Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Nothing Phone (2)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2023-07-17 | Nothing Phone (2) is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from more recent software and hardware. |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2) is taller and thicker, while the iPhone is slightly wider. Overall, the Nothing Phone (2) has slightly larger volume. The difference in size might impact handling based on user preference. |
| Weight | 228g | 201.2g | Nothing Phone (2) is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2412 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a significantly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 458 | 394 | iPhone 12 Pro Max will show finer details and crisper text due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both phones use OLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2) offers a much smoother scrolling and gaming experience with a higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2) is much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight due to its higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Different chipsets, each with distinct architectures. Actual performance is close, as reflected in the AnTuTu score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 1,135,786 | Both phones provide very similar performance for everyday use and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 730 | Different GPUs, impacting graphics processing, however AnTuTu scores are similar. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 4700mAh | Nothing Phone (2) has a larger battery, likely leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2) charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi Wireless | 15W Wireless, Reverse | Nothing Phone (2) offers reverse charging, while iPhone has MagSafe. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Nothing Phone (2) has a higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.88 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a wider aperture, which performs better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | Nothing Phone (2) has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a wider aperture which captures more light, better for low-light photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers optical zoom, providing better flexibility when taking photos at different distances. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes | Nothing Phone (2) has a wide-angle and macro camera in the same lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both support high-quality video with similar features. |
| DXOMark Camera | Main: 131, Selfie: 132 | N/A | The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a known good camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to 18) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 16) | Different OS ecosystems, each with unique user interfaces and app stores. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2) has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better power efficiency and performance. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems, L1+L5, NavIC | Nothing Phone (2) has additional GPS systems which gives it better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nothing Phone (2) has more support for physical sim cards, while iPhone allows using an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both phones offer identical storage options, with no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Nothing Phone (2) has more RAM, better for running multiple apps and heavy gaming. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio | iPhone offers Dolby Atmos while Nothing Phone (2) offers Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | fingerprint sensor | Nothing Phone (2) offers biometric security through fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unkown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | iPhone has a barometer while Nothing Phone (2) has a fingerprint sensor. Nothing phone has gravity sensors. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a clearer, more detailed screen.
- Telephoto and Wide-Angle Lens: Offers dedicated telephoto for optical zoom and wide-angle lenses, improving camera versatility.
- Known Camera Performance: DxOMark scores indicate strong photo and video quality (though the Nothing Phone (2) is untested.)
- eSIM Support: Allows easy switching between carriers via digital SIM.
- Dolby Atmos: Higher quality audio experience
- Barometer: More environmental information
- Ultra stable video: Better video stabilization
Practical Implications: The iPhone is better for users who want a premium display, more versatile camera, or prefer the iOS ecosystem.
Nothing Phone (2) Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother experience, especially for scrolling and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility under sunlight due to higher brightness.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging times reduce downtime.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 has potential improvements in efficiency and performance.
- Better GPS: Uses L1+L5 and NavIC for more accurate GPS
- More RAM: Better multitasking and heavy game performance.
- Fingerprint sensor: More secure biometric authentication.
- Hi-Res Audio Higher quality sound
- Reverse charging: Wireless reverse charging for headphones or other devices.
Practical Implications: The Nothing Phone (2) is better for users who prioritize smooth display, battery life, faster charging, and the Android ecosystem.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max users sacrifice smoothness in favor of camera flexibility.
- Nothing Phone (2) users sacrifice a higher resolution display for smoother performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Photographers/Videographers: Users who prioritize diverse camera options (telephoto, ultrawide) and want well known performance.
- iOS Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Users heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem and prefer iOS software.
- Users who value higher resolution displays: Users who will make good use of the slightly sharper display.
- Users who value camera versatility Those who need zoom lenses.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Professional photography or videography, taking advantage of the various lenses.
- Heavy users of other Apple devices, wanting seamless integration.
- Users who are used to iOS who are happy to stick with it.
Ideal User for Nothing Phone (2):
- Gamers: Users who benefit from the higher refresh rate and smooth animations.
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who prefer Android's open-source nature and customization options.
- Power Users: Users who require faster charging and want longer battery life.
- Users who prioritize a smoother scrolling experience: Users who will notice the difference between 60hz and 120hz.
Specific Use Cases for Nothing Phone (2):
- Mobile gaming, with the 120Hz refresh rate providing a competitive edge.
- Heavy smartphone users, for whom battery life and charging speed are key.
- Users who like Android customization options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prefer iOS or Android ecosystem? This is a fundamental question that drives the overall experience.
- How important is camera versatility to you? Do you need optical zoom and wide-angle lenses?
- How important are display smoothness and battery life to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and need the most versatile camera: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the better choice.
- If you prioritize a smoother, more responsive display and longer battery life: The Nothing Phone (2) is a better choice.
- If you require the best possible resolution and the most versatile camera The iPhone 12 Pro Max may be a better option.
- If you want the newest tech, better outdoor visibility and better GPS: The Nothing Phone (2) is the better option.
My Decision
I would choose the Nothing Phone (2). While the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a sharper display, and more camera lenses I think the Nothing Phone (2) offers a superior experience in modern smartphone use. The combination of a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, a larger battery for all-day use, and faster charging is more important to me than the camera versatality of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Also I prefer Android over iOS so it is more compatible with my other devices. In addition the Nothing Phone is slightly lighter, has better GPS, a newer bluetooth, and better outdoor visibility.
