Design & Build: Transparent Tech vs. Established Styles
The Nothing Phone (2) immediately stands out with its transparent rear panel and signature Glyph Interface LED lighting system. This bold, industrial design uses recycled aluminum and glass, feeling premium and unique. However, its flat edges can be less comfortable for prolonged use than curved alternatives. The Google Pixel 7a offers a more conventional but polished look with its matte plastic back (feeling like composite) and aluminum camera bar, prioritizing ergonomics. Samsung’s Galaxy A54 uses Glasstic (glossy plastic mimicking glass) which is durable but attracts fingerprints, while the iPhone SE (2022) feels solid with its aluminum frame and glass back but sports thick bezels reminiscent of 2017. OnePlus Nord 3 opts for a sleek glass sandwich design with subtle curves. For water resistance, the Phone (2), Pixel 7a, and Galaxy A54 all boast IP54 ratings (splash/dust resistant), but the Pixel 7a edges ahead with IP67 (submersion up to 1m). The iPhone SE has IP67, while the Nord 3 lacks an official IP rating. Nothing’s design is a conversation starter, but competitors offer more practical ergonomics or higher ingress protection.
Display Showdown: Brightness, Smoothness & Color
Nothing Phone (2) features a large 6.7-inch LTPO OLED panel (2412×1080 resolution) with a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate. This LTPO tech efficiently conserves battery by dropping to 1Hz for static content. Peak brightness hits 1600 nits, ensuring solid outdoor visibility. The Pixel 7a counters with a smaller 6.1-inch OLED (2400×1080) but a fixed 90Hz refresh rate and lower peak brightness (around 1000 nits), though its color accuracy is exceptional. Samsung’s Galaxy A54 shines with a vibrant 6.4-inch Super AMOLED (2340×1080, 120Hz), excellent brightness (1000 nits typical), and deep blacks, but lacks LTPO. The iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch LCD (1334×750) feels archaic with a 60Hz refresh rate and thick bezels. OnePlus Nord 3 boasts a large, fluid 6.74-inch AMOLED (2772×1240, 120Hz) with HDR10+ support and impressive 1450 nits peak brightness, arguably the best in this group. For immersive viewing and smooth scrolling, the Nord 3 and Phone (2) lead, while the SE feels outdated.
Performance & Hardware: Raw Power vs. Optimization
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (slightly underclocked), the Nothing Phone (2) delivers flagship-level performance with 8GB/12GB RAM options. It handles demanding games and multitasking effortlessly. Storage starts at 128GB (UFS 3.1), but lacks microSD expansion. The Pixel 7a uses Google’s Tensor G2 chip, optimized for AI tasks like photo processing and voice recognition. While competent for daily use, its raw power lags behind the 8+ Gen 1 in sustained gaming. The Galaxy A54 employs Samsung’s Exynos 1380, a capable mid-range chip paired with 6GB/8GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks but less ideal for heavy gaming. The iPhone SE packs Apple’s powerhouse A15 Bionic (same as iPhone 13), offering exceptional speed and efficiency in a compact form, though hampered by just 4GB RAM. OnePlus Nord 3 utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 9000, a flagship-tier chip from 2022, rivaling the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in benchmarks, paired with generous 16GB RAM. For pure processing muscle, the Phone (2) and Nord 3 are top contenders, while the Pixel and iPhone leverage superior software-hardware integration.
Software Experience: Clean Android vs. Ecosystems
Nothing OS 2.0 (based on Android 13, upgradeable to 14) is a major draw. It offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, enhanced by custom monochrome aesthetics, unique dot-matrix fonts, and intuitive Glyph Interface integrations (like visual notifications and charging progress). It promises 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches. Google’s Pixel 7a runs the purest Android experience with guaranteed 3 OS updates and 5 years of security patches. Features like Call Screening, Now Playing, and Magic Eraser showcase Google’s AI prowess. Samsung’s One UI 5.1 (Android 13) on the A54 is feature-rich with extensive customization, DeX support, and robust ecosystem integration, but includes more pre-installed apps. It offers 4 OS updates and 5 years of security. iOS 16 on the iPhone SE provides unmatched smoothness, long-term support (5+ years of updates), and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, but its interface feels cramped on the small screen. OxygenOS 13.1 (Android 13) on the Nord 3 is clean and fast, with useful gaming tools. Nothing OS and Pixel Android offer the cleanest interfaces, while Samsung and Apple provide deeper ecosystem ties.
Camera Capabilities: Computational Photography Battle
The Nothing Phone (2) sports a 50MP main (Sony IMX890) and 50MP ultrawide (Samsung JN1) setup. Daylight photos are detailed with natural colors, while the ultrawide offers a 114-degree FoV. Low-light performance is improved but inconsistent, sometimes lacking contrast. Selfies from the 32MP front camera are good. Google Pixel 7a leverages computational photography magic with its 64MP main (Sony IMX787) and 13MP ultrawide. It consistently produces stunning HDR photos, class-leading night shots, and superb portrait mode, despite older sensors. Its 13MP selfie camera is reliable. Samsung Galaxy A54 features a 50MP main (with OIS), 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro. Photos are vibrant and social media-ready, with solid OIS stabilization. Low light is decent. The 32MP selfie is excellent. iPhone SE relies on a single excellent 12MP main camera (with OIS). Daylight photos are superb, video is best-in-class, but the lack of an ultrawide or night mode versatility is limiting. OnePlus Nord 3 uses a 50MP main (Sony IMX890, OIS), 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. Main camera performance is strong, but ultrawide and macro are weaker links. For overall consistency and low-light prowess, the Pixel 7a remains the camera king in this segment.
Battery Life & Charging: Endurance vs. Speed
Nothing Phone (2) houses a substantial 4700mAh battery. Combined with the efficient LTPO display and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, it comfortably lasts a full day, even with heavy use. It supports 45W wired charging (0-100% in ~55 mins) and 15W wireless charging, plus 5W reverse wireless. The Pixel 7a has a smaller 4385mAh battery. Thanks to Tensor G2 optimization, it achieves good daily endurance, but heavy users might need an afternoon top-up. Charging is slow: 18W wired (0-100% ~90 mins) and wireless charging requires a Pixel Stand. Samsung Galaxy A54 impresses with its 5000mAh battery, easily delivering 1.5 days of moderate use. Charging is 25W wired (no charger in box), but lacks wireless charging. The compact iPhone SE suffers from its diminutive 2018mAh battery, often struggling to last a full day under heavy load. It supports 20W wired and Qi wireless charging. OnePlus Nord 3 boasts a massive 5000mAh battery with excellent endurance. It features blazing 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging (0-100% in ~32 mins), but omits wireless charging. For all-day peace of mind, the A54 and Nord 3 excel, while the Phone (2) balances capacity with faster charging and wireless flexibility.
Pricing & Value Proposition: Mid-Range Standoff
The Nothing Phone (2) launched at $599 for the 8GB/128GB model, positioning it as a premium mid-range contender. Its value lies in unique design, near-flagship performance, and Glyph features. The Google Pixel 7a sits at $499, offering unbeatable camera quality and pure Android at a slightly lower entry point. Samsung Galaxy A54 is typically priced around $450, delivering a balanced package with a great display, long battery life, and Samsung’s ecosystem. The iPhone SE (2022) starts at $429, providing access to iOS, the A15 chip, and Apple’s update policy, but compromises heavily on display, battery, and camera versatility. OnePlus Nord 3 offers aggressive pricing (around $499 for 16GB/256GB), delivering top-tier performance, a superb display, and ultra-fast charging, making it a strong value leader. The Phone (2) justifies its higher cost with distinctive aesthetics and LTPO tech, while the Pixel 7a and Nord 3 present compelling alternatives for camera enthusiasts and performance seekers respectively. The A54 and SE cater to brand loyalists prioritizing ecosystem or affordability over cutting-edge specs.
Unique Features & Ecosystem Integration
The Nothing Phone (2)’s Glyph Interface is its defining differentiator. Beyond customizable LED patterns for notifications and ringtones, it offers practical functions: a visual countdown timer, charging progress indicator, and integration with services like Uber (showing ride status via Glyph segments). Nothing OS integrates seamlessly with Nothing Ear (stick) buds. The Pixel 7a leverages Google’s AI ecosystem: real-time translation, Call Screen, Magic Eraser in Photos, and seamless Google Workspace integration. Samsung’s Galaxy A54 excels within the Samsung ecosystem: seamless pairing with Galaxy Buds, Watches, and tablets, plus DeX for desktop-like productivity. The iPhone SE provides full access to Apple’s tightly integrated world: AirPods, Apple Watch, iCloud, FaceTime, and the vast App Store. OnePlus Nord 3 focuses on performance features like HyperBoost gaming engine and RAM expansion. While competitors offer broader ecosystems (Apple, Samsung) or AI mastery (Google), Nothing’s Glyph Interface provides a genuinely novel user experience unavailable elsewhere.