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The iPhone 17 and Nothing Phone (4a) differ most in their software platforms, camera layouts and the price evidence available for each. Apple lists a dual 48MP rear-camera system and IP68 water-resistance rating; Nothing lists a three-camera system with a 3.5x optical periscope zoom and IP64. The published prices are from different markets and dates, so they do not establish a single, current price gap.
iPhone 17 vs Nothing Phone (4a): specifications at a glance
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 | Nothing Phone (4a) |
|---|---|---|
| Software platform | Apple iPhone software with Apple Intelligence and Siri features | Nothing OS based on Android 16 |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED; 2622 × 1206 pixels; 460 ppi; adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz; Always-On display | 1.5K AMOLED; adaptive refresh rate from 30Hz to 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A19: 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4: 8-core CPU |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide; Apple describes a 2x optical-quality mode enabled by the main camera system | Three-camera system, including a 50MP OIS periscope camera with 3.5x optical zoom and up to 70x ultra zoom |
| Front camera | Centre Stage front camera highlighted by Apple | 32MP |
| Memory and storage | Storage: 256GB or 512GB; RAM figure not stated on Apple’s specifications page | UK pre-order configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage, or 12GB RAM with 256GB storage |
| Water and dust resistance | IP68 under IEC standard 60529; Apple specifies a maximum depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes | IP64; Nothing also describes a test under 25cm of water for up to 20 minutes |
| Published software support | No comparable fixed update-duration promise stated on the cited specifications page | Nothing states 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates |
Specifications and support statements are published by Apple and Nothing, not independent comparative test results. Apple provides a precise display resolution and pixel density, while Nothing describes its panel as 1.5K; those labels are not directly equivalent measures. Likewise, processor core counts do not establish which phone performs better in real use.
How the prices compare
There is no reliable single number for how much more the iPhone 17 costs than the Phone (4a) based on the available prices: the figures cover different countries, dates and configurations.
| Phone and configuration | Published price evidence | Market and date context |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17, starting configuration | About $800 | Associated Press reporting of the US launch-era starting price in September 2025; not a current quote |
| Phone (4a), 8GB RAM + 128GB storage | £349 | Official UK pre-order price; terms last updated 13 March 2026, not verified current retail pricing |
| Phone (4a), 8GB RAM + 256GB storage | £379 | Official UK pre-order price; terms last updated 13 March 2026, not verified current retail pricing |
| Phone (4a), 12GB RAM + 256GB storage | £399 | Official UK pre-order price; terms last updated 13 March 2026, not verified current retail pricing |
These figures should not be converted into a price difference: one is a US dollar launch-era figure, while the others are UK pre-order prices in pounds. For a meaningful comparison, check current prices in the same country and compare the same storage capacity. The phones’ listed storage options also differ: Apple lists 256GB and 512GB, while Nothing’s cited UK terms list 128GB and 256GB configurations.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Which phone has the better display?
Both manufacturers list displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz. Apple specifies the iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch OLED panel at 2622 × 1206 pixels and 460 ppi, and says it has an Always-On display. Nothing describes the Phone (4a) panel as 1.5K AMOLED with an adaptive 30–120Hz refresh rate.
That specification detail is useful, but it does not settle which screen looks better. The descriptions do not provide directly comparable brightness measurements under the same conditions, and a resolution label alone cannot establish viewing quality.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
How their camera systems differ
The iPhone 17 has a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. Apple describes a 2x optical-quality mode enabled by the main camera system; that wording is distinct from a dedicated telephoto lens.
Nothing lists three rear cameras, including a 50MP OIS periscope camera with 3.5x optical zoom. Its product page also advertises up to 70x ultra zoom. That maximum is not optical zoom and should not be read as a claim of equivalent image quality at every magnification.
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Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
For selfies and video calls, Nothing specifies a 32MP front camera, while Apple highlights the iPhone 17’s Centre Stage front camera. Megapixel counts alone do not show which phone takes better photos or video; no independent camera comparison is established by these specifications.
Software, processor and update support
The core choice is between Apple’s iPhone platform, including Apple Intelligence and Siri features described on its product page, and Nothing OS based on Android 16. Which is preferable depends on the apps, services and ecosystem a buyer wants; the specifications do not make one platform universally better.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Apple lists the A19 with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Nothing lists Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 with an 8-core CPU. Those component descriptions are not performance benchmarks, and the available evidence does not establish a comparative speed or battery-life result.
Nothing states that the Phone (4a) receives 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates. Apple’s cited iPhone 17 specifications page does not give a fixed update-duration promise of the same kind, so the two support statements cannot be treated as a like-for-like lifespan comparison.
Water and dust resistance: IP68 vs IP64
Apple lists the iPhone 17 as IP68 under IEC standard 60529 and specifies a maximum depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes. Nothing lists the Phone (4a) as IP64 and separately describes a test under 25cm of water for up to 20 minutes. These are different ratings and test descriptions, not interchangeable guarantees. Neither should be taken as advice to deliberately immerse a phone.
Quick Recap
Which should you choose?
- Choose based on platform first: the iPhone 17 runs Apple’s iPhone software, while the Phone (4a) runs Nothing OS on Android 16.
- Consider the camera layout: the iPhone lists main and ultra-wide cameras with a 2x optical-quality mode; Nothing lists a periscope camera with 3.5x optical zoom.
- Compare screens by more than refresh rate: both list up to 120Hz, but their manufacturers describe resolution differently and do not provide directly comparable brightness figures in the cited product information.
- Check the exact local price and storage tier: the published figures here are not same-market, same-date offers.
- Do not infer a definitive performance or photo-quality winner from component specifications: those require comparable independent testing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
