Wait, What? Nothing Caught Using Fake Photos for Phone 3 Samples!
In a surprising twist that has tech enthusiasts buzzing in 2025, the innovative tech brand Nothing has found itself in hot water for allegedly using stock images instead of actual camera samples to showcase its latest device, the Phone 3. Yes, you heard that right! What should have been a straightforward display of the phone’s photography capabilities has turned into a tale of deception that’s leaving many scratching their heads.
So, here’s the scoop: a photographer recently confirmed to The Verge that Nothing had licensed their image through a stock photo marketplace. This wasn’t just any image, but a photo that Nothing boldly claimed was taken with the Phone 3. But as it turns out, the reality is far from that. The photographer, wishing to remain anonymous, spilled the beans that their image was not just captured with the Phone 3—it was snapped in 2023, long before the phone even hit the shelves!
Now, let’s dive into the details. Nothing featured five sample images in their in-store demo units, claiming these were test shots captured by the Phone 3. Among the images were stunning visuals of a spiral staircase, a sleek car headlight, a glass, a window, and a woman looking directly at the camera. All of these images are available for licensing through Stills, and it’s safe to say they were not taken with Nothing’s latest device.
Another photographer involved in this debacle, Roman Fox, confirmed to Android Authority that his image of the car headlight was also licensed by Nothing. Just like the anonymous photographer, Fox revealed that his stunning shot was taken in 2023 using a Fujifilm XH2s camera, further proving the point that these images were anything but authentic Phone 3 captures.
To add insult to injury, the demo units were accompanied by a rather cheeky message: “Judge for yourself. Here’s what our community has captured with Phone 3.” This bold claim raised eyebrows, as many began to question the integrity behind Nothing’s marketing strategy. Was this a simple oversight or a calculated move to mislead potential buyers?
In response to the growing concerns, Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis took to social media platform X to address the issue. He described the use of stock images as “placeholders” that were meant to be updated before the phone’s launch. “An initial version of the LDU [live demo unit] needs to be submitted with placeholders around four months before launch,” Evangelidis explained. “Once we enter mass production, those placeholder images are replaced with photo samples through a new version of the LDU, along with final product renders and videos. In this case, it was brought to our attention that some live demo units’ stock imagery were not updated.”
While it’s true that companies often use placeholders during the development phase, this incident raises questions about Nothing’s commitment to transparency. After all, the brand has previously showcased images taken with their older models. It’s perplexing to see them resorting to stock photography, especially when they have a loyal community eager to see genuine samples.
This isn’t the first time a smartphone manufacturer has been caught in a similar situation. In an industry where authenticity and trust are paramount, one would think that lessons would have been learned by now. Yet, here we are in 2025, with another tech company embroiled in a scandal over misleading photography.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Nothing will rectify this situation and restore trust among their customers. Will they update their demo units with actual Phone 3 samples? Or will this be yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of tech companies and their questionable marketing practices?
In conclusion, Nothing’s attempt to showcase the Phone 3 has taken an unexpected turn, reminding us all of the importance of honesty in advertising. As consumers, we deserve to see the real capabilities of a product before making a purchase. Let’s hope that moving forward, brands like Nothing will prioritize transparency and authenticity over flashy marketing tactics.
