Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Nothing Phone (2a)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) is taller and thicker but slightly narrower, impacting one-handed use and pocket fit. |
| Weight | 226g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less fatiguing to hold. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Unknown | Impact unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1080x2412 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 458 | 394 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max's higher pixel density makes individual pixels less noticeable, contributing to a crisper image. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but minor differences in calibration will result in different viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) provides noticeably smoother animations and scrolling, especially beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly brighter, potentially offering better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) has better scratch resistance and impact protection for the screen, enhancing durability. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | Apple A13 Bionic provides a smoother experience with more demanding tasks due to higher single core performance; Nothing 2a has better efficiency with its 4 nm node |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 688,952 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max demonstrates stronger overall performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both are capable of handling modern games, but the specific performance differences would depend on the optimization of each game on each platform. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (2a) captures more detail with a higher resolution sensor, while iPhone 11 Pro Max has a slightly wider aperture and potentially larger pixels. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max offers optical zoom capabilities and dedicated portrait photography features, which Nothing Phone (2a) lacks. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max allows for wide-angle photography, which Nothing Phone (2a) lacks in dedicated format. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) includes the ability to capture wide-angle and macro photography, which the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is missing. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Nothing Phone (2a) captures more detailed selfies with its higher-resolution sensor, providing sharper and more detailed images. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound, Slow-motion 1080p@240fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS, Slow-motion 1080p@240fps | Both offer high-quality video recording, with the iPhone 11 Pro Max providing higher framerate options for 4k, whilst the Nothing Phone 2a has slightly better video stabilization. Both also have 240 fps slow motion. |
| DXOMARK Score | Mobile: 122, Selfie: 122 | Not Available | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has been tested and has better mobile and selfie camera ratings compared to nothing phone 2a, which has not been tested. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5000mAh | Nothing Phone (2a) has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) charges much faster, reducing downtime and providing more convenience. |
| Features | 18W Fast charge, Wireless reverse charging, Non-removable | 45W fast charging, No charger in box, Non-removable | The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers wireless reverse charging, while the Nothing Phone (2a) offers faster wired charging and does not include a charger in the box. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 13, upgradable to 18 | Android 14, upgradable to 17 | Different operating systems provide different user interfaces, ecosystems, and app stores. The user experience is significantly different between both. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Nothing Phone (2a) features a more comprehensive list of wifi features that are great for modern devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nothing Phone (2a) has a newer bluetooth standard that is better for high quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) has a greater number of GPS features meaning it will be more accurate compared to the 11 Pro Max. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max supports eSIM which can provide more flexibility in carrier options and easy SIM management. |
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max offers more storage options with up to 512GB compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) with up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) offers significantly more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both are high quality options, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is better for people in busy areas while the Nothing Phone (2a) is geared towards audiophiles. |
| Security | Basic security features | basic fingerprint sensor | Nothing Phone (2a) has a more modern form of biometric security through its fingerprint scanner. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both have similar sensors except Nothing Phone 2a has a biometric fingerprint sensor and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a more detailed and crisp visual experience.
- More powerful chip: A13 chip is still very fast and would load demanding apps and games with ease.
- Telephoto and Wide-angle lenses: Offers greater versatility in photography with dedicated zoom and wide-angle capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Supports wireless reverse charging
- eSIM: More flexibility in carrier options and easy SIM management
- DXOMARK Scores: Has been tested by DXOMARK and has scored higher in camera tests than the Nothing Phone 2a.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate (120Hz) for a more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds, great for quick power-ups.
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger battery capacity, potentially providing better battery life.
- More RAM: 8/12 GB of ram for better multitasking and app performance
- Modern Android OS: Runs on Android 14 with a newer software experience and access to the latest features.
- Lighter: More comfortable for extended use.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- More modern features: Bluetooth 5.3 and GPS with a greater number of features.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Older device with less current software, heavier, slower charging, lower refresh rate.
- Nothing Phone (2a): Lower resolution screen, lacks the telephoto lens of the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display sharpness and detail for media consumption
- Users who take advantage of telephoto zoom and wide angle cameras
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS
- Users who prioritize overall smoothness and do not mind the slower charging speeds and lower refresh rate
- Users who utilize eSIM for easy carrier management
Use Cases:
- Viewing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Professional photography and portrait mode usage.
- Users who want the best performance regardless of battery life.
Nothing Phone (2a) Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize smooth scrolling and a more modern display experience.
- Users who value fast charging and long battery life.
- Users looking for a customizable experience through the android ecosystem
- Users who like modern software, lighter devices and modern biometric security features.
Use Cases:
- Gaming and fast-paced content consumption.
- Heavy daily usage, especially on the go.
- Users who use their phone as an all in one media consumption tool and need good audio capabilities
- Users who are on a tighter budget, getting more features per dollar.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Priority: Do you prioritize display sharpness and detail (iPhone 11 Pro Max) or smoothness and refresh rate (Nothing Phone (2a))?
- Ecosystem and OS: Are you committed to the Apple ecosystem and iOS, or do you prefer the flexibility and customization of Android (Nothing Phone (2a))?
- Charging and Battery: Do you need fast charging and long battery life (Nothing Phone (2a)) or do you prefer wireless charging and don't mind the slower wired charging speeds (iPhone 11 Pro Max)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Professional: Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max if you need accurate colors and resolution on your display and you need telephoto zoom. Also if you prefer the smoothness of the IOS ecosystem.
- For the On-the-Go User: The Nothing Phone (2a) is better if you need fast charging, a longer battery life, and a smooth modern android experience with better security features.
- For the Casual User on a budget: Nothing Phone (2a) offers much better value for your money due to being much cheaper, offering very good performance, a smooth display and modern features.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a).
Reasons:
- Value for Money: The Nothing Phone (2a) is a much more budget-friendly option.
- Modern Features: The Nothing Phone (2a) has a much more modern chipset, updated software, a higher refresh rate screen, better security features and fast charging.
- Practical Daily Use: I prioritize the smooth 120Hz display, faster charging, and longer battery life for daily use. Although the iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a crisper display, I value the benefits of the modern and lighter design and the updated operating system of the Nothing Phone (2a).
- Android Flexibility: I prefer the customization and open nature of the Android ecosystem over the walled garden approach of iOS.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a strong choice for those who are committed to the Apple ecosystem and value the more powerful chipset, sharper screen, and dedicated telephoto lens. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a great all-around device with a more modern feature set that fits my priorities better, at a fraction of the price.
