Nothing Phone (3) vs Xiaomi 17T
Verdict
Nothing Phone (3) scores higher on the OH Rank (64 vs 63), winning 3 of 10 categories including Screen and Selfie. Nothing Phone (3) is 0.4mm wider than Xiaomi 17T. Xiaomi 17T is the more recent release, from May 28, 2026.
Score Breakdown
Performance /15
Battery /15
Screen /15
IP Protection /15
Main Camera /15
Selfie /5
Video /5
SD Memory /5
Software /5
Desktop Replacement /5
TOTAL
64
63
Nothing Phone (3)
75.6mm (2.98in) · Jul 15, 2025 · Rank #149
9+8+13+12+9+4+4+0+5+0 = 64
* TOP SoftwareMidrange
EDITORIAL: After competing with entry-level and midrange phones, Nothing claims it is ready to offer a flagship. The Phone (3) is their first attempt. It comes with just below top-shelf components, stabile and very functional OS with some useful new AI features. Nothing decided to replace the glyph interface that company's phones were known for with a dot matrix back screen of 489 LEDs that can provide a more contextual interaction.
PROs
unique and recognizable design with a see-through back panel, good SD 8s Gen 4 with UFS4.0 performance, 1-day endurance from a 5150mAh Si-C battery with 60min 65W charging (15W wireless), IP68 protection, 3 reliable 50MP cameras (main and periscope tele with OIS PDAF), good 50MP (no AF) selfie, good video recording, 5 years of updates of Nothing's mature and unique OS with (AI powered) Essential Space feature and a dedicated hardware button
CONs
boxy body, no SDmemory, no desktop replacement feature, slow USB-C 2.0 with no video-out
Xiaomi 17T
75.2mm (2.96in) · May 28, 2026 · Rank #154
9+11+11+12+9+3+3+0+5+0 = 63
* TOP SoftwareMidrange
EDITORIAL: The 17T is a mature model positioned just below Xiaomi's flagship phones. It gets a new (excellent) periscope telephoto lens and long-lasting battery while shaving almost 3mm(!) from it's width to put it into a one-hand-phone group. Good connectivity with PCs and Macs with lots of useful software features, long OS support (for a midranger). A very reliable phone if you're okay with paying a small premium.
PROs
solid build with likable design, fast midrange Dimensity 8500 Ultra with UFS 4.1 performance, 36hr endurance from a 6500mAh Si-C battery with 60min 67W charging, sub-1100nits 460ppi AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision and high PWM dimming, IP68 protection, very reliable 50MP 23mm main + 50MP 115mm periscope telephoto (both OIS PDAF) + 12MP 15mm ultrawide setup, 32MP 21mm selfie, 5 years of updates for mature and AI feature rich HyperOS
CONs
plastic frame and back panel, relatively slow 67W wired charging (no wireless), not a very bright screen with no LTPO tech, no expandable storage, no desktop replacement or Video Out on a slow USB-C 2.0 port (there is OTG), relatively expensive
Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.
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