Nothing Phone 3: From Mockery to Movement?
The Nothing Phone 3 just launched on July 4, priced at ₹79,999. Its design? Bold. Weird. Divisive. The internet is split—some call it futuristic, others say it looks like a glitch. But here’s the twist: phones that were once mocked for their “strange” designs often end up becoming icons.
We’ve seen it before. Again and again. Phones that look too different in their time often lead the trend a few years later. This is the story of the rebels that came before the Nothing Phone 3—phones that were trolled, only to become cult favourites.
iPhone 11 Pro: The Gas Stove That Cooked the Trend
When Apple dropped the iPhone 11 Pro, people didn’t talk about the specs—they talked about the triple camera layout. Memes flooded the internet. People compared it to gas burners. But today? That layout is the identity of the Pro series. From the 11 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro, the triangle design has stayed strong. And it wasn’t just style—it improved lens switching and camera flexibility.
iPhone X: The Notch That No One Wanted
The iPhone X changed the game—and divided fans. It brought Face ID, but also introduced the controversial notch. People weren’t ready. It broke the clean display design. But Apple stuck with it. And so did everyone else. Soon, notches became the norm, from budget Android phones to flagships. Innovation or imitation? Doesn’t matter now. The notch won.
Nothing Phone (1): Where the Weirdness Began
Before the Nothing Phone 3 shocked people, the original Phone (1) did the same. A transparent back? Visible screws? LED Glyph lights? At first, it was “too different.” But it worked. The look became Nothing’s identity. Today, their whole product line—from phones to earbuds—follows that same design language. And fans? They love it.
Essential PH-1: Too Cool, Too Soon
Made by Android’s co-founder Andy Rubin, the Essential PH-1 was the first to go full minimal. Titanium body, flat sides, and a tiny camera cutout—it was sleek, clean, and completely different. But it flopped in sales. Maybe it was too ahead of its time. Because years later, Apple and others followed the same flat-sided trend. The PH-1 may not have won the market, but it won respect.
So, What’s the Deal with Nothing Phone 3?
Sure, the Nothing Phone 3 looks odd. But maybe that’s the point. Design that stands out usually splits opinion. But over time, it finds its people. And once it does, it sticks. In a sea of lookalikes, being weird isn’t a weakness—it’s a weapon.
In tech, the freaks go first. And more often than not, the future ends up dressing like them.
Also Read Nothing Phone 3a: Premium Looks, Killer Specs – Can It Crush the Competition?
