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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerNothing Phone (2) vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Get the Nothing Phone (2) unless you're on a tight budget. With a stunning 6.7" LTPO OLED display and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, it's a powerhouse for anyone who values performance and screen quality. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the budget pick, sporting a compact 4.7" Retina HD LCD. If you're looking for a capable phone that gets you into the iPhone ecosystem without breaking the bank, it’s a tempting choice—just know you're settling for a dated design with thick bezels and a smaller screen.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 4.7"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 2018 mAh
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Nothing Phone (2)
★4.6
(397)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Nothing Phone (2)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Nothing Phone (2)
6.7"Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
Nothing Phone (2)
1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Nothing Phone (2)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Nothing Phone (2)
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Nothing Phone (2)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalentWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Nothing Phone (2)
4,700mAhWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Nothing Phone (2)
15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Nothing Phone (2)
7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
Nothing Phone (2)
6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Nothing Phone (2)
Android
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Nothing Phone (2)
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+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 SE (3rd Gen)
Nothing Phone (2)
★4.6(397)Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| Criterion | Nothing Phone (2) | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(397)Amazon | ★4.5(225)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 (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.7" | 4.7" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 4,700mAh | 2,018mAh (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 | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
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) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 7.09 oz (201.2 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Nothing Phone (2)
Rating:★4.6(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.7"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness)
Resolution:2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen)
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera:50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps
Front Camera:32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps
Battery:4,700mAh
Wired Charging:45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Weight:7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
- • Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- • Power-efficient LTPO OLED display (1-120Hz)
- • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS)
- • Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
✗ 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
- • Digital zoom performance (max 10x) is weak compared to class leaders
- • Ultrawide sensor (Samsung JN1) struggles in low light compared to main sensor
- • No charger included in the box
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.7" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you want a stunning 6.7" OLED display, need long battery life for 30+ hours of video, or crave top-tier performance for gaming.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a compact phone for one-handed use, want to save money while still getting into the iPhone ecosystem, or prioritize a lightweight design. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Nothing Phone (2) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Nothing Phone (2) excels if you value iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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