Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 August 3, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 101.79 cm³ 104.87 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 221 g 190 g
Height 159.9 mm 161.7 mm
Width 76.7 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Black
  • Grey

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.8 % 87.6 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits 700 nits
HBM Brightness 2000 nits 1100 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 98.93 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.63 mAh/cm³ 47.68 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4441 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureCategoryApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxNothing Phone (2a) PlusPractical Impact
DimensionsDesign159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (221g)161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm (190g)The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly larger and noticeably lighter. The weight difference will be noticeable in daily use.
BuildDesignTitanium frame, Glass front/backInformation not providedDurability and premium feel may differ significantly depending on the Nothing phone's build materials.
Display Size & TypeDisplay6.7" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED6.7" AMOLEDBoth offer large, vibrant displays with similar sizes. The iPhone's LTPO technology allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, potentially saving battery.
ResolutionDisplay1290 x 2796 (460 ppi)1080 x 2412 (395 ppi)The iPhone has a sharper display due to the higher resolution and pixel density. Text and images will appear crisper.
BrightnessDisplay1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (peak)700 nits (typ), 1300 nits (peak)The iPhone boasts significantly higher peak brightness, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight.
Refresh RateDisplay120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
ChipsetPerformanceApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)The A17 Pro is expected to offer significantly better performance and efficiency due to Apple's chip design and manufacturing process advantage.
CPU & GPUPerformanceHexa-core, Apple GPU (6-core)Octa-core, Mali-G610 MC4Expect superior gaming and demanding task performance from the iPhone. The specific core configurations require benchmarks for precise comparison.
RAM & StoragePerformance8GB/512GB, 8GB/1TB12GB/256GBThe iPhone offers more storage options, while the Nothing phone has more RAM. The impact on real-world performance depends on software optimization.
OSSoftwareiOS 17Android 14Different operating systems cater to different user preferences and ecosystems.
Battery CapacityBattery4441 mAh5000 mAhThe Nothing Phone has a larger battery capacity, suggesting potentially longer battery life. Real-world usage will vary.
ChargingBatteryInformation not providedInformation not providedCharging speeds and technologies are crucial for usability but are missing from the specifications.
Main CameraCameraInformation not providedInformation not providedCamera performance is a key factor for many users. This crucial information is missing.
Video RecordingCameraUp to 4K@60fps (HDR), 1080p@240fps (HDR)Up to 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@120fps (EIS)The iPhone offers higher resolution and frame rate video recording options, including HDR.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A17 Pro chip is expected to deliver a noticeable performance advantage.
  • Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a crisper viewing experience.
  • Brighter Display: Much higher peak brightness improves outdoor visibility.
  • More Storage Options: Caters to users with high storage demands.
  • Advanced Video Capabilities: Higher resolution and frame rate video recording with HDR.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable (medium vs. high price range).
  • More RAM: Could improve multitasking performance, depending on software.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, premium materials, and the iOS ecosystem. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, content creation, and those willing to pay a premium.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Price-conscious users seeking a large display, potentially long battery life, and a lightweight design. Suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, and those who prefer the Android ecosystem.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone is significantly more expensive.
  2. What is your priority? Performance and premium features (iPhone) or affordability and battery life (Nothing Phone)?
  3. Which operating system do you prefer? iOS or Android?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy User: iPhone 15 Pro Max for its superior performance and features.
  • Casual User: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers good value for its price.
  • Photographer/Videographer: Insufficient information to recommend either phone without camera specifications.

My Choice:

Based on the available information, I would choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While significantly more expensive, the superior performance, brighter and sharper display, and advanced video capabilities are compelling. The A17 Pro's expected efficiency gains could offset the smaller battery capacity in real-world usage. However, the lack of camera specifications and build material for the Nothing Phone makes a fully informed decision challenging. If budget is a primary concern, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus could be a viable option, but thorough research into its real-world performance and camera quality is crucial.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.