Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Nothing Phone (1)
The Verdict
iPhone SE (3rd gen) pairs Apple's powerful A15 Bionic chip with iOS efficiency in a compact 4.7-inch package, while Nothing Phone (1) delivers a larger 6.55-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and dual 50MP cameras at a slightly lower price. SE excels in raw performance, software optimization, and durability with IP67 rating, but suffers from a tiny 2018mAh battery and dated 60Hz IPS LCD. Nothing Phone (1) offers superior display technology, significantly larger 4500mAh battery, faster 33W charging, and more versatile camera setup with ultra-wide lens and optical image stabilization. However, Nothing OS 1.0 remains unproven compared to iOS's polish, and the phone weighs notably more. For users prioritizing performance and compact design, iPhone SE wins; for those wanting modern display tech, battery life, and camera versatility, Nothing Phone (1) is the better value proposition despite weaker IP53 rating.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…
- →Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- →Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Nothing Phone (1) if…
- →Unique transparent Glyph Interface LED design stands out
- →Clean Nothing OS closely mirrors stock Android
- →Dual 50 MP cameras perform well for the price
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
Nothing Phone (1)
Pros
- Unique transparent Glyph Interface LED design stands out
- Clean Nothing OS closely mirrors stock Android
- Dual 50 MP cameras perform well for the price
- Wireless charging included at mid-range pricing
- Solid 120Hz OLED display
Cons
- Snapdragon 778G+ is mid-tier and shows limits
- Glyph notifications are a novelty more than practical
- Only IP53 splash protection
- 33W charging is modest for 2022
- USB-C 2.0 limits transfer speeds
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Nothing Phone (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 12 (Nothing OS 1.0) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 193.5 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, transparent glass back with Glyph LED strips |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP53 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS (Sony IMX766) |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 16 MP, f/2.45 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree (Samsung JN1) |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.55 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | OLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 642L |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 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 SE (3rd generation) or the Nothing Phone (1).