Nothing Phone (2) vs Apple iPhone 13
The Nothing Phone (2) is the premium option here, but the Apple iPhone 13 is a budget-friendly alternative that still packs a punch. The Nothing Phone (2) boasts a stunning 6.7-inch display and a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, while the iPhone 13, with its A15 Bionic chip, remains a solid contender, especially in everyday tasks. Key specs: Display: 6.7" vs 6.1" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Nothing Phone (2) (high-end) and Apple iPhone 13 (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Nothing Phone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6★ (397 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (818 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting | Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating |
| Main Drawback | IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE) | Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Budget |
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
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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: Nothing Phone (2) vs Apple iPhone 13
Nothing Phone (2)
Apple iPhone 13
| Criterion | Nothing Phone (2) | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(397)Amazon | ★4.8(818)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 4GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.7" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Resolution | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) |
Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) |
Battery | 4,700mAh | 3,240mAh (approximate) |
Wired Charging | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) |
Weight | 7.09 oz (201.2 g) | 6.14 oz (174 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Face ID |
Extras | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support |
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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
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB LPDDR4X
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Pros
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
Cons
- Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 13 if you prefer a lighter phone at 6.14oz and appreciate its exceptional build quality.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you want a larger 6.7" display for media, need 34 hours of video playback, or prefer a high-refresh rate for gaming.
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you want a compact 6.1" form factor, enjoy the Apple ecosystem, or prioritize build quality with its IP68 rating.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 818 reviews vs 397
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
Nothing Phone (2) and Apple iPhone 13 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 13 leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.6★. That said, Nothing Phone (2) could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Nothing Phone (2) or Apple iPhone 13?
Nothing Phone (2) is the better choice if you prioritize iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Apple iPhone 13 wins if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Nothing Phone (2) and Apple iPhone 13?
Key differences: Nothing Phone (2) offers iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting, while Apple iPhone 13 stands out with excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Consider that Nothing Phone (2) ip54 rating is lower than ip68 found in competitors (pixel 7/8, galaxy s23 fe). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 13 stuck on 60hz refresh rate (competitors offer 120hz). 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
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