Nothing Phone (3) underwater photography test: our rating for 2026.

To learn how to get the most out of your gear underwater, discover the [AquaExposure Training](/lms). --- ## Introduction

Nothing is a brand that has built its reputation on transparency. Literally, the back of the phone reveals the components, and the brand's communication avoids empty superlatives. When we ask whether this phone can go underwater, we expect the same level of honesty.

The good news: the Nothing Phone (3) is IP68 certified. It can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. It's not a deep-sea diving phone, but it provides a solid foundation for use with a universal waterproof case.

The least good option: the brand isn't yet on the radar of manufacturers of dedicated housings. There are no Nauticam or Fantasea options available. The only serious option remains a universal housing.

This test puts the Nothing Phone (3) through our 7 underwater photography criteria in natural light. The scores are calculated using our B1-B7 grading system. To compare it with other smartphones, please see our underwater smartphone camera comparison for 2026.

Overall score: 3.4/5

Designed for: snorkeling, light natural-light diving, RAW DNG workflow with MotionCam Pro.

Not ideal for: fast transfers of large RAW files, deep dives without a dedicated housing, long recording sessions under continuous power.

The main 50MP sensor in a 1/1.3" format with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS is honestly good for a mid-range to high-end smartphone. Underwater in natural light, the size of the sensor makes a real difference: it captures more light and reduces noise in the shadows.

The 3x periscope telephoto lens (1/2.75", f/2.7) adds flexibility for distant subjects. The ultra-wide angle lens (114°, f/2.2) provides good coverage of large reef scenes. The minimum focus distance is around 8-10 cm: no native macro capability.

The ISP (Image Signal Processor) Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is generic, without any optical partnerships (no Hasselblad, no Leica). The basic colorimetry is contrasty, which can be corrected in RAW format, but it requires significant post-processing work to restore the accurate colors of the underwater world.

Three components, three distinct realities.

B2a - Native RAW (4/5). The native Pro mode of Nothing OS produces 12-bit DNG files with adjustable white balance in Kelvin. This is the minimum required for serious underwater photography: automatic white balance is consistently incorrect underwater, and manual adjustment in Kelvin before diving is essential.

B2b - MotionCam Pro (4.5/5). Available for Android devices with full GMS support = MotionCam Pro is available. This application unlocks the raw sensor stream, focus peaking, and RAW video capabilities. For underwater photography in natural light, it's a top-tier tool that transforms a good smartphone into a serious piece of equipment.

B2c - Color science (3/5). The Qualcomm ISP, without optical partnerships, delivers a profile with relatively high contrast and a tendency towards haze (a slightly soft veil) on the telephoto lens in challenging conditions. In RAW format, everything can be corrected. In direct JPEG, underwater renderings require adjustments.

The combination of 12-bit DNG + MotionCam Pro puts the Nothing Phone (3) in a good position for natural light workflows. The weakness is the basic color science, not the output format.

This is where the Nothing Phone (3) disappoints the most for users who take a lot of photos.

The internal UFS 4.0 storage is excellent on paper: 256 GB or 512 GB, with ultra-fast read/write speeds. However, the USB-C port uses the 2.0 standard, which limits actual transfer rates to around 40 MB/s for wired transfers. Transferring a RAW session of 200 DNG files is a simple but painful calculation.

No microSD card slot either: no quick alternative on the go.

Always plan to transfer data via Wi-Fi or cloud after your dive. The USB cable is a last resort for this phone, not the standard way of doing things.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a powerful chip, but the Nothing Phone (3) does not include a dedicated active vapor chamber for extended use. The cooling system is passive.

In practice, a prolonged video recording session in 4K (more than 20-30 consecutive minutes) can cause thermal throttling. This is not a real issue for short burst shooting or mixed usage scenarios.

Underwater, cold water naturally helps dissipate heat. This is a significant advantage in the context of diving in temperate waters.

[WARNING] Silica gel: mandatory. The Nothing Phone (3) has an aluminum chassis that conducts heat. Without a vapor chamber to redistribute the heat, there is a real risk of condensation forming as cold water (below 15°C). Place silica gel in the housing before each dive.

Tropical Overheating: Without active vapor chamber cooling, but with a chip that consumes less power than the full Gen 4, the Nothing Phone can record approximately 30 minutes of 4K video in water at 28°C before thermal throttling occurs. For photo shooting only, there are no limitations.

For standard underwater photography (short bursts, alternating between pauses and shots), the thermal management is well controlled. For extended underwater video time-lapses, monitor the surface temperature before submerging.

5150 mAh with silicon-carbon (Si/C) chemistry: this is a good battery. GSMArena tests indicate an endurance of almost 13 hours under active use. The fast charging at 65W (from 1% to 100% in 54 minutes) is a real logistical advantage between dives.

The performance in cold water (below 10°C) follows the universal rule for Li-ion batteries: expect a decrease of 15 to 20% in available battery life. This is not specific to Nothing, it's due to physics.

The 1400 guaranteed cycles before noticeable degradation (EU certification) is a good indicator of durability for regular use over several seasons.

For a day of underwater photography (two dives + surface processing), the battery lasts without needing a recharge. This is one of the strong points of this device.

Before each diving session, remember to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the right power bank for your dive equipment and desired battery life.

The PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) system is equipped on the main sensor and the periscope telephoto lens. It is reliable in normal conditions, with decent subject tracking.

Two limitations for underwater use: no LiDAR (no depth-assisted focusing), and an estimated trigger latency of 150-200 ms in low light conditions. This works well for slow-moving subjects (nudibranchs, corals, stationary fish). For fast-moving subjects, you need to anticipate.

The lack of native focus peaking is compensated for by MotionCam Pro, which integrates it directly into its manual interface.

The PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) of the Nothing Phone (3) is suitable for most subjects in natural light conditions. It shows its limitations with small, fast-moving subjects or in very low light.

The Nothing Phone (3) is IP68 certified (submersible up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes). This provides a solid foundation for use in a universal enclosure.

Currently, no manufacturer of dedicated housings (Nauticam, Fantasea, Ikelite) offers a specific housing for this model. The available solutions are universal: the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max (touch membrane, access to the screen underwater) is the primary recommendation. Mechanical housings like those from Kraken Sports can work, but require careful optical alignment.

The IP68 certification protects against accidental water ingress, but not against the repeated pressure of deep dives without a protective housing. With a well-suited universal housing, diving up to 20-30 meters is realistic.

The Glyph Matrix interface (489 LEDs on the back of the phone) is inaccessible and useless underwater. This isn't a functional loss for underwater photography, it's simply a surface feature.

The Enclosure and Sealing

IP68 means that the phone can survive an accidental immersion in a meter and a half of water for half an hour. This is not an invitation to go swimming naked. For any scuba diving, a waterproof housing is mandatory: it protects against both pressurized water currents and mechanical shocks.

For snorkeling on the surface, an IP68 rating offers an acceptable safety margin if you stay close to the surface. However, as soon as you descend beyond 2-3 meters, a universal waterproof housing becomes essential.

The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max (around €150-€180) is currently the most practical solution for this phone: it maintains touch screen access underwater, allowing you to navigate MotionCam Pro without dedicated buttons.

The Post-Dive Workflow

The primary constraint to consider when integrating this technology into your organization is the USB-C 2.0 standard. Plan for transferring data via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to an intermediate storage device. DNG 12-bit files weigh between 25 and 35 MB each: a wired USB transfer of 100 files takes approximately 60-90 minutes. With Wi-Fi 7 (integrated into this phone), the data rates are significantly higher.

For post-processing, Lightroom Mobile handles Nothing DNG files perfectly. The white balance set in Kelvin before the dive provides a clean starting point for adjustments.

Current Prices (July 2026)

• New: Approximately €599 on Amazon.fr (summer sale 2026, launch price €849)
• Used/Refurbished: Not available on Back Market France at the time of writing (recent model)
• Sources: Amazon.fr, Back Market FR (to be monitored)
• Date of verification: July 1, 2026

Snorkeling vs. Scuba Diving

For snorkeling on the surface with your phone without a case, the IP68 rating covers splashes and brief submersion at shallow depths. This is suitable for taking pictures on the surface or at very shallow depths (maximum 1-2 meters).

For actual scuba diving (with or without tanks, beyond 3-5 meters), the universal case is non-negotiable. Pressure increases with depth, and the IP68 rating is tested in still water, not under current or during repeated dives.

The Nothing Phone (3) is an honest smartphone, which aligns well with the brand's image. When it comes to underwater photography in natural light, it offers a great starting point thanks to its 1/1.3" sensor, 12-bit DNG format, and MotionCam Pro compatibility.

Its limitations are identifiable and not deal-breakers: there is no dedicated enclosure available on the market (a universal solution is required), the USB-C 2.0 interface slows down file transfers, and the generic color science requires work in post-processing.

For an underwater photographer starting with natural light, looking for a reliable Android phone at a reasonable price (599 EUR on sale), and who accepts the RAW workflow in post-processing, the Nothing Phone (3) is worth considering. Those seeking a ready-to-dive solution with a dedicated waterproof housing will need to look elsewhere.

Final score: 3.4/5

Are you hesitant? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this camera with other tested models.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and condensation on a smartphone in an underwater housing.

Having the right phone isn't enough. Underwater photography in natural light relies on reading the light, managing depth, and positioning yourself relative to the subject.

If you are a beginner or want to improve your skills, the aquaexposure.com training program guides you step by step, from manual settings underwater to post-processing of RAW files. The basics learned with a smartphone can be directly applied with a dedicated camera.

To learn more about choosing the right equipment: which camera or camcorder should you choose to get started with underwater photography?.