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powering the S24 Ultra, which offers superior power and efficiency — especially noticeable in gaming and demanding tasks.

Samsung also offers 7 years of OS and security updates, compared to 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security for Nothing.

Verdict: The S24 Ultra delivers significantly better performance and long-term software support — justifying its higher price and making it a more future-proof choice.

Cameras: Ambition vs. Experience

  • Nothing Phone (3) comes with a triple 50MP camera setup (main, 6x periscope telephoto, and ultrawide), and a 50MP front camera supporting 4K/60fps. Impressive on paper, but real-world performance suffers due to lower light sensitivity and limited software experience.
  • Samsung S24 Ultra features a 200MP main sensor (f/1.7), two telephoto lenses (10MP 3x and 50MP 5x periscope), and a 12MP ultrawide. It supports 8K video, laser autofocus, and benefits from years of software refinement — excelling in portraits, night shots, and zoom quality. Side-by-side comparisons reveal a clear quality difference.

Verdict: Nothing offers competitive cameras for its price, but the S24 Ultra is superior in versatility and photo/video quality.

Battery and Charging: Speed vs. Efficiency

  • Nothing Phone (3) houses a 5150mAh battery (5500mAh in India) with 65W fast charging, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging — delivering good endurance and rapid charging.
  • Samsung S24 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. Although slower, Samsung’s display and software optimization ensure efficient power use and better thermal management.

Verdict: Nothing wins in raw charging speed and battery size, but Samsung delivers better overall efficiency.

Price and Value

  • Nothing Phone (3) (12GB + 256GB) starts at ₹79,999 / €799 / $799.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12GB + 256GB) ranges from ₹82,987 to ₹159,999, depending on configuration and discounts. As of 2025, frequent discounts bring its price closer to that of the Nothing Phone (3).

Users on X (formerly Twitter) note that for a similar price, the S24 Ultra offers much more — a powerful chip, better cameras, a stylus, and longer support. Still, fans of Nothing value its unique design and clean Android experience.

Conclusion: Bold Newcomer or Proven Leader?

The Nothing Phone (3) appeals to users who want unique design, a bright screen, and near-stock Android. It's a bold choice for those who value personality and are willing to accept compromises in performance and camera quality. However, its price puts it close to real flagships, which has drawn criticism online for not offering flagship-level specs.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a battle-tested flagship — with top-tier performance, unmatched cameras, extended support, and polished design. It remains the better value for those who want the best all-around experience.

Recommendation:

  • Choose Nothing Phone (3) if you value creativity, distinct aesthetics, and clean software — and don’t mind performance trade-offs.
  • Choose Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the best in performance, photography, ecosystem, and longevity — it’s the smarter investment overall.