iPhone 16 vs Nothing Phone 3: The competition in the smartphone market never stops, and now another interesting battle has come up – Apple iPhone 16 vs Nothing Phone (3). Both the phones represent the flagship category in their own way. On one side is Apple, which has always been famous for its simplicity, performance and ecosystem integration. On the other side is Nothing, a new brand that is known for its different design and bold choices. Let’s compare both the phones in a friendly style and see which phone can be the right choice for which type of users.
Design & Style
If we talk about design, then the Nothing Phone (3) definitely takes the spotlight here. Its transparent back and Glyph Interface are absolutely unique which is not seen in any other phone in the market. Offering custom notifications and animations with RGB lights has become its signature style, which is a big plus point for tech lovers and style-conscious users.
While the iPhone 16 comes with its traditional Apple identity – minimalist, clean and classy look. Its build with Ceramic Shield protection gives a premium feel, and it is for those users who like a polished and professional design. Meaning on one hand there is bold and funky design, on the other hand elegant simplicity.
Display & Visuals
In the display experience also, both the phones are powerful in their own way. iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers absolutely crisp and bright visuals. Its peak brightness goes up to 2000 nits which is perfect for outdoor use, but the refresh rate is just 60Hz here. Meaning the smoothness will not be as high as what today’s Android flagships offer.
Nothing Phone (3) is clearly ahead here with its 6.67-inch AMOLED display which delivers 120Hz refresh rate and massive 4500 nits peak brightness. This display becomes an absolute dream for gaming and content consumption. Meaning if you want a big and smooth display then it would be better to go for Nothing Phone (3).
Performance & Processor
The iPhone has always been on a different level when it comes to performance. The iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 chipset, which is considered the world’s best for its single-core performance and efficiency. Be it multitasking, gaming or AI-based tasks, this processor handles everything buttery smooth. Apple’s own software integration also makes it even more powerful.
On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, which is designed to deliver the ultimate flagship-level Android experience. Performance is very solid, but it falls short of the A18 in terms of raw power. Still, for Android lovers, this is a fast and reliable chipset that will work great for both daily usage and gaming.
Camera Setup
For photography lovers, this comparison is interesting. The iPhone 16 comes with its dual camera setup – a 48MP main and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Thanks to Apple’s computational photography technology, its image processing is next-level. Meaning even low light photos and videos look clean and professional.
The Nothing Phone (3) is a more versatile option in photography as it has three 50MP sensors – main, ultrawide and periscope telephoto lens. Its zoom capability is much more powerful than the iPhone 16. Its 50MP front camera makes it an absolute killer option for selfies. If you like variety and more creative shots, the Nothing Phone (3) is the clear winner in the camera department.
Features & Tech
In terms of features, both phones are powerful according to their respective ecosystems. The iPhone 16 comes with Apple Intelligence, Action Button and Ceramic Shield, which give a refined and secure experience. The integration of the Apple ecosystem is unmatched – making the iPhone even more valuable if you already use Apple devices.
Nothing Phone (3) is known for its different tech. It has a Glyph interface, transparent design and Nothing OS based on Android 15 which gives a clean and customizable software experience. The fingerprint sensor is placed inside the display and the overall features attract the tech-savvy audience.
Battery & Charging
Battery life and charging speed are a completely different story in both phones. The iPhone 16 has a 3,561mAh battery which gives decent backup due to Apple’s software optimization. Charging speed is a bit limited – it supports 20W wired and 25W wireless MagSafe charging. Meaning it is fine for normal users, but it will seem a bit slow for fast charging lovers.
Nothing Phone (3) becomes the clear winner here with its 5,150mAh battery and 65W fast charging. Meaning you will not have any tension of power even after heavy usage, and the battery will also get charged quickly. Wireless charging is also supported, but wired charging speed is its highlight.
Price & Variant
In terms of price, both phones are neck-to-neck. The iPhone 16 starts at ₹79,900 in India, while the base model of the Nothing Phone (3) is ₹79,999. Storage and RAM options are slightly different, but both fall under flagship pricing. Meaning the final choice will depend on whether you are more attracted to the ecosystem and design or the battery and camera versatility.
Final Verdict
If you want a phone that is secure, reliable and comes with long-term support, then the iPhone 16 is best for you. This is for those users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want a smooth and refined experience.
But if you want a different and stylish Android flagship with a big display, fast charging and a versatile camera setup, then the Nothing Phone (3) is the perfect choice for you. This is for tech enthusiasts who want a slightly slimmer phone that stands out in the crowd.