Apple iPhone 16 vs Nothing Phone (2)
The Apple iPhone 16 is the premium option here, delivering a stellar 48MP Fusion camera and a powerful A18 chip. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (2) offers a unique design and a larger 6.7-inch display, which makes it appealing for those who value aesthetics and screen real estate. In real-world use, the iPhone 16's 3561mAh battery lasts up to 22 hours of video playback. This means the Nothing Phone (2) can easily handle a weekend getaway without needing a charge, while the iPhone 16 is more suited for shorter outings. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.7" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 16 and Nothing Phone (2) are high-end smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Nothing Phone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (219 reviews) | 4.6★ (397 reviews) |
| Top Strength | A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence | Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE) |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Apple iPhone 16
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
Nothing Phone (2)
Android
3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 730
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 vs Nothing Phone (2)
Apple iPhone 16
Nothing Phone (2)
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(219)Best Buy | ★4.6(397)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) |
Processor | Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A18) | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8 GB | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.7" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps |
Battery | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 4,700mAh |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) |
Weight | 6.00 oz (170 g) | 7.09 oz (201.2 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers |
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Apple iPhone 16
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
8 GB
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
Nothing Phone (2)
Android
3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
- Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Cons
- IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE)
- Camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 16 if you need a top-tier camera with optical-quality zoom and excellent software support.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 if: you prioritize photography with its 48MP Fusion camera, want a compact size at 6.1 inches, or need long-term software support with at least 5 years of updates.
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you want a striking design with a unique Glyph Interface, need a larger display for media consumption, or require a longer-lasting battery for heavy usage. (6.7" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 397 reviews vs 219
→ Choose Nothing Phone
A18 chip with Priority
A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Iconic transparent design Priority
Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 16 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.6★. However, Nothing Phone (2) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 16 or Nothing Phone (2)?
Apple iPhone 16 is the better choice if you prioritize a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. Nothing Phone (2) wins if you value iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 and Nothing Phone (2)?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 offers a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence, while Nothing Phone (2) stands out with iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Consider that Apple iPhone 16 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Nothing Phone (2) ip54 rating is lower than ip68 found in competitors (pixel 7/8, galaxy s23 fe). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.