Nothing phones have always stood out for their distinctive combination of cyberpunk-inspired hardware and minimalist software. While their design may not appeal to everyone, the brand has developed a clear visual identity that sets it apart from many Chinese smartphone makers. The same design philosophy continues with Nothing OS 5, the company's latest software based on Android 17.
One of the phones receiving the update is the Nothing Phone 3, which launched last year but has become more attractive in 2026 because of changing smartphone prices.
The stable version of Nothing OS 5 is expected to arrive on the Nothing Phone 3 in October. The beta is currently available for the Phone 3, while the wider list of supported devices includes the Nothing Phone 4b, Phone 4a, Phone 4a Pro, Phone 3a, Phone 3a Lite, Phone 3a Pro, Phone 2a, Phone 2a Plus and CMF Phone 2 Pro.
The Phone 3's public beta also makes it one of the first smartphones to receive Android 17. Apart from introducing new features, a newer operating system can also bring security improvements.
Nothing OS 5 gets a refined interface
Nothing OS 5 retains the company's familiar minimalist interface with colourful accents, but several visual elements have been updated. One notable change is the introduction of the Geist font, which is slightly bolder and more distinctive than the previously used Roboto.
The Home Screen has also been refined, making widgets easier to manage. Notifications and the Control Centre have received visual improvements, while the notification panel now features cleaner animations and better contextual organisation.
One particularly subtle addition is the adaptive colour system for widgets. The colour accents can automatically change according to the dominant colour in the wallpaper. For instance, a predominantly green wallpaper can cause elements such as the second hand in the clock widget to turn green.
Across the operating system, most of the changes are refinements rather than a complete redesign. However, they make the interface feel more consistent with Nothing's overall visual identity.
New features in Nothing OS 5
The Gallery app has received additional sorting options, allowing users to arrange photos according to when they were added or when they were taken.
A new widget also tracks the amount of time users spend away from their smartphones, complementing the existing screen-time tools.
The Essential Apps feature, which uses AI to create widgets based on user requests, can now operate entirely on the device. Quick Share has also been improved and can generate a QR code instantly, allowing users to transfer files and other content between devices through a quick scan.
The most significant addition is arguably the new Glyph app. Instead of adjusting the phone's rear Glyph lighting through multiple settings, users can now manage the feature from a dedicated application. This could make the distinctive lighting system considerably easier to use.
Nothing has also made improvements under the hood, claiming smoother performance, better app scrolling, improved background-app behaviour and more responsive touch controls. However, these changes are difficult to measure after only a short period of use, particularly because Nothing's software has generally been known for its smooth animations and fluid performance.
Nothing Phone 3 becomes more attractive in 2026
The combination of the Phone 3 and Nothing OS 5 is particularly interesting for Indian buyers because the phone's value proposition has changed considerably since its launch.
When the Phone 3 debuted last year, its pricing was widely viewed as high compared with the hardware it offered. But smartphone prices have risen significantly in 2026, with even Rs 50,000 phones sometimes offering only 8GB of RAM.
Against that backdrop, the Phone 3 has become a much more appealing option, especially when discounts are available. Some retailers are reportedly selling it for around Rs 45,000, making its 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration particularly attractive.
The chipset that seemed less impressive at the Phone 3's original price now appears much more competitive at around Rs 50,000. With RAM prices also putting pressure on smartphone manufacturers, the Phone 3's memory and storage configuration further improve its value.
However, there is still some confusion surrounding its actual selling price. The phone can reportedly be found for around Rs 45,000 on Amazon India, with additional discounts and exchange offers potentially lowering the price further. At the same time, Amazon does not appear on Nothing's official website as an authorised e-commerce partner, while Flipkart is listed and sells the phone at a considerably higher price.
Other websites are also offering the Phone 3 at significantly different prices, creating uncertainty over what its genuine market price should be.
Nothing would therefore benefit from clarifying its official pricing and authorised sales channels. If the Phone 3 can genuinely be purchased for around Rs 50,000, its combination of 12GB RAM, 256GB storage and Nothing OS 5 makes it a particularly compelling smartphone option in 2026.
