Smartphone design continues to be a key differentiator for consumers, and three new models – the Google Pixel 9a, Nothing Phone (3), and Apple iPhone 16 – each take a distinct approach. The competition highlights the ongoing effort by manufacturers to balance aesthetics with functionality in a crowded market.
The Google Pixel 9a maintains the Pixel family’s visual identity with a horizontal pill-shaped camera bar on the rear, housing two side-by-side sensors. The phone features rounded edges and is available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Iris color options.
In contrast, the Nothing Phone (3) boasts a unique design with a transparent back showcasing internal components and the Glyph lighting system. The rear design is polarizing, but undeniably eye-catching, with the camera module arranged in a circular pattern at the top. It has a flatter profile for a more modern seem and comes in white and black.
The iPhone 16 features a vertical dual-camera arrangement, with two sensors stacked one below the other in a slightly raised module. Like recent Apple smartphones, it has flat edges and is offered in black, white, pink, green, and blue.
In terms of physical dimensions, the Nothing Phone (3) is the largest of the three, while the iPhone 16 is the most compact. The Nothing Phone (3) is also the heaviest, while the iPhone 16 is the lightest. All three phones offer water resistance, with the iPhone 16 carrying an IP68 certification, the Pixel 9a an IP67 rating, and the Nothing Phone (3) also boasting IP68 protection.
Which is the most powerful, and which has the best screen?
Processing power is a critical factor in a smartphone’s longevity and performance. The Google Pixel 9a is equipped with the Google Tensor G4 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Storage is not expandable via microSD card.
The Nothing Phone (3) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, and depending on the configuration, comes with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. It also does not offer microSD card expansion.
The iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 chip, accompanied by 8GB of RAM. Internal storage starts at 128GB and can reach 512GB, without the option for expansion.
When comparing processing power, the Nothing Phone (3) leads the pack thanks to its high-performance processor and larger RAM capacity. The iPhone 16 follows closely, benefiting from the efficiency of the Apple A18 chip and iOS optimization. The Pixel 9a comes in third, with its processor optimized more for artificial intelligence and photo processing than raw power.
Display quality is also a key consideration. The Google Pixel 9a features a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2424 x 1080 pixels. It supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a peak brightness exceeding 2700 cd/m². The screen is flat and protected by reinforced glass.
The Nothing Phone (3) offers a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a flat screen with high brightness. The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels, but its refresh rate is limited to 60Hz. The screen is flat and utilizes Ceramic Shield technology. Among these displays, the Nothing Phone (3) stands out with its large size, high resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9a is next, offering a similarly smooth and bright experience. The iPhone 16 comes in third, despite excellent display quality, due to its lower refresh rate.
What about camera configurations and connectivity?
Smartphone cameras are a major area of innovation. The Google Pixel 9a is equipped with a 48-megapixel main sensor for most images, along with a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor for wider scenes. A 13-megapixel front-facing camera is included for selfies and video calls.
The Nothing Phone (3) offers a more versatile configuration with three 50-megapixel sensors: a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a telephoto lens for optical zoom. It also features a 32-megapixel front camera.
The iPhone 16 includes a 48-megapixel main sensor paired with a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The front camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels.
Comparing these configurations, the Google Pixel 9a excels due to Google’s advanced software processing, which delivers well-balanced images. The iPhone 16 follows closely with strong performance in both photo and video. The Nothing Phone (3) comes in third, despite its comprehensive hardware setup.
All three smartphones support 5G connectivity. The Google Pixel 9a supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Nothing Phone (3) offers Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The iPhone 16 also adopts Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. None of the phones include a 3.5mm audio jack. Yet, the Nothing Phone (3) is the only one with an infrared emitter for controlling electronic devices. The Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone (3) both feature an under-display fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking. The iPhone 16 uses Face ID, a three-dimensional facial recognition technology.
How do they perform in terms of battery life and charging?
Battery life is also an vital consideration. The Google Pixel 9a has a battery capacity of approximately 5100 mAh. This relatively large capacity, combined with Android and the Tensor G4 chip’s software optimization, can provide comfortable battery life in many scenarios. The Nothing Phone (3) offers a slightly larger battery with a capacity of around 5150 mAh. This, along with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor’s energy efficiency, could deliver the best battery life among the three, though actual performance varies with usage.
The iPhone 16 has a battery capacity of approximately 3561 mAh. While smaller, iOS optimization generally provides sufficient battery life for a full day of use.
Regarding charging, the Pixel 9a supports approximately 23W wired charging and wireless charging. The Nothing Phone (3) supports wired charging up to approximately 65W and 15W wireless charging. The iPhone 16 supports approximately 25W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. The Nothing Phone (3) is the fastest to charge, while all three phones offer wireless charging options.
