Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. These two phones represent very different approaches to smartphone design and functionality. I’ll break it down for you, focusing on real-world implications so you can see which one aligns with your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-24 | 2024-08-03 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly newer with more recent tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is larger and might feel more bulky in hand and pocket. iPhone 13 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly lighter, which can improve comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more immersive viewing experience. iPhone 13 Pro is more compact and manageable. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2412 | iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly sharper display with finer details. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 395 PPI | iPhone 13 Pro's display will look crisper and sharper, with smaller text and graphics more defined. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, though specific color calibrations may vary. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is better for bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Mediatek 7350 Pro (4nm) | Apple A15 offers vastly superior performance and is optimized for the iOS ecosystem. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,325,768 | 805,721 | iPhone 13 Pro is significantly faster for gaming, multitasking and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Apple 5-core GPU | Mali-G610 MC4 | Apple’s GPU will provide better graphics performance for high-end games and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3125 mAh | 5000 mAh | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will likely offer much longer battery life, ideal for heavy users and travel. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges considerably faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | No charger in box | iPhone 13 Pro offers convenient wireless charging. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does not include a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12 MP (f/1.5) | 50 MP (f/1.88) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus captures more detail in good light. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.66" | 1/1.56" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a larger main sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera Res | 12 MP (f/2.2) | 50 MP (f/2.2) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers higher resolution selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (12MP, f/2.8) | No | iPhone 13 Pro has dedicated telephoto zoom lens for capturing detailed shots from a distance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | Yes (12MP, f/1.8) | No | iPhone 13 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing vast landscapes. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes (12MP) | No | iPhone 13 Pro has better depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes (50MP, f/2.2) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has an ultrawide lens that also acts as a macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 4K 30fps EIS | iPhone 13 Pro is better for high-quality and cinematic videography. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 141 | N/A | iPhone 13 Pro has a highly rated camera system for stills and video. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 134 | N/A | iPhone 13 Pro is highly rated for selfies and front facing video. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | iPhone 13 Pro offers a mature ecosystem and smooth performance. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is more open and customizable. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have modern WiFi standards. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has additional features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better power efficiency and supports more audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | iPhone 13 Pro supports eSIM for flexible carrier use. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a dual physical SIM slot. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB-1TB | 256 GB | iPhone 13 Pro has more storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus excels in multitasking and running demanding apps due to its large RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, DTS | Hi-Res Audio | iPhone 13 Pro has better audio quality for movies and spatial audio. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus focuses on music. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Fingerprint sensor | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers convenient biometric unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | Compass, Fingerprint | iPhone 13 Pro has a barometer for more accurate altitude readings. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers fingerprint authentication. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip delivers significantly better processing power, making it ideal for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: With its triple-lens setup (telephoto, wide-angle) and a 3D depth sensor, the iPhone 13 Pro excels in photography and videography, especially with zoom and portrait effects.
- Premium Build and Display: High pixel density ensures a crisp and vibrant visual experience. Premium materials result in top-tier build quality.
- Mature Ecosystem: iOS is known for its smooth, intuitive user experience and a plethora of high-quality apps.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging adds convenient charging options.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" display offers a more immersive experience, perfect for media consumption and gaming.
- Extended Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery paired with a more energy-efficient chipset will provide all-day use, even for power users.
- Faster Charging: 50W fast charging means less time tethered to a power outlet.
- Higher RAM: 12 GB of RAM allows for seamless multitasking.
- Modern Features: Bluetooth 5.3 and advanced GPS bring new connectivity capabilities and better location accuracy.
- Unique Design: The transparent design stands out from the crowd.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- iPhone 13 Pro: Smaller display, less battery capacity, slower charging speeds, and potentially higher price.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Noticeably lower performance, lacks telephoto, wide angle, and 3D sensors on the camera, may lack some polish on camera processing, no wireless charging, and no charger included in the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13 Pro is ideal for:
- Power users: Individuals who prioritize performance for intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want an all-around professional level camera system.
- Ecosystem loyalists: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and value its seamless integration.
- Compact phone lovers: Users who appreciate a more compact phone that is pocketable and ergonomic.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is ideal for:
- Media consumers: Users who want a large display for watching videos and browsing.
- Heavy users: Individuals who require long battery life.
- Budget-conscious buyers: People who seek a modern feature set at a more accessible price point.
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who value unique designs and want something a little different.
- Users who prioritize RAM: For those who want to heavily multitask.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is processing power to you? If you’re a gamer or do intensive tasks, the iPhone 13 Pro’s A15 chip is the clear winner. For regular use and social media, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is perfectly adequate.
- What's your priority: Display size or pocketability? If a large, immersive screen is a must, go for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. If you prefer a smaller device that fits more comfortably in your pocket, the iPhone 13 Pro is the better choice.
- How critical is battery life to your daily routine? If you need a phone that will last you all day, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will deliver significantly longer battery life. If you have easy access to charging throughout the day, then either will work.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The iPhone 13 Pro is the superior choice with its advanced camera system, dedicated zoom lens, depth sensing capabilities, high quality video recording, and top tier DXO mark scores.
- The Commuter/Traveler: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers better battery life, a bigger screen for entertainment, and faster charging for convenience.
- The Casual User: Both phones are perfectly adequate for day to day usage, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better value and the larger screen is better for social media.
- The Gamer: The iPhone 13 Pro with its significantly better chip will provide the best gaming experience.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro. While the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a compelling device with a fantastic battery, excellent fast charging, and a unique design, I prioritize performance and camera quality above all else. The A15 Bionic chip provides a more refined user experience and smoother overall performance. For me, the robust camera system with its telephoto and wide-angle lenses, depth sensing, and premium build quality justify the trade-offs of a smaller screen and battery. I find myself using my phone often for photography and videography, and the iPhone 13 Pro would be the better companion for those tasks. While the lack of wireless charging is disappointing, it isn't a dealbreaker for me. Ultimately, the iPhone 13 Pro aligns more closely with my own usage habits and technical preferences.
