Nothing Phone 3 vs Pixel 10
Same class, different makers. The Nothing Phone 3 (Nothing) and the Pixel 10 (Google) are built for the same kind of buyer. On the overall scorecard, the Nothing Phone 3 is ahead: 3 of 6 areas, with memory & storage doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Display Nothing Phone 3 wins
- Performance Pixel 10 wins
- Memory & Storage Nothing Phone 3 wins
- Camera Trade-off
- Battery & Charging Nothing Phone 3 wins
- Software & Updates Pixel 10 wins
- Price Tie
- Display7.4
- Performance5.6
- Memory & Storage3.6
- Camera3.7
- Battery & Charging3.7
- Display5.9
- Performance5.9
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera2.2
- Battery & Charging2.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pixel 10 has 5× optical zoom versus 3×
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Pixel 10 makes its strongest case: 5× against 3×. The Pixel 10 reaches further with real optics, which pays off for wildlife, stages and sports from the stands.
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The Pixel 10 has 2 years of extra promised updates
The Pixel 10 clearly leads on promised os updates, and 7 years versus 5 years is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Pixel 10’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on.
-
The Nothing Phone 3 has 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB
On base storage, the Nothing Phone 3 posts 256 GB against 128 GB for the Pixel 10, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Base storage is what you get without paying extra. Photos, videos and apps add up quickly, so more space at the entry price is real value.
-
The Nothing Phone 3 has a dedicated 50 MP telephoto camera
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 50 MP for the Nothing Phone 3 versus 11 MP for the Pixel 10. Telephoto lenses earn their keep at concerts, school events and portraits: anywhere you can’t simply walk closer.
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The Nothing Phone 3 has faster 65 W wired charging
The Pixel 10 lists 29 W; the Nothing Phone 3 comes in at 65 W. That’s not a rounding error. Peak charging speeds depend on a compatible charger, which may not come in the box.
Design & Size
- Nothing Phone 3 6.32 in × 2.98 in × 0.35 in
- Pixel 10 6.02 in × 2.83 in × 0.34 in
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Pixel 10. The Nothing Phone 3 is the larger of the two. Pick the Pixel 10 and you save 0.49 oz. Slimness goes to the Pixel 10, 0.02 in thinner overall.
Design & Build
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.32 in | 6.02 in |
| Width | 2.98 in | 2.83 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.34 in (winner) |
| Weight | 7.69 oz | 7.20 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Nothing Phone 3 leads
Here the Nothing Phone 3 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. On its side, the Nothing Phone 3 has 50% higher peak brightness. Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks. For display, the Nothing Phone 3 is the one to beat.
Peak brightness
Nothing Phone 3: 4,500 nits Pixel 10: 3,000 nits If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Nothing Phone 3’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
Screen size
Nothing Phone 3: 6.7 in Pixel 10: 6.3 in A larger display also means a larger phone overall, so this is as much about your hands and pockets as it is about the picture.
Performance
Pixel 10 leads
On performance, the Pixel 10 comes out slightly ahead. The Pixel 10 pulls ahead with a newer 3 nm chip process. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life. Net result: the Pixel 10 leads this part of the comparison.
Process node
Nothing Phone 3: 4 nm Pixel 10: 3 nm Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
Memory & Storage
Nothing Phone 3 leads
The Pixel 10 has a tough time in the memory & storage section, where the Nothing Phone 3 pulls well ahead. The Nothing Phone 3 steps ahead thanks to 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB. The Nothing Phone 3 starts with more room, which means fewer “storage full” warnings and less time deleting old videos. Bottom line for memory & storage: the Nothing Phone 3 has the edge.
Base storage
Nothing Phone 3: 256 GB Pixel 10: 128 GB If you shoot a lot of video or keep music and maps offline, base storage is one of the specs you’ll feel most over the years.
Max storage
Nothing Phone 3: 512 GB Pixel 10: 256 GB Heavy video shooters and people with large offline libraries benefit from the Nothing Phone 3’s bigger maximum.
Camera
Trade-off
On camera, it’s give and take: the Nothing Phone 3 brings a dedicated 50 MP telephoto camera, and the Pixel 10 brings 5× optical zoom versus 3×. Weigh both advantages honestly; the one you’d miss more is your answer on camera.
Optical zoom
Nothing Phone 3: 3× Pixel 10: 5× Digital zoom can fake reach, but optical zoom is where the detail actually comes from.
Telephoto camera
Nothing Phone 3: 50 MP Pixel 10: 11 MP A dedicated telephoto camera captures distant subjects and portraits without heavy cropping, which keeps detail intact.
Battery & Charging
Nothing Phone 3 leads
When it comes to battery & charging, the Nothing Phone 3 is comfortably ahead. Here the Nothing Phone 3 offers faster 65 W wired charging. The Nothing Phone 3 refills faster on a cable, which matters most on the mornings you forgot to charge overnight. The battery & charging verdict goes to the Nothing Phone 3.
Wired charging
Nothing Phone 3: 65 W Pixel 10: 29 W Faster wired charging means a short top-up before you head out goes further.
Software & Updates
Pixel 10 leads
The Pixel 10 clearly takes the software & updates round. The Pixel 10 makes its case with 2 years of extra promised updates. A longer update promise keeps the phone secure and current for longer, which matters if you keep devices for several years. For anyone who cares most about software & updates, the Pixel 10 is the safer choice.
Promised OS updates
Nothing Phone 3: 5 years Pixel 10: 7 years Software support is what separates a phone that ages gracefully from one that doesn’t, making it one of the most practical lines on the spec sheet.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.3 in |
| Panel type | AMOLED | OLED (Actua) |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1260 | 2424 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | N/A (not specified) | 422 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 4,500 nits (winner) | 3,000 nits |
| Always-on display | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Google Tensor G5 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm (winner) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 256 GB (winner) | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB (winner) | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 48 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 50 MP (winner) | 13 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 50 MP (winner) | 11 MP |
| Optical zoom | 3× | 5× (winner) |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Front camera | 50 MP (winner) | 11 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 5,150 mAh | 4,970 mAh |
| Wired charging | 65 W (winner) | 29 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Nothing OS 3.5 (Android 15) | Android 16 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 5 years | 7 years (winner) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.32 in | 6.02 in |
| Width | 2.98 in | 2.83 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.34 in (winner) |
| Weight | 7.69 oz | 7.20 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Nothing Phone 3 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $799 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
With matching launch prices, you’re choosing purely on what each one offers.
Based on US launch pricing as of August 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Nothing Phone 3 if…
- you shoot a lot of photos and video (256 GB vs 128 GB base storage)
- you want the stronger telephoto camera (50 MP vs 11 MP)
- you want the faster cable charging (65 W vs 29 W)
- you want the screen that stays readable on sunny days (4,500 nits vs 3,000 nits)
Choose the Pixel 10 if…
- you want more optical reach (5× vs 3×)
- you want software support that lasts longer (7 years vs 5 years)
- you want the lighter phone (7.20 oz vs 7.69 oz)
- you want a chip built on a finer process (3 nm vs 4 nm)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Nothing Phone 3 or the Pixel 10?
For most people, the Nothing Phone 3 is the stronger choice, unless your top priority is 5× optical zoom versus 3×.
Does the Nothing Phone 3 last longer on a charge than the Pixel 10?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the Nothing Phone 3 and the Pixel 10 land in almost the same place.
Is the Nothing Phone 3 bigger than the Pixel 10?
The larger model here is the Nothing Phone 3 (6.32 × 2.98 × 0.35 in); the Pixel 10 is more compact at 6.02 × 2.83 × 0.34 in.
Which is faster, the Nothing Phone 3 or the Pixel 10?
On paper, the Pixel 10 is the stronger performer, with a newer 3 nm chip process.
Which has the better screen, the Nothing Phone 3 or the Pixel 10?
Going by the numbers, the Nothing Phone 3’s screen comes out ahead: 50% higher peak brightness.
Is the Nothing Phone 3 lighter than the Pixel 10?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel 10 weighs 0.49 oz less than the Nothing Phone 3.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Nothing or Google. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Nothing Phone 3 and the Pixel 10. The Nothing Phone 3 wins me over with 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB. Beyond that, a dedicated 50 MP telephoto camera gives the Nothing Phone 3 another edge. That said, the Pixel 10 answers with 5× optical zoom versus 3×, which some people will value more.
Choose by what you’d use most: display leads to the Nothing Phone 3, performance leads to the Pixel 10.
My pick: the Nothing Phone 3, unless you’d trade the rest for 5× optical zoom versus 3×.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.