Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Nothing Phone (2)
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE (4th gen) delivers flagship performance in a compact package with its A18 chip and Super Retina XDR OLED display, though limited to 60Hz refresh rate. Nothing Phone (2) counters with a larger 6.7-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED screen, superior main camera system featuring 50MP with OIS and Sony IMX890 sensor, plus significantly better battery capacity (4700 mAh vs 3279 mAh) and faster 45W charging. Performance-wise, the iPhone's A18 architecture slightly edges the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in optimization, but real-world differences are negligible. Nothing Phone (2) excels in camera versatility with its ultra-wide lens and optical stabilization, superior refresh rates, and substantially longer battery life. iPhone SE (4) prioritizes compact design and iOS ecosystem appeal. For photography enthusiasts and power users wanting prolonged battery endurance, Nothing Phone (2) offers compelling advantages despite costing $100 more. iPhone SE (4) suits those prioritizing processing power and Apple's software ecosystem in a lighter form factor.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with improved Glyph lights
- →Snappy Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- →Clean Nothing OS software experience
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
Nothing Phone (2)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with improved Glyph lights
- Snappy Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Clean Nothing OS software experience
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Bright LTPO AMOLED display
Cons
- Only IP54 rated
- No telephoto camera
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- Glyph Interface is more novelty than utility
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 13, Nothing OS 2.0 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 201 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX890 |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 32 MP, f/2.45 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2412 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X2 + 3x2.75 GHz A710 + 4x1.8 GHz A510) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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.
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