Nothing Phone 3 vs iQOO Z9 – Which Mid-Range Beast Wins in 2025?

Mid-range smartphones have never been this exciting. In 2025, two standout contenders – the Nothing Phone 3 vs iQOO Z9 – are battling it out for dominance in the ₹25,000–₹30,000 price range. Each offers a powerful punch, unique design, and flagship-like performance. But which one truly deserves your money?

In this detailed comparison of Nothing Phone 3 vs iQOO Z9, we go beyond specs and marketing to uncover which phone is the real mid-range champion. Whether you’re a gamer, camera enthusiast, or design lover, this guide will help you make a smart buying decision.

🔍 Quick Overview: Why This Comparison Matters

The Indian smartphone market in 2025 is more value-driven than ever. With flagship-level features trickling down to mid-range devices, brands are offering insane value – and the Nothing Phone 3 vs iQOO Z9 comparison is a prime example.

Let’s explore how these two powerhouses differ in performance, design, camera capabilities, software, and more.

📱 Design & Build Quality: Transparent Boldness vs Premium Simplicity

🔹 Nothing Phone 3

• Signature Transparent Back with LED Glyph Interface (now customizable)
• Lightweight aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• IP54 water resistance
• Available in black, white, and a new iridescent variant

Personal Note: If you want your phone to stand out in a crowd, the Nothing Phone 3 has unmatched style. It’s the kind of phone that starts conversations.

🔹 iQOO Z9

• Sleek dual-tone matte finish with flat edges
• Plastic frame, but surprisingly premium in-hand feel
• IP52 certified for dust and splash resistance
• Slim and ergonomic design with muted branding

Verdict: If aesthetics and uniqueness are your priority, the Nothing Phone 3 wins hands down. But for those who prefer understated elegance, the iQOO Z9 doesn’t disappoint.

⚙️ Performance & Hardware: Snapdragon Muscle vs MediaTek Efficiency

Both phones deliver snappy performance, but the Nothing Phone 3 holds an edge in raw power and sustained gaming due to its superior chipset and thermal design.

Real-World Test: Games like Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI run smoother on the Nothing Phone 3, especially at high settings with no noticeable frame drops.

📷 Camera Comparison: Better Shots, Day and Night?

Key Observations:

• Nothing Phone 3 produces sharper, more natural images across lighting conditions.
• Ultra-wide shots add versatility — a feature missing on the iQOO Z9.
• Night mode and portrait shots are cleaner on the Nothing Phone 3, thanks to better processing.

Verdict: The Nothing Phone 3 is the better camera phone, especially for creators and mobile photographers.

🔋 Battery & Charging: Fast, But Not Equal

While the iQOO Z9 edges ahead in battery size and charging speed, Nothing Phone 3 offers wireless charging — a rare feature in this segment.

Personal Insight: If you hate wires and love aesthetics, wireless charging is a game-changer. But if you’re always in a rush, the iQOO Z9’s 66W wired charging wins.

💡 Software & User Experience

Nothing Phone 3

• Nothing OS 3.0 (based on Android 15)
• Clean, bloat-free experience with unique animations
• Glyph integrations for calls, notifications, and more
• Promised 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches

iQOO Z9

• Funtouch OS 14 (on Android 14)
• Feature-rich but bloated with pre-installed apps
• Good optimization but lacks polish
• 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security

User Feedback: Nothing OS feels closer to Pixel’s experience — minimal and clean. Funtouch, while powerful, can feel overwhelming.

Nothing Phone 3 delivers a smoother, longer-lasting software experience.

📶 Connectivity & Extras

• Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC
• Nothing Phone 3 includes wireless charging, Glyph customization, and IP54 rating
• iQOO Z9 has a 3.5mm headphone jack (bonus for wired audio lovers)

🔍 Price & Availability in India

The iQOO Z9 wins on pricing, offering aggressive value. But the Nothing Phone 3 justifies the premium with its unique design, better cameras, wireless charging, and cleaner software.

💬 User Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Here’s a summary of who should buy which:

• ✅ Buy Nothing Phone 3 if you want:
  • A truly unique design with LED Glyphs
  • Better cameras and ultra-wide lens
  • Clean Android experience
  • Wireless charging and premium build
• ✅ Buy iQOO Z9 if you want:
  • High performance on a tight budget
  • Long battery life and super-fast charging
  • Traditional features like headphone jack
  • A lower entry price

Final Verdict: For most users looking for an all-rounder with style and substance, the Nothing Phone 3 wins. But if performance per rupee is your top priority, the iQOO Z9 won’t disappoint.

📌 FAQs – Nothing Phone 3 vs iQOO Z9

🎯 Final Thoughts

The Nothing Phone 3 vs iQOO Z9 battle shows how far mid-range phones have come. While iQOO Z9 offers amazing value, the Nothing Phone 3 delivers a premium experience that’s hard to ignore.

In the end, your choice boils down to budget vs experience. For those who want the best overall mid-range phone in 2025, the Nothing Phone 3 takes the crown.

💥 Ready to Choose Your Mid-Range Beast?

Which one would you pick — the edgy and premium Nothing Phone 3, or the performance-driven iQOO Z9?

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments or share this post with a friend who’s stuck choosing!

🔗 Also read:

• Nothing Phone 3: Full Review & Pros/Cons