Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16: Which is Better?

Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16 comparison: The Apple iPhone 16 is a solid flagship phone that needs no introduction. However, how does it compare to the new kid on the block, the Nothing Phone 3? With both priced at the same amount, can the Nothing Phone 3 compete? We have compiled this post to help you decide which is the better buy.

Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16

Price

These two flagship phones have a starting price of $799. However, at that price point, the iPhone 16 offers 128 GB of storage, while the Nothing Phone 3 comes with 256 GB of storage. So technically, if storage matters to you, the Nothing Phone 3 seems more appealing because of its larger memory at the same price point.

Both smartphones are now available for purchase. The Apple iPhone 16 is available globally, while the Nothing Phone 3 is available only in selected regions: India, Europe, and a few countries in North America.

Buy Nothing Phone 3

Buy Apple iPhone 16

comparison nothing phone 3 and iphone 16

Repairability

Apple is already a global brand with numerous repair services available in nearly every country. Unlike Nothing Inc., which only started a few years ago, Nothing has limited service centers. For repairability, the iPhone 16 has the clear advantage.

Performance

Performance-wise, the iPhone 16’s A18 chipset is 50.72% faster than the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in single-core performance. It is also +14.42% faster in multi-core performance.

However, it's good to keep in mind that both smartphones use different chipsets, but both can gracefully handle any task thrown at them. The Nothing Phone 3’s performance in real-life usage is by no means slow. It easily handles any obstacle thrown its way.

Both chipsets are power-efficient, AI-capable, and great for gaming. The Nothing Phone 3 comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 offers 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

Camera

Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16 Camera Comparison:

iPhone 16

48 MP (main camera)
12 MP (ultrawide)

Nothing Phone 3

50 MP (main camera)
50 MP (ultrawide)
50 MP (telephoto)

In this camera comparison, the iPhone 16 completely outshines the Nothing Phone 3. Let’s break down their strengths. For example, the iPhone 16’s main camera is better, offering superior dynamic range across all lighting conditions.

Additionally, the iPhone 16 provides smoother lens transitions to ultrawide mode and excels in consistency. However, when it comes to zoom capabilities, the Nothing Phone 3 has an advantage thanks to its dedicated periscope lens.

Videography is another reason to consider the iPhone 16. It proves itself as a true flagship with consistent video quality. Both phones can shoot up to 4K resolution, and you can easily edit videos on the go.

Software

The Nothing Phone 3 runs Android 15 out of the box with its Nothing OS 3.5 skin. This software is well-refined, offering noticeable improvements and a top-flight user experience.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 boots iOS 18 out of the box, with future upgrades up to iOS 26 already in view. Both companies have promised 5 years of major OS updates and 7 years of security patches.

Which OS is cleaner? That depends on you. If you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem, iOS 18 will feel familiar and will easily integrate with your other Apple devices.

Battery

The Nothing Phone 3 has a better battery than the iPhone 16. It’s larger and lasts longer in daily usage. I’m genuinely impressed with its endurance. The iPhone 16 barely lasts me a full day under heavy use, but the Nothing Phone 3 comfortably gets through a full day with some juice left for the next day.

The charging system is another area where the Nothing Phone 3 excels. It supports 65W wired fast charging, whereas the iPhone 16 only supports 25W wired charging. Both phones support 15W wireless charging.

Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16: Verdict

In this Nothing Phone 3 vs iPhone 16 comparison, the iPhone 16 is the better option for most people. It offers superior software, better camera performance, and stronger overall performance. If you value reliability, software longevity, and camera consistency, the iPhone 16 is the safer and smarter choice.

That said, the Nothing Phone 3 is still a solid phone with great potential. It offers better battery life, faster charging, more storage at a lower price, and a refreshing Android experience. For anyone looking to try something new and different, the Nothing Phone 3 is worth considering.