Apple iPhone 11 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2a) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 20, 2019 March 12, 2024
Release Year 2019 2024

Physical

Volume 83.28 cm³ 106.1 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 188 g 190 g
Height 144 mm 161.7 mm
Width 71.4 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Matte Space Gray
  • Matte Silver
  • Matte Gold
  • Matte Midnight Green
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Milk

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 80.3 % 87.6 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 700 nits
HBM Brightness 800 nits 1100 nits
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 90.55 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.57 mAh/cm³ 47.12 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3046 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 Cortex-A510)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 18 17

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into this comparison between the Apple iPhone 11 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2a), focusing on user experience and design.

The Tale of Two Phones: A User-Centric Comparison

We're not just looking at specs here; we're exploring how these two devices fit into your life. Think of it like this: The iPhone 11 Pro is like a well-tailored suit—classic, refined, and reliable. The Nothing Phone (2a), on the other hand, is the cool, modern outfit—bold, innovative, and a bit more playful. Both have their charms, but let's see where each shines.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

Feature CategoryApple iPhone 11 ProNothing Phone (2a)User Experience Impact
Interface DesignClassic iOS design; familiar, polished, minimal aesthetic.Transparent back, Glyph interface, clean Android skin.iPhone offers a predictable and refined experience; Nothing is more novel and expressive, attracting users who want something unique.
Interaction FlowSmooth, intuitive iOS navigation; seamless app transitions.Custom Android, focused on simplicity, some unique UI elements.iPhone users may find the transition to Nothing's approach require adjustment; Nothing focuses on a streamlined experience.
Accessibility FeaturesRobust suite of built-in accessibility options.Standard Android accessibility options, plus Nothing's focus on minimalist design (potentially good for those sensitive to visual clutter).Both offer good options, however, the iPhone's are more established and well-integrated, while the Nothing phone's design approach could appeal to certain users.
Design ErgonomicsSmaller form factor, feels comfortable in one hand; premium materials.Larger, slightly thicker and heavier; less premium, but still modern.iPhone's compact size may be easier for some to handle; Nothing Phone (2a) offers a larger screen, but is more of a handful.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

The Display: A Window to Your World

Imagine you're watching a movie. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its smaller but sharper OLED display, provides a vivid and detailed viewing experience. It's like watching a film in a smaller but more intimate theater. On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (2a), with its larger, smoother AMOLED screen, gives you a cinematic view. It's like having a personal movie screen in your pocket. The faster refresh rate of the Nothing Phone makes scrolling through social media feel like flipping through a magazine, smooth and fluid.

The Camera: Capturing Moments

Picture this: You're at a concert. The iPhone 11 Pro's triple-lens system captures the energy of the stage with vibrant color and impressive detail, allowing you to zoom into the action. It's like being a professional photographer with multiple specialized lenses. The Nothing Phone (2a), while lacking the telephoto lens, offers a versatile 50MP camera, enabling you to snap beautiful, detailed photos for everyday memories. Its wide-angle + macro lens is perfect for artistic shots, getting up close and personal with small details and vast landscapes.

The Battery: Powering Your Day

You're on a long hike. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its solid battery, manages your day's adventures, though it may need a boost before nightfall. It's like a reliable travel companion who'll get you through most of the journey. The Nothing Phone (2a), armed with its larger battery, is like that friend with endless energy, ready to power through your adventures and still have some juice left for the after-party. It can also charge much faster, which makes a difference when you are in a hurry.

Software and Connectivity

Imagine you're in a bustling airport. The iPhone, with its simple interface, keeps you on track, while Nothing Phone's unique features are like having a very helpful assistant who adds a touch of fun to your journey.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the Minimalist: The iPhone's straightforward interface and small size are very appealing. The Nothing Phone's minimalist design and focus on key functionality are also suitable for users who enjoy less clutter.
  • For the Tech Enthusiast: The Nothing Phone offers an innovative design and cutting-edge features, like a higher refresh rate and faster charging, which can be extremely appealing. While the older iPhone 11 pro is no slouch, it isn't on the cutting edge anymore.
  • For the Social Sharer: The Nothing Phone (2a)'s unique camera system and larger display may be better for capturing and viewing social media content and is geared for the generation z user.
  • For the Pragmatist: The iPhone is well established, familiar and reliable, while the Nothing phone is more modern. Both, however, will cater to all users, since they both offer basic features.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

ConsiderationApple iPhone 11 ProNothing Phone (2a)
User PriorityPolished interface, compact design, robust ecosystem, excellent camera, reliable performance, simplicity.Innovation, larger screen, smooth experience, strong battery life, novel design, fast charging.
Key Design StrengthsRefined iOS design, top-tier camera system, smaller, easier to hold in hand.Unique transparent design, Glyph interface, larger screen, faster charging.
CompromisesOlder chipset, smaller screen, shorter battery lifeLower benchmark performance, less refined camera system, more basic biometric security.
Ideal User ProfileUsers seeking a premium, straightforward experience with high-quality imaging and a compact design, reliability.Tech enthusiasts who appreciate innovative design, large displays, and long battery life, and like to stand out.

Conclusion:

Both phones offer a compelling user experience, but they cater to different needs. The Apple iPhone 11 Pro is a reliable, premium choice for those who value a polished, well-established ecosystem, and excellent image quality in a smaller package. The Nothing Phone (2a) is for those who prioritize innovation, a modern aesthetic, a large and smooth screen, and a longer battery life.

My Choice:

If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Nothing Phone (2a). Here's why:

  1. Future-Forward Thinking: I'm drawn to its innovative design. The Glyph interface, the transparent back, and the unique visual elements show a different approach to smartphone design.
  2. Larger, Smoother Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media on the go, the larger, 120Hz AMOLED screen makes a significant difference in my daily use.
  3. Battery Life: The larger battery and faster charging align with my lifestyle, allowing me to use my phone longer without worrying about power.
  4. Unique Experience: I appreciate the attempt at something different. It offers a fresh experience that stands out in a sea of similar designs.

While the iPhone 11 Pro is a great device, the Nothing Phone (2a)'s modern approach, larger screen, and better battery life are more suited to my needs. It feels like a step towards the future of smartphone design. It really is something different.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.