Flagship Price, Mid-Range Chip? Nothing Phone 3's Launch Sparks Debate – Here Are 3 Powerful, Affordable Alternatives!

The highly anticipated Nothing Phone 3, unveiled yesterday alongside the Headphone 1, has certainly made a splash – but perhaps not in the way its creators intended. Marking the brand's ambitious foray into the flagship smartphone market, nearly two years after the Nothing Phone 2, the Phone 3 arrived with considerable hype. However, initial reactions from consumers online suggest a strong sense of disappointment, primarily revolving around its premium price point: a staggering ₹79,999 for the base model (12GB RAM, 256GB storage).

The core of this discontent lies in the Phone 3's choice of processor. Despite its "flagship" positioning, the device sports the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, a powerful chip, but one widely considered a step below Qualcomm's true top-tier offering, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This discrepancy is particularly galling for many, as several competing smartphones are already available at significantly lower prices while featuring the very same Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, or even the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite.

For those eyeing the capable Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset but unwilling to shell out a princely sum of ₹80,000, fear not. We've compiled a list of three compelling alternatives that deliver comparable performance and specifications without breaking the bank. Two of these are readily available in India, with a third promising an exciting option for the future.

The Contenders: Power on a Budget

Poco F7: The Performance Powerhouse

Launched just last month, the Poco F7 quickly grabbed attention for its aggressive pricing and robust specifications. At an enticing ₹31,999, it offers the same 12GB of RAM paired with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, along with blazing-fast UFS 4.1 storage.

The Poco F7 is clearly built for performance enthusiasts and avid gamers. It boasts a massive 7,550 mAh battery, promising extended usage, and an impressive triple IP rating for enhanced durability. The phone also features a premium glass and metal finish and a large, immersive display. While it runs on Xiaomi's HyperOS 2, which comes with its fair share of pre-installed applications, most of these can be uninstalled, making the Poco F7 a formidable choice for those seeking raw power without the flagship premium.

iQOO Neo 10: The Gaming Enthusiast's Dream

Another recent entrant into the Indian market, the iQOO Neo 10, presents a compelling alternative, also starting at ₹31,999 for its 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. For those needing more, a 12GB RAM and 256GB storage option is available at ₹35,999.

Like the Poco F7, the iQOO Neo 10 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and packs a substantial 7,000 mAh battery. A standout feature is its vibrant 144Hz display, theoretically allowing for ultra-smooth 144 FPS gaming in supported titles. To ensure sustained performance during intense gaming sessions, the device incorporates a large vapor cooling chamber, effectively managing heat.

Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro: The Future Contender (Not Yet in India)

While not yet available on Indian shores, the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro offers a glimpse into a potentially exciting future option. Speculated to launch in India as the Xiaomi 15 Civi, this device is anticipated to be the successor to the well-received Xiaomi 14 Civi and is expected to feature optics tuned by Leica.

The Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro also packs the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, complemented by a 6.55-inch display, a versatile triple camera setup, and a sizeable 6,000 mAh battery. While there's no official word on its India launch, the fact that its predecessor made its way to the market offers a glimmer of hope for its eventual arrival.

The Verdict

The Nothing Phone 3's pricing strategy has undeniably sparked a debate, with many questioning its value proposition given the processor choice. However, as the alternatives from Poco and iQOO demonstrate, consumers seeking high-performance smartphones powered by the capable Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 now have excellent, significantly more affordable options. It remains to be seen how Nothing will respond to this market sentiment, but for now, the competition is heating up, much to the benefit of the discerning smartphone buyer.