1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Nothing Phone (2), focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2) is slightly taller and thicker, while iPhone 11 Pro Max is wider; overall, the Nothing Phone (2) has slightly larger overall volume, but the size differences aren't drastic |
| Weight | 226g | 201.2g | Nothing Phone (2) is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2) has a marginally larger display, offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1080x2412 | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a much sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text |
| PPI | 458 | 394 | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a noticeably sharper image with higher pixel density |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer the same core display quality (deep blacks, vibrant colors), however brightness and refresh rate are not equal |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2) provides smoother scrolling, gaming, and overall user experience due to the higher refresh rate |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2) is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2) is newer and more powerful with faster CPU performance, leading to smoother app loading and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 916,151 | 1,135,786 | Nothing Phone (2) shows better overall performance in benchmarks, indicating potentially snappier and smoother user experience |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 | Both provide strong gaming and graphics, but performance will vary based on specific software and games |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm pixels | Nothing Phone (2) has a higher resolution primary camera with larger sensor for better low-light and detail capture |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74", 0.8µm pixels | Nothing Phone (2) offers higher-resolution selfies, potentially capturing more detail |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a dedicated ultrawide camera for expansive shots, although a Wide Angle + Macro lens is offered by the Nothing Phone (2) |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixels | Nothing Phone (2) offers a combined ultrawide and macro lens for detailed closeups and wider scenes |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both offer high-quality video with similar capabilities (4k up to 60fps); both feature video stabilization for smooth, professional-looking footage |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 122 (main), 126 (photo), 124 (video) | Not Tested | iPhone 11 Pro Max's camera is tested and has a decent score, but the Nothing Phone (2) has not had public tests |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 122 (main), 115 (photo), 134 (video) | Not Tested | iPhone 11 Pro Max's front-facing camera is tested and has a decent score, but the Nothing Phone (2) has not had public tests |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 4700mAh | Nothing Phone (2) has a larger battery, potentially resulting in longer battery life |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (2) charges significantly faster, reducing wait time |
| Features | 18W Fast Charging, Wireless Reverse Charging | 45W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Wireless Reverse Charging | Nothing Phone (2) has a faster charging and more wireless charging options |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 13 (Upgradable to Android 16) | Different operating systems, iOS is known for simplicity and seamless ecosystem integration. Nothing OS, based on Android, offers more customization options |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Nothing Phone (2) has more advanced WiFi options |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2) uses newer standard, which will likely offer slightly improved performance |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2) has more GPS options for better location accuracy in more locations |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | iPhone 11 Pro Max has an eSIM option for greater SIM flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Nothing Phone (2) offers more base storage, while both provide ample storage for most users |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 or 12 GB | Nothing Phone (2) has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and gaming performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both feature Stereo speakers for good sound quality, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max offers Dolby Atmos and noise cancelling microphones, while the Nothing Phone (2) offers Hi-Res audio and more microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | basic fingerprint sensor | Nothing Phone (2) has a biometric fingerprint sensor for easier unlocking and enhanced security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Specifics regarding screen protection technology are not listed |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both include comprehensive sensor suites, but iPhone includes an barometer, while Nothing Phone (2) includes a fingerprint scanner |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a clearer, more detailed screen, which is important for reading text and viewing high-resolution images.
- Dedicated Telephoto & Wide Angle Lenses: Offers better versatility in photography, including optical zoom, and ultrawide shots.
- eSIM Support: Enables users to have more flexibility with carrier switching.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a more immersive audio experience and offers noise canceling microphones.
- DXOMark Camera Scores: Provides an established reference of camera quality (though performance can vary in real-world situations)
Nothing Phone (2) Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for significantly smoother animations, scrolling, and general user interface experience.
- Brighter Display: Higher maximum brightness makes it much more usable under direct sunlight.
- More Powerful Performance: Newer chipset results in faster app loading and better multitasking capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Larger Battery: Potentially offers longer battery life.
- Higher Resolution Primary Camera: Offers better detail and low-light photography.
- More RAM: Offers smoother multitasking and better performance for resource intensive tasks.
- More Advanced GPS: Greater accuracy for GPS-based apps such as mapping and navigation
- Biometric Fingerprint Scanner: For quick and convenient unlocking.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Older chipset and lower refresh rate display, and it is heavier and bulkier, meaning less smooth user experience
- Nothing Phone (2): Lacks dedicated telephoto zoom and ultrawide cameras. No DXOMark rating for the camera. It also doesn't support an eSIM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is Ideal For:
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Users who need reliable camera performance: A wide range of photography options with optical zoom and an ultrawide lens.
- Users who prioritize display clarity: Higher resolution and pixel density make text and images crisp and sharp.
- Users who want a device tested by DXOMark: For those who trust the independent testing organization.
- Users who utilize eSIM: For those who travel and switch phone carriers often.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography, content creation
- Users who value high quality display clarity
- Users who need an eSIM
- Users who enjoy using other Apple devices and applications
Nothing Phone (2) is Ideal For:
- Users who value smooth performance: The faster processor and 120Hz display make it perfect for gaming, multitasking and enjoying a fluid experience.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging: The larger battery and faster charging ensure less time plugged in and longer time using your device.
- Users who need a bright screen: Ideal for outdoor use, and for easy readability under direct sunlight.
- Users who enjoy customization: The Android based OS and ability to easily change system settings.
- Users who value up-to-date technology: This phone has a newer chipset and newer features than the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- Users who prefer biometric security: The fingerprint scanner allows a more convenient form of security.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video streaming
- Heavy users who value battery life and fast charging
- Outdoor usage with great screen visibility
- Users who prefer to use Android
- Users who want a fingerprint scanner
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nothing Phone (2) is the newer of the two devices, and is likely to be more expensive as it contains newer technologies. However the iPhone 11 Pro Max may be more affordable depending on the condition it is purchased in as a second hand device.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- What do you value more: Display Sharpness or Smoothness? If you prioritize sharper text and detailed images, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is better. For smoother scrolling and animations, the Nothing Phone (2) is superior.
- How Important is Camera Versatility? If you need optical zoom and a dedicated ultrawide camera, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is better. If you want a high resolution primary camera and a macro wide angle lens, the Nothing Phone (2) is preferable.
- Do you value up-to-date technologies? If you prefer the newest technologies such as a fingerprint scanner, longer battery life, faster charging, brighter screen, newer chipset, more ram, and more advanced GPS, the Nothing Phone (2) is preferable, but if you require an eSIM or are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focus): For users who need great photography, the iPhone 11 Pro Max offers better overall versatility.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Smoothness Focus): For users who want a smooth experience, with gaming, and a fast user interface, the Nothing Phone (2) is better.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor Visibility & Battery Life): For users who need a bright screen, fast charging, and a long battery, the Nothing Phone (2) wins.
- Scenario 4 (Apple Ecosystem): For users who are invested in the Apple ecosystem or need an eSIM, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2). While the iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a sharper display and dedicated telephoto camera, the Nothing Phone (2) is better overall due to its more advanced technology, including a much smoother display, faster charging, larger battery, brighter screen, faster chipset, more RAM, and more up-to-date features. As a heavy user, I value the smoother user experience, and the faster charging. The lack of a telephoto lens is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the advancements in other areas. Additionally, I appreciate the additional GPS options, and the inclusion of a fingerprint scanner.
