Nothing Phone (2a) Plus vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 3, 2024 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2024 2024

Physical

Volume 104.87 cm³ 104.99 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.53 "/g 3.04 "/g
Weight 190 g 227 g
Height 161.7 mm 163 mm
Width 76.3 mm 77.6 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Grey
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Desert Titanium

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.9 "
Resolution 1080 x 2412 1320 x 2868
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.6 % 92.2 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 700 nits 1000 nits
HBM Brightness 1100 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 98.40 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.68 mAh/cm³ 44.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4685 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) Apple A18 Pro (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz)
GPU Mali-G610 MC4 Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureCategoryNothing Phone (2a) PlusApple iPhone 16 Pro MaxPractical Impact
DimensionsDesign161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm, 190g163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm, 227gThe iPhone 16 Pro Max is noticeably heavier and slightly larger. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will feel more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods.
BuildDesignMaterial specifications are missing for both phones, limiting a comprehensive comparison.
Display SizeDisplay6.7"6.9"The iPhone offers a larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Display TypeDisplayAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby VisionBoth offer high refresh rate OLED displays with vibrant colors. Dolby Vision support on the iPhone could provide a slight edge in dynamic range for compatible content.
Peak BrightnessDisplay1300 nitsMissingWhile the Nothing Phone boasts a high peak brightness, a direct comparison is impossible without the iPhone's peak brightness value. Higher peak brightness generally improves outdoor visibility.
ResolutionDisplay1080 x 2412 (395 ppi)1320 x 2868 (460 ppi)The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a sharper display due to its higher resolution and pixel density. Text and images will appear crisper.
ChipsetPerformanceMediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)Apple A18 Pro (3 nm)The A18 Pro is expected to significantly outperform the Dimensity 7350 Pro in processing power and graphics, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
RAMPerformance12GB8GBWhile the Nothing Phone has more RAM, Apple's efficient memory management often allows its devices to perform comparably even with less RAM. Real-world performance differences need further testing.
StoragePerformance256GB512GB/1TBThe iPhone offers larger storage options for users who need ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
BatteryBattery5000 mAh4685 mAhDespite a slightly smaller battery, the iPhone's A18 Pro chip's efficiency might result in comparable or even better battery life. Real-world usage will determine the actual difference.
Charging SpeedBatteryNot specifiedNot specifiedCharging speed comparison is impossible without specific data.
Main CameraCameraNot specifiedNot specifiedCamera performance comparison requires detailed sensor and lens specifications, which are missing.
Video RecordingCamera4K@30fps, 1080p@120fpsUp to 4K@120fps, 1080p@240fpsThe iPhone offers significantly more advanced video recording capabilities with higher frame rates and resolutions, catering to professional or enthusiast videographers.
OSSoftwareAndroid 14 (upgradable to 17)iOS 18Offers different user experiences and ecosystem features. Android offers more customization, while iOS is known for its simplicity and tighter integration. Long-term software update support is confirmed for the Nothing Phone. Information regarding the iPhone's update cycle is unavailable.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:

  • Ergonomics: Lighter and potentially more comfortable for one-handed use.
  • Price: Expected to be significantly more affordable.
  • Confirmed Long-Term Software Support: Guaranteed updates up to Android 17.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Performance: The A18 Pro chip promises a significant performance advantage.
  • Display: Sharper and potentially brighter display with Dolby Vision.
  • Video Recording: More versatile and advanced video recording features.
  • Larger Storage Options: Available with 512GB or 1TB of storage.

Trade-offs:

  • The iPhone's superior performance and features come at a significantly higher price.
  • The Nothing Phone prioritizes affordability and ergonomics but compromises on peak performance and certain features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:

  • Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a comfortable, lightweight phone with a good display and reliable performance for everyday tasks.
  • Use Cases: Social media, web browsing, casual gaming, photography, general smartphone usage.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:

  • Ideal User: Power users, content creators, and those seeking the best possible performance, display, and camera capabilities without budget constraints.
  • Use Cases: Demanding gaming, professional video recording and editing, photo editing, multitasking, utilizing the expansive Apple ecosystem.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 16 Pro Max commands a premium price.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Identify your most important needs (e.g., gaming, photography, social media).
  3. Which operating system do you prefer? Android and iOS offer different user experiences.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget, Everyday Use: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
  • Demanding Tasks, Best Performance: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • Content Creation Focus: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • Value for Money: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Michael Chen
Michael Chen

Technology Research Specialist focused on mobile innovation and strategic technology analysis.

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  • Mobile technology research
  • Consumer technology trend analysis
  • Strategic device evaluation
  • Technological innovation insights

Professional Vision Bridging technical analysis with forward-looking technological understanding, transforming complex research into meaningful insights.