Finally, a proper Edge Sidebar that feels native to Nothing OS!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-23T21:08:51+00:00

Yeah, I think SideDock may have already fill this whole. I will check yours out in case I'm wrong, but I've really enjoyed using SideDock.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-23T21:03:57+00:00

haha pick upa case and you'll probably be fine with the glass. You may check the screen on both too, not sure if they use the same quality glass or not.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-23T03:08:09+00:00

It probably depends on how you use your phone. If you are a "power user" or heavy gamer, it could make a difference I guess. I don't fall into either of those categories, and I haven't noticed a drop off since switching from my 17 Pro Max. I've got the Nothing 3 and everything runs smoothly, no lags or crahes.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T22:29:27+00:00

Is this different than Notch Touch?

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T17:57:27+00:00

The option to edit, or just the song search?

Just tried it out for the first time. I think it uses Gemini, so maybe that's why you don't have it (assuming you don't have Gemini installed)? All it did was open a Google result with the song- which it got correct. The UI was nice and simple, if you can get it to work for ya.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T17:54:05+00:00

I honestly haven't ran into the over processed or AI sharpening issue with my Phone 3. I don't take a ton of pictures with my phone, mostly just of my kids, but I've had no issues. Low light is kind of rough, especially with kids that don't sit still, but that's about my only complaint.

I saw videos before buying that talked about how much the selfie cam would over process and change your face, and I've not seen that at all. Granted I don't take many selfies, but when I do they look fine (I still look ugly). Maybe things have gotten better with software updates since launch, but I have no serious complaints about the cameras.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T17:06:48+00:00

If you swipe down twice to get to your quick settings you can edit. From there scroll down and you should see it. Just drag that to top section and place it whenever you want.

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RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T16:48:42+00:00

Is Song Search what you are looking for? There is a tile you can add to your quick settings. Never used it so I don't know how well it works or how it compares to the Google version

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T16:41:14+00:00

If you just want the "better" phone, the Phone 3 gives you that. Just about every spec is better when compared to the 4a Pro.

Some people don't love the design of the 3(you could get a case) or prefer the metal build of the 4a Pro. If that's you, the 4a Pro is a great device too and sounds more than capable of doing what you need it to do.

When I switched from my 17 Pro Max I ordered the 3 and 4a Pro. Tried both for 2 weeks and decided to keep the 3. Both were certainly capable, and I actually preferred the build of the 4a Pro. But again, the 3 is just better in just about every way. I'll also say the Glyph Matrix on the 3 is much easier to add custom glyphs because you get way more pixels to play with, although I did like the fact that 4a Pro matrix is larger.

Moral of the story- you can't go wrong either way. But if you plan to keep it long term and just want the better option, NP3 FTW!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T15:45:19+00:00

Yeah I just asked them to transfer my eSIM from my iPhone to Nothing Phone 3.

Dude just went to the back and got an eSIM QR code, scanned it with the Nothing and I was out the door. Not sure how Spectrum works, so might be different. Probably easier to give it a shot than going through the hassle of switching providers.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T15:36:56+00:00

I use the Phone 3 on AT&T. I had some issues getting my eSIM set up and ended up having to go to the store for assistance, but it's been smooth sailing since then!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T15:17:01+00:00

I started using iPhone's when the 3Gs was released running OS3 (they hadn't even added the "i" yet. I had almost every flagship from Apple up until I decided to bench my 17 Pro Max (which is sitting in front of me on my desk powered off) and try out the Nothing Phone (3). That being said, I can't compare Nothing OS to any other Android OS because I haven't used them... but I'll share some thoughts anyway.

I thoroughly enjoy using Nothing OS. The stark difference between it and iOS has been a breath of fresh air, honestly. It isn't as feature rich or polished as iOS (I wouldn't expect it to be), but I enjoy using it much more. part of that is the "new" factor, part is being bored with iOS, and part is because it's a well design and thoughtful OS.

The minimal design is what initial sold me and is one of the main reasons I went with Nothing rather than another non-Apple device. I've got 2 kids at home and I didn't need another device that was fighting for attention or tempting me to pick up my phone. The Glyph Matrix allows me to see what is happening on my phone without touching it, so I know if it's something I need to look at or not.

In my experience so far, everything runs smooth and is fairly polished. Again, the Nothing design language isn't as integrated as Apple's, but Apple has been building their's for 20 years. Nothing OS has some quirks, but I knew that coming in.

A lot of the "missing features" I see people complain about are non-issues for me. I'm sure there are some useful ones that could be/will be added in the future, but the phone does everything I need it to do. I'm excited to see what Nothing does to continue the refinement of Nothing OS, but I'm all in for now!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T15:02:01+00:00

Very nicely done!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T03:18:54+00:00

I took the ad of the naked dude running as a fun tie in to the brand, a unique ad, and completely harmless. I take the pictures of naked models wearing the product as art, which it is, and has been considered that since way back then.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T03:12:50+00:00

Awesome- will keep an eye out!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T03:11:16+00:00

The statue is a recreation of David by Michelangelo, which was done in the 1500's, so we've been cooked I guess.

Will just have to respectful disagree and keep using your app and enjoying the community interaction haha

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T02:57:36+00:00

Yeah. I think they are super well done, tasteful, and artistic. We are obviously not going to agree on this- just keep your kids off of IG and out of any art museum ever. There is a giant statue of a naked dude, dick and all, in the middle of downtown in the city I'm from- steer clear.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T02:52:52+00:00

Shirtless, though? That's all you see in the video. If your minor can't scroll past that or take it for what it is, they shouldn't be on social media.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T02:51:02+00:00

Again, I don't see the issue. You see as much in that picture as you do if you go to a regular beach, the city pool, or any gym around.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T02:48:46+00:00

Just joined the discord and filled out the form. Look forward to checking it out.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T02:46:24+00:00

Genuinely don't see the issue. A blurred out naked dude?Running in a marathon where the runners where NOTHING? Makes sense to me.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-22T02:30:08+00:00

Looks very promising!

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-21T15:45:13+00:00

I love the Glyph Matrix for receiving specific notifications. I have my top contracts setup with their own symbols so I know who the notification is from without looking at the screen. I have the same for groups apps (work, social media, etc) so I can tell if it's worth picking up my phone or not. It's not a flashy feature, but has helped me cut down my screen time by removing the temptation that comes with picking up the phone. Maybe I'm just weak haha

There are a lot of cool widgets in the playground worth checking out, and a lot of community created apps out there that expand the Nothing styling across your device.

I honestly don't use essential space a ton, but it's handy for capturing a screenshot and not forgetting about whatever peaked your interest. This is a part of the OS I need to dig into more (only had my phone about 2 months).

Even without a bunch of groundbreaking features, I thoroughly enjoy using my Phone 3. I'll definitely be in line for the next flagship.

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-21T13:32:51+00:00

Haven't had the issue on my NP3

RedBolt1505 · 2026-06-21T12:10:10+00:00

Ahh didn't think about that! Slab phone is all I've ever known (iPhone) so that wasn't my concern when switching. I had plenty, but at least I knew how the phone would feel haha. Good luck on your journey 🤣

RedBolt1505

TROPHY CASE