Apple iPhone XS Max vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone XS Max commanded a flagship price in 2018 with its premium stainless steel build, Super Retina OLED display at 725 nits, and the capable A12 Bionic processor. Its dual 12MP camera system with 2x optical zoom and 4K60fps video represented solid performance for the era. However, its 3174mAh battery, 4GB RAM, and lack of 5G feel dated today. Nothing Phone 2a Plus offers substantially better value at $399, featuring a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with 1300 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7350 processor, 8-12GB RAM, and a massive 5000mAh battery. Its 50MP dual cameras with OIS and 5G connectivity significantly outpace the aged iPhone, though it lacks wireless charging and wireless video tops at 4K30fps. For 2024 standards, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus delivers superior specifications and technology at one-third the original iPhone price, making it the clear recommendation for most users.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone XS Max if…
- →Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- →Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- →Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
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 XS Max
Pros
- Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
- A12 Bionic with first 7nm mobile chip
- Stereo speakers with wide sound
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- 5W charger in the box
- Very expensive starting at $1099
- No Night mode in camera
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
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 XS Max | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 14 (Nothing OS 2.6) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 208 g | 190 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Glyph Interface LED back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 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 |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | — |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.2, Samsung JN1 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3174 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 50W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2688 x 1242 | 2412 x 1084 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz + 4x1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 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.
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