Apple iPhone 12 vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Compare Apple iPhone 12 vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro side by side: Apple A14 Bionic vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, 12MP vs 50MP camera, 2815mAh vs 5400mAh…
Apple
iPhone 12
$699
5categories won
Nothing
Phone (3a) Pro
$429
13categories won
18 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro takes the overall win
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 12, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Phone (3a) Pro leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Phone (3a) Pro. Choose the Phone (3a) Pro if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 12 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Phone (3a) Pro takes battery honors offering 5,400 mAh alongside 65W charging.
Phone (3a) Pro provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and 16GB RAM.
Phone (3a) Pro takes photography with 50MP optics and 2x optical telephoto capabilities.
Phone (3a) Pro wins on budget and value at $429 compared to $699.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 12 vs Phone (3a) Pro: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.72" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532Winner | 1080 x 2412 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppi | — |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 4 nmWinner |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 16 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 512GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 2x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 32 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | — |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,815 mAh | 5,400 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 65 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 164 gWinner | 194 g |
| Thickness | 7.4 mmWinner | 8.4 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Ceramic Shield front, glass back and aluminum design | — |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18 | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 6 yearsWinner | 4 years |
| Security updates | 6 yearsWinner | 5 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699 | $429Winner |
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 upgraded the best-selling base model formula with a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED panel, Ceramic Shield glass, 5G capabilities, and featherlight 164g ergonomics.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,815mAh
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Nothing refines its distinctive transparent vision by introducing 25W wireless charging, dedicated 2x portrait optics, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processing to the popular sub-flagship line.
- Display
- 6.72"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,400mAh