If you’re considering a flagship smartphone priced around ₹80,000 in India, the Nothing Phone 3 and Samsung Galaxy S25 are two compelling options. Each has its unique advantages, but which one is truly worth your investment? Here’s a detailed comparison across critical aspects to help you decide. The Nothing Phone 3 features an eye-catching design with its transparent rear panel, a new Glyph Matrix LED array, a ‘Glyph Button’, a triple-camera setup, and a robust build that includes an IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus. It boasts a 6.67-inch (or 6.7-inch, depending on the region) 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of around 4,500 nits in India.
In contrast, the Galaxy S25 showcases a more subtle yet premium appearance with its 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, also at 120 Hz, but with a lower peak brightness reported around 2,600 nits. Its lighter and more compact design (162 g) is ideal for users who favor smaller devices. Verdict: Choose the Nothing Phone 3 for its bold design and larger screen; opt for the Galaxy S25 if you prefer a compact build and a trusted finish. In terms of cameras, the Nothing Phone 3 includes a triple 50 MP configuration: a main wide-angle 50 MP, a 50 MP ultrawide, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, plus a 50 MP front camera.
The Galaxy S25, however, has a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, along with a 12 MP front camera. This suggests that on paper, the Nothing Phone 3 may offer better resolution, particularly for ultrawide and selfies, but real-world performance, including software processing, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities, will ultimately be more critical. Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3 appears to have an advantage on paper, provided its camera software is effective. Regarding performance and battery, the Nothing Phone 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor (4nm) and offers options for up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.
It houses a substantial battery, reportedly 5,500 mAh with 65 W wired charging. Conversely, the Galaxy S25 uses a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip (3 nm class), providing superior performance and robust AI capabilities, typically with 12 GB RAM and up to 512 GB storage. Its battery capacity is lower (around 4,000 mAh in many reports), and charging speeds seem less impressive (approximately 25 W in some specifications). Benchmark reviews indicate that the S25’s chipset achieves high scores among this year’s leading smartphones, while the Nothing’s specifications are notably strong for its price range.
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 excels in raw performance and AI capabilities, while the Nothing Phone 3 stands out for its battery size and charging speed. So, which should you purchase? Here are a few scenarios to consider: If you prioritize a striking design, larger battery, rapid charging, and impressive camera specifications, the Nothing Phone 3 is the way to go. If you value premium build quality, a compact size (6.2 inches vs. approximately 6.7 inches), a high-end chipset, and the reliability of Samsung’s ecosystem with extensive software support, then the Galaxy S25 is a more secure and polished choice.
Additionally, check pricing in India carefully; if the Nothing Phone 3 is available at or below ₹80,000 with bank or exchange offers, it might provide better value. However, if the price difference is minimal, the Samsung brand’s reputation and longevity could sway your decision. Consider the importance of after-sales service and software updates: Samsung has a solid track record, while Nothing, being a newer company, may not have as established an ecosystem yet. Think about future-proofing, as the S25’s 3nm chip, efficient design, and premium build may offer better longevity. Conversely, the Nothing’s larger battery and faster charging could enhance its usability over time.
In conclusion, if I had to make a recommendation, for most users seeking a balanced flagship under ₹80,000, I would favor the Galaxy S25 due to its compactness, performance, brand ecosystem, and consistent updates, all of which present less risk. However, if you are drawn to eye-catching design, desire a larger battery with rapid charging, and are willing to trust a newer brand, the Nothing Phone 3 is a formidable option that could provide excellent value.
