What even is a flagship Android phone these days? Sometimes, I think I know. Other times, I have to shrug and wonder. And yet, not being able to define a flagship phone isn’t always a bad thing. On the right occasion, it can be the highest possible praise for an excellent budget phone or even a rock-solid mid-ranger. I should know — I’ve called several great phones flagship-like over the years.
But what happens when the phone you’re describing as flagship-like is meant to be a true flagship? Does that mean it hit its goal? Or did it come up just a bit short? I’ve asked myself all these questions and more while exploring the Nothing Phone 3, and I’m not sure I have a good answer. It’s Nothing at its best, but is it what it aims to be? Let’s find out.