The premium smartphone market is getting more exciting in 2025. Two popular phones Nothing Phone 3 and Apple iPhone 16E are grabbing the attention of tech lovers. Both are packed with features, stylish designs, and powerful performance. But the big question is: Which one is better? Let’s compare both phones in simple words to help you decide.
Design & Style
Nothing Phone 3 follows the brand’s signature transparent back design. It shows off cool LED light strips called Glyph Interface, which light up for notifications, calls, and charging. The phone feels fresh, modern, and slightly futuristic. It’s slim, lightweight, and has a solid aluminum frame.
On the other hand, iPhone 16E sticks to Apple’s classy and simple design. It comes with a polished glass back, flat aluminum sides, and rounded corners. It’s not as flashy as the Nothing Phone 3, but still looks elegant and premium.
Verdict: If you like a bold, unique design, Nothing Phone 3 wins. But for a clean and classy look, iPhone 16E is the better choice.
Display
- Nothing Phone 3: 6.7-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution. It supports HDR10+ and has thin bezels.
- iPhone 16E: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Apple’s color accuracy is amazing, and brightness is top-notch, even outdoors.
Verdict: Nothing Phone 3 offers a bigger screen and smoother 120Hz refresh rate. But iPhone 16E has better color tuning and sharpness. Both are great for watching videos and gaming.
Camera
- Nothing Phone 3: Dual camera setup (50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide). Improved night mode, 4K video, and better portrait shots.
- iPhone 16E: Dual camera system (48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide). Apple’s image processing is excellent. Even low-light photos look great. Video recording is smooth and detailed.
Verdict: iPhone 16E still has the edge in camera quality, especially in low light and video. Nothing Phone 3 is close but not quite as refined.
Performance
- Nothing Phone 3: Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Comes with 8GB/12GB RAM and fast UFS 4.0 storage. It handles heavy tasks and gaming smoothly.
- iPhone 16E: Runs on Apple’s A17 Pro chip. It’s super fast, efficient, and designed for long-term use. iOS optimization makes it feel even faster.
Verdict: iPhone 16E has a slight performance edge because of its chip and software combo. But Nothing Phone 3 is no less and delivers top performance in everyday use.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Nothing Phone 3 | iPhone 16E |
| Battery Size | 5000mAh | Around 3500mAh |
| Charging Speed | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 15W | Yes, MagSafe 15W |
| Battery Backup | Up to 1.5 days (moderate use) | Up to 1 day (moderate use) |
Verdict: Nothing Phone 3 wins in battery life and fast charging. You’ll spend less time charging and more time using your phone.
Software & Features
Nothing Phone 3 runs on Nothing OS 3.0 based on Android 15. It’s clean, minimal, and has cool features like custom glyph lighting. You also get better customization options.
iPhone 16E runs on iOS 18. Apple’s ecosystem is smooth, secure, and has better privacy. Features like AirDrop, FaceTime, and iMessage are well-loved.
Verdict: Android lovers will enjoy Nothing’s smooth and open interface. Apple fans will prefer the polished iOS experience.
Price & Availability
- Nothing Phone 3 is expected to start around ₹44,999 in India.
- iPhone 16E will likely start at ₹79,999 in India.
Verdict: If budget matters, Nothing Phone 3 gives great value at almost half the price of the iPhone 16E. But if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone could be worth it.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose Nothing Phone 3 if you want:
- Unique design with glyph lights
- Bigger battery and faster charging
- Smooth Android experience
- Better value for money
- Unique design with glyph lights
- Choose iPhone 16E if you want:
- Best-in-class camera and video
- Powerful and long-lasting performance
- Seamless iOS experience
- Trusted Apple ecosystem
- Best-in-class camera and video
Conclusion: Both phones are great in their own ways. If you want innovation and budget-friendly features, go for Nothing Phone 3. If you want top-notch performance and camera with iOS support, iPhone 16E is the better choice.