 demo units showed stock photos as camera samples, facing backlash over transparency. Company says it was an oversight with placeholder images.){kind=link}
Highlights
- Demo units of the Nothing Phone (3) in New Zealand displayed licensed stock images as camera samples.
- Co-founder Akis Evangelidis clarified the images were placeholders meant to be replaced before launch, calling the incident an “unfortunate oversight.”
- The misstep has sparked criticism over transparency, potentially affecting consumer confidence in a brand known for design and openness.
It appears Nothing Phone (3) has landed itself in a fresh controversy. According to reports, it was discovered that retail demo units of the phone were showcasing stock images as if they were actual photos taken with the device. The incident has raised concerns over the company’s transparency in product marketing. Here’s what we know.
Nothing Phone (3) Controversy
According to a report by Android Authority, demo units in New Zealand displayed images under the tagline “Here’s what our community has captured with Phone (3).” However, attentive users quickly realised the photos weren’t captured by the smartphone at all. Instead, they were licensed stock photographs shot by professional photographers using high-end cameras.
Some of these images had even been circulating online since 2023, well before the Phone (3) was introduced.
One photographer named Roman Fox has confirmed to Android Authority that his image of a car’s headlight was featured on the demo device and was originally taken with a Fujifilm XH2s. While Nothing had legally acquired the photo through a stock image library, the presentation of it as a community-captured Phone (3) sample is what sparked the criticism.
Nothing’s Response
Responding to the issue, Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis clarified in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the images were only meant to serve as “placeholders” in early demo units. He explained that the company intended to replace them with genuine Phone (3) photos ahead of the official rollout.
However, due to what he called an “unfortunate oversight,” the swap never happened. Evangelidis stressed that the incident was not a deliberate attempt to mislead buyers.
Re the Phone (3) live demo units (LDU) in some stores using stock imagery – let me explain. An initial version of the LDU needs to be submitted with placeholders around 4 months before launch, to be implemented and tested as we ramp up towards mass production. Once we enter mass…
— Akis Evangelidis 🦞 (@AkisEvangelidis) August 27, 2025
The situation has raised questions about how smartphone makers market their devices. Critics of the brand have been quick to point out that for a brand that has consistently emphasised design innovation and transparency, the misstep feels particularly damaging.
Even minor lapses like this can affect consumer confidence and despite Nothing’s explanation, some potential buyers may now view the Phone (3) with scepticism.
FAQs
Q1. What recent controversy is Nothing Phone (3) facing?
Answer. Retail demo units in New Zealand displayed licensed stock images as if they were captured by the Phone (3), misleading users about its camera capabilities.
Q2. How did Nothing respond to the issue of stock images?
Answer. Co-founder Akis Evangelidis stated the images were placeholders meant for early demo units and were mistakenly not replaced due to an “unfortunate oversight.”
Q3. Why has the incident of stock images used as Nothing Phone (3) raised concerns among users?
Answer. Critics argue the misstep undermines Nothing’s emphasis on transparency and design integrity, potentially affecting consumer trust in the brand.
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