Nothing has unveiled its flagship true wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear 3, introducing significant design and technology upgrades including an integrated metal case and innovative “Super Mic” system. Priced at $179, these earbuds target premium audio enthusiasts with enhanced call quality and immersive listening experiences.
Table of Contents
Key Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $179 (~₹15,770) |
| Drivers | 12mm dynamic (upgraded from 11mm) |
| ANC | Up to 45dB adaptive noise cancellation |
| Battery | 10h buds + 38h case (ANC off) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, low-latency gaming |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds and case) |
Revolutionary Super Mic Technology
The standout innovation is the dual-microphone “Super Mic” system housed within the 100% recycled aluminum charging case. This system can filter ambient noise up to 95dB to focus on voice during calls, while also enabling direct voice note recording with transcription through the Essential Space app.
Each earbud features three microphones plus a bone-conduction Voice Pick-up Unit (VPU) that detects micro-vibrations from jaw and ear canal movements, enhancing voice pickup clarity during calls.
Audio Performance Enhancements
The upgraded 12mm dynamic drivers with patterned diaphragm design deliver improved bass response and wider soundstage compared to predecessors. Real-time Adaptive Noise Cancellation automatically adjusts profiles based on surroundings and earbud fit, providing up to 45dB noise reduction.
Gaming-focused features include low-latency mode with under 120ms end-to-end delay, automatically enabled on Nothing phones and accessible via app for other devices.
Design & Build Quality
Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic now incorporates polished metal components and a thin Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) antenna for improved signal strength. The sustainable approach continues with the 100% recycled aluminum case construction.
Market Positioning
At $179, the Nothing Ear 3 competes directly with premium offerings from Apple, Sony, and Bose. The unique Super Mic functionality and metal construction differentiate it in a crowded market where call quality increasingly matters for remote work scenarios.
Pre-orders begin September 18th on nothing.tech, with general availability starting September 25th in black and white variants.
For audio enthusiasts tracking wireless earbuds evolution, Nothing’s focus on call quality innovation alongside traditional audio performance represents a strategic response to changing user priorities in post-pandemic work environments.
Notable Omissions
The Nothing Ear 3 drops LHDC 5.0 support present in previous models, focusing instead on LDAC for high-resolution audio. This codec choice aligns with broader Android ecosystem compatibility while potentially limiting audiophile appeal for users with specific high-res audio preferences.
Charging & Battery Life
Fast charging delivers impressive results with 10 minutes providing 10 hours of playback (ANC off). The case supports both USB-C and wireless charging, addressing various user preferences for convenience.
FAQs
Does the Super Mic work with all voice assistant apps?
While transcription works through Nothing’s Essential Space app, the microphone system should function with standard voice assistants and calling apps.
How does the 12mm driver compare to competitors in this price range?
The larger driver size typically allows for better bass response, though actual sound quality depends on tuning and overall acoustic design implementation.
