The Nothing Phone 3 brings a sleek design and flagship features, but many users want to know how well it handles exposure to water. We tested the device in real outdoor conditions to find out if it lives up to its durability expectations. Here’s what happened during our waterproof test.

Official Water Resistance Rating

The Nothing Phone 3 comes with an IP54 rating, which means it is protected against dust and light water splashes. This rating does not guarantee full protection against submersion, so while it can survive rain or accidental spills, it’s not designed for swimming or being dropped in water. However, we decided to push its limits to see what it can actually handle in outdoor scenarios.

Real‑World Splash and Rain Test

During the outdoor test, the Phone 3 was exposed to moderate rainfall for about 10 minutes while playing a YouTube video. The screen remained responsive, and the speakers continued to function without distortion. Water beaded off the back panel and the Glyph interface continued to glow without flickering.

After wiping it dry, there were no issues with the touchscreen, charging port, or camera lens. Buttons felt firm, and the phone did not show any warning notifications or performance drops.

Short Submersion Experiment

To simulate a common accident, we dropped the phone in a shallow bucket of water for about 20 seconds. After removing it and drying thoroughly, the phone still powered on without trouble. However, the speaker sounded slightly muffled for a few minutes, which improved once it dried out. This test confirmed the phone can survive brief, shallow exposure, though it’s not recommended by the manufacturer.

Final Verdict on Waterproofing

The Nothing Phone 3 is splash‑resistant and can easily handle rain, accidental spills, or minor water exposure. While it’s not fully waterproof, it did survive light rain and short submersion during real outdoor use. If you’re careful and avoid deep water, the Phone 3 can withstand everyday environmental moisture without any damage.

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