As smartphone markets mature, companies strive to differentiate themselves with new brands and designs. Nothing Technologies, a U.K. startup, caused a stir in 2022 with the boldly named Nothing Phone 1—a handset with a transparent back, futuristic light interface, and significantly lower price tag than the competition.
Does it measure up to an established leader like Apple‘s iPhone 13? While these phones target different demographics, there are several areas where shoppers may compare the two. Let‘s take a detailed look under the hood and across key features.
Background on Nothing and Apple
These two companies represent very different eras of smartphone development. Apple debuted the innovative iPhone in 2007, unleashing the era of multi-touch mobile computers. It has remained an iconic premium brand ever since, and the iPhone consistently ranks as a global top seller despite steadily rising prices. Its polished iOS operating system and powerful in-house developed chips also set it apart.
Nothing Technologies launched in late 2020 with entirely different ambitions. Co-founder Carl Pei helped found Chinese giant OnePlus but then pivoted to the U.K. startup scene. The goal was to shake up the industry by fusing intuitive design with seamless connectivity and simplifying the tech buying experience.
The Nothing Phone 1 is their second device following a set of wireless earbuds, aiming to capture young and tech-savvy buyers seeking a unique experience on a budget.
Display Size and Resolution
Whether streaming videos, browsing the web, or playing mobile games, display quality plays a critical role. Here are the key sizes and resolutions for these phones:
- Nothing Phone: 6.55" diagonal OLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixels (402 ppi)
- iPhone 13: 6.1" diagonal XDR Super Retina OLED with 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
So while Nothing Phone has a larger screen area, the iPhone 13 delivers higher pixel density in its smaller space for superior sharpness and detail, especially noticeable in text and images. For buyers who value bigger screens above all else, the Nothing Phone may be tempting. But Apple is still the choice for picture clarity.
Design and Appearance
There‘s no question that the transparent back with visible components sets the Nothing Phone 1 apart from any other handset—a completely unique aesthetic. On the front it otherwise looks similar to other handsets with thin symmetrical bezels. The aluminum inner frame feels premium for a device targeting under $500.
The iPhone 13, by contrast, keeps the familiar polished glass and aluminum design Apple users expect. It offers an understated and comparatively minimalist look from all angles, more about blending luxury materials than eye-catching tech components. The Nothing Phone is more polarizing—a futuristic vibe that could appeal to younger buyers and tech enthusiasts but look industrial to others.
Hardware Performance
Since they design their own custom chips, Apple‘s iPhones outpace any Android handset in overall performance benchmarks. The Phone 1 ships with Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon 778G+ which is a step below flagship models like the 8 Gen 1 or the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. It‘s a capable system with excellent gaming potential, but Apple is virtually untouchable in raw horsepower.
- Nothing Phone: Octa-core CPU (Snapdragon 778G+) up to 2.5GHz, 642L Adreno GPU, 8 or 12GB RAM
- iPhone 13: Hexa-core CPU (Apple A15 Bionic) up to 3.2GHz, Apple GPU 5-core, 4GB RAM
That larger memory configuration is a selling point for some Android buyers since most apps remain compatible with 4GB. But iOS is so efficiently optimized that iPhone rarely feels lacking responsiveness or requiring app reloads. In benchmarks and real-world use, it‘s considerably faster.
Cameras
Mobile photography leads many buyers‘ priorities, and both Nothing Phone 1 and iPhone 13 deliver flexible setups. Apple again has an edge in both hardware and image processing software.
- Nothing Phone: Dual rear cameras 50MP main (OIS) + 50MP ultrawide, 16MP front camera
- iPhone 13: Dual rear cameras 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide, 12MP TrueDepth front camera
The Nothing Phone seemingly leads on megapixels, but sensors and lenses play critical roles too—not to mention Apple‘s renowned image tuning and modes like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles. Image quality will depend greatly on lighting conditions and shooting scenarios, but expect excellent results from both in good light. Apple pulls ahead for portraits, low light shots, and video recording flexibility.
Storage Capacity and Options
As buyers capture more memories and media on their phones, storage space becomes more critical. Unfortunately neither phone includes a microSD card slot for expanding internal capacity.
The Nothing Phone comes in 128GB and 256GB variants while Apple offers 128GB, 264GB, and 512GB iPhone 13 models. So the iPhone 13 technically has the highest capacity option, albeit at a premium. The Nothing Phone‘s 128GB base option delivers good value for casual users not storing extensive media libraries. Power users will appreciate iPhone 13‘s half a terabyte, however.
Battery Life and Charging
Large batteries increasingly enable all-day endurance on modern handsets, but quick charging solutions also help keep devices ready to go. Here are the key capacities and wired charging speeds:
- Nothing Phone: 4500mAh battery, 33W fast charging
- iPhone 13: Up to 19 hours video playback, 20W fast charging
The Nothing Phone holds over a 1000mAh advantage in battery size which shows in extended general usage times per charge. Both phones offer capable fast charging with the appropriate bricks and cables—going from nearly empty to 50% in about 30 minutes. That keeps downtime minimal when you do need to plug in.
It‘s worth noting that only the Nothing Phone supports wireless and reverse wireless charging. That allows charging other Qi devices simply by placing them against the phone‘s back. A unique bonus feature that iPhone lacks.
Unique Special Features
Beyond baseline functionality like browsing, messaging, and photography, extra treats help these phones stand out:
- Nothing Phone: Futuristic Glyph interface with light strips on transparent back. Also reverse wireless charging.
- iPhone 13: Face ID secure unlock, Cinematic video mode for portait focus effects, Apple ecosystem integration.
The Glyph lights bring customizable flair with patterns and themes for notifications and alerts—a wholly unique twist you won‘t find elsewhere. iPhone 13 offers Apple‘s expected perks like effortless pairing with AirPods, Apple Watch, and Macs while unlocking securely using facial recognition. Things like Cinematic video recording demonstrates Apple‘s software innovation derived from insights across its product line.
Both offer special advantages unavailable in the other. Which appeals more comes down to your priorities and ecosystem affiliation.
Software Platforms: Nothing OS vs. iOS
Software preference plays a huge role for some buyers given how personalized and integral operating platforms become after setting up a new phone. Here are the basics:
- Nothing Phone: Nothing OS 1.0 based on Android 12
- iPhone 13: iOS 15
While Nothing has tweaked a mostly stock Android build for a uniquely stylized experience, iOS has a more locked down and consistent look across devices. For iPhone converts especially, iOS may pose more of a learning curve and lack expected customization like pervasive widgets and an app drawer. Android users will feel more at home with Nothing.
For ecosystem lock-in effects, the same also applies vice versa—moving from iOS to Android could require re-buying apps and losing continuity with accessories. Neither platform has inherent superiority, just different philosophies. It depends which environment suits your mobile routine.
Pricing and Cost Comparisons
In many global markets, the Nothing Phone 1 is priced as an affordable flagship whereas iPhone maintains a premium cost ceiling. Specific prices vary greatly worldwide, but expect to pay nearly double for comparable iPhone models in typical cases:
- Nothing Phone: Starting around $400-500 depending on memory configs
- iPhone 13: Starts at $799 with 128GB base storage
Nothing clearly succeeds in radically undercutting iPhones—their core strategy for capturing attention and converts. Paying half as much for their feature-packed first handset positions it as an incredible value play if you don‘t need every cutting edge component. However, some other affordable Android flagships like Samsung‘s A series provide similar bang for buck at the midrange scale for those less compelled by the transparent back.
In any case, iPhone remains the luxury choice while Nothing aims for an exciting budget experience through materials, branding and software innovation rather than expensive hardware one-upmanship. Both have roles to play catering to different audiences.
The Bottom Line: Excellent Alternatives for Different Buyers
While the iPhone 13 comprehensively bests the Nothing Phone 1 in performance, cameras and ecosystem perks, Nothing succeeds on novelty, customization potential and affordability. iOS devotees need not consider switching, but the forward-thinking Nothing Phone could have immense appeal for younger Android users or those seeking something new.
Its crisp OLED screen, capable gaming-centric processor and genuinely all-day battery life make it no slouch in real-world use either. Nothing OS adds lightweight but thoughtful optimizations without tampering excessively under the hood. And that transparent flowing Glyph interface stands alone for techy wow factor.
The Nothing Phone 1 carves an exciting niche while the iPhone 13 covers traditional ultra-premium turf for less price-sensitive customers invested in Apple services and devices. Both are impressive flagships for their respective demographics after weighing all the pros and cons across these detailed comparison points. Which you prefer showcases personal priorities more than definitively ranking one as "better" overall.
