Apple iPhone 8 vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 8 brings a polished iOS experience with the capable A11 Bionic processor and reliable 12MP camera system, though its 4.7-inch 60Hz IPS LCD display and modest 1821mAh battery feel dated. Nothing Phone 2a Plus counters with a significantly larger 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display delivering superior brightness at 1300 nits, dual 50MP cameras, 5G connectivity, and a spacious 5000mAh battery for 43% longer endurance. Performance-wise, the Dimensity 7350 Pro matches typical use cases adequately, though the A11 remains snappier for demanding apps. Battery charging on Nothing reaches 50W versus iPhone's 18W wired. At $399 versus $699, Nothing Phone 2a Plus delivers substantially more modern features, screen real estate, and value. The iPhone 8's advantages like wireless charging and cohesive ecosystem matter less when facing such a significant spec and price disadvantage. Recommend Nothing Phone 2a Plus for most buyers seeking contemporary Android flagship features at budget pricing.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 8 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 148 g
- →Wireless charging support
- →Powerful A11 Bionic chip
Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus if…
- →Unique Glyph Interface LEDs for silent notifications and alerts
- →50 MP triple camera system including a strong 50 MP ultrawide
- →Clean, stock-like Nothing OS with fast updates and minimal bloat
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 8
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 148 g
- Wireless charging support
- Powerful A11 Bionic chip
- True Tone display
- Reliable Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Cons
- Very small 1821 mAh battery
- Dated home button design with large bezels
- Single rear camera only
- 750p resolution on 4.7-inch display
- Only 2 GB RAM
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Pros
- Unique Glyph Interface LEDs for silent notifications and alerts
- 50 MP triple camera system including a strong 50 MP ultrawide
- Clean, stock-like Nothing OS with fast updates and minimal bloat
- 50W fast charging is quick for the 5000 mAh battery
- Premium transparent design stands out in the midrange
Cons
- No wireless charging despite the $399 price
- MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro is less popular with developers
- IP54 splash resistance is below IP68 flagships
- Video limited to 4K@30fps — no 60fps option
- Only 256 GB storage option with no expandable storage
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 8 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 11 | Android 14 (Nothing OS 2.6) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 148 g | 190 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Glyph Interface LED back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.55 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, PDAF, OIS, Sony IMX890 |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 50 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.2, Samsung JN1 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 2 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 1821 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 50W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2412 x 1084 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.39 GHz + 4x1.7 GHz) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (3-core) | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| Chipset | Apple A11 Bionic | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 8 or the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.