Nothing Phone (2) vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Nothing Phone (2) is the premium option here, boasting a stunning 6.7" LTPO OLED display and a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. In contrast, if you're looking to save some cash, the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers a smaller 4.7" screen and an A15 Bionic chip, which is still plenty fast for everyday tasks. This means if you’re on the go and need your phone to last, the Nothing Phone (2) is a no-brainer choice. Key specs: Display: 6.7" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Nothing Phone (2) (high-end) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (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) | 4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE) | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| 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 SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
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.
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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)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| 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)
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 SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone SE if you're looking for a compact device that's lighter at just 5.09oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you want a vibrant 6.7" OLED display, need a long-lasting 4,700mAh battery, or require superior performance for gaming.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a classic design with a Home button, want a lighter device at 5.09oz, or are looking for an affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 397 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Nothing Phone
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
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Nothing Phone (2) edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Nothing Phone (2) or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Nothing Phone (2) is the better choice if you prioritize iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) wins if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Nothing Phone (2) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Nothing Phone (2) offers iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Nothing Phone (2) ip54 rating is lower than ip68 found in competitors (pixel 7/8, galaxy s23 fe). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. 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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