Apple iPhone 13 vs Nothing Phone 3a

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

The Apple iPhone 13 and Nothing Phone 3a are closely matched at 65 and 63/100. The Apple iPhone 13 edges ahead on Chip and Cellular, while the Nothing Phone 3a leads on Memory and Display — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple iPhone 13 and Nothing Phone 3a are closely matched overall (within 2 points).
  • Apple iPhone 13 stands out on Benchmark Geekbench single-core score: 2,222 (84% more), Chip Model: Apple A15 Bionic, Display Resolution: 1170 × 2532 px.
  • Nothing Phone 3a counters with Memory RAM capacity: 8 GB (100% more), Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more), Rear camera (megapixels): 50 MP (317% more).
Apple iPhone 13 and Nothing Phone 3a are closely matched
Apple iPhone 13
65
Nothing Phone 3a
63
Where Apple iPhone 13 stands out
  • Benchmark Geekbench single-core score: 2,222 (84% more)
  • Chip Model: Apple A15 Bionic
  • Display Resolution: 1170 × 2532 px
Where Nothing Phone 3a stands out
  • Memory RAM capacity: 8 GB (100% more)
  • Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more)
  • Rear camera (megapixels): 50 MP (317% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple iPhone 13

  • 60 Hz display — less smooth scrolling than 90/120 Hz rivals.

Nothing Phone 3a

  • No wireless charging.

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 is a smartphone released by Apple in September 2021. It features an upgraded chipset, a larger battery, and enhanced camera sensors compared to its predecessor (Source 2, 4). The device maintains the familiar flat design of previous models while offering improved performance features like water resistance (Source 1, 2).

Best for general useBest for users upgrading from older iPhone modelsBest for budget-minded buyers
Pros
  • Features a smaller notch cutout for selfie cam and Face ID than previous models (Source 2)
  • Includes IP68 rated water and dust resistance (Source 2)
  • Has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen protected by ceramic shield, with the standard model offering outstanding color accuracy (Source 2)
  • Improved max brightness measurement of around 800 nits compared to older models (Source 2)
  • Offers a more diagonal arrangement for rear camera lenses (Source 4)
Cons
  • The phone feels slightly heavier, about 10 grams, than previous iterations (Source 2)
  • The regular model sticks to a standard 60hz refresh rate, whereas the Pro model offers 120hz (Source 2)
  • Some reports note visible downsides related to age, such as problematic buttons (Source 4)

Nothing Phone 3a

The Nothing Phone 3a is a mid-range Android smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. It features a large 6.77-inch 120Hz flexible AMOLED display alongside a 5,000 mAh battery with 50W fast charging support. Aimed at value-oriented buyers seeking expressive design and solid imaging, it features a triple rear camera setup with dedicated 50 MP primary and 2x telephoto sensors.

Best for All-day media viewing on a bright high-refresh AMOLED screenBest for Everyday mobile photography requiring a dedicated 2x optical zoom lens
Pros
  • Capable rear camera setup featuring a 50 MP main sensor with OIS and a 50 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom
  • Vibrant 6.77-inch 120Hz flexible AMOLED display offering up to 3,000 nits peak brightness
  • 5,000 mAh battery equipped with 50W fast charging capable of reaching 50% in 19 minutes
  • Long-term software support with up to 6 years of security patches
Cons
  • Relies on older UFS 2.2 internal storage speed
  • Ultrawide camera is limited to a lower-resolution 8 MP sensor
  • Relatively heavy hand feel at 201 grams

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple iPhone 13

Nothing Phone 3a

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 13775,519
Nothing Phone 3a828,429

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple iPhone 133,240 mAh
Nothing Phone 3a5,000 mAh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

174 g201 g
Apple iPhone 13Nothing Phone 3a

Nothing Phone 3a is 27 g (16%) heavier than Apple iPhone 13.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPhone 13 vs Nothing Phone 3a comparison

They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 13 scores 67/100 and Nothing Phone 3a scores 67/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple iPhone 13 and Nothing Phone 3a are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 67/100 for Apple iPhone 13 and 67/100 for Nothing Phone 3a.
It's close — Apple iPhone 13 (67/100) and Nothing Phone 3a (67/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.

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