The mid-range smartphone segment in 2025 is fiercely competitive, with the Google Pixel 9a, Apple iPhone 16e, and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro emerging as standout contenders. These devices aim to deliver flagship-like experiences at accessible price points, each with distinct strengths. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll evaluate them across seven key categories—display, design, performance, camera, battery, price, and storage options—while incorporating a technical specification table to provide a clear snapshot of their differences. Whether you’re an Android enthusiast, an iOS loyalist, or a seeker of unique design, this showdown will help you decide which phone reigns supreme.
Display: Clarity, Brightness, and Smoothness
When it comes to displays, these mid-range contenders offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Pixel 9a features a 6.3-inch Actua FHD+ OLED with a resolution of 2424 x 1080 pixels and a variable refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling while conserving power. Its peak brightness hits 2700 nits (1800 nits typical), making it the brightest here, ideal for outdoor visibility, with vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED. In contrast, the iPhone 16e opts for a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED at 2532 x 1170 pixels, offering slightly higher resolution but sticking to a fixed 60Hz refresh rate—a drawback in 2025’s dynamic market. Its 1200 nits peak brightness (800 nits typical) is sufficient but lags behind, though it excels in color accuracy and HDR content. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro goes bigger with a 6.8-inch OLED at 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a fluid experience for gaming and media consumption. Its 1800 nits peak brightness is competitive, though its larger size slightly reduces pixel density compared to the Pixel and iPhone.
The Pixel 9a strikes a balance between brightness and smoothness, appealing to users who value both. The iPhone 16e’s display, while sharp and reliable, feels outdated without a higher refresh rate, potentially disappointing users accustomed to smoother screens. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro caters to those who prioritize screen real estate and fluidity, though it doesn’t match the Pixel’s brightness or the iPhone’s precision. For media enthusiasts, Nothing’s larger canvas wins, but the Pixel 9a offers the most versatile display overall.
Design: Aesthetics and Ergonomics
Design-wise, these phones reflect their brands’ philosophies, balancing aesthetics with practicality. The Pixel 9a moves away from the camera bar, adopting flat edges, a flat glass front, and a matte polycarbonate back that mimics frosted glass, measuring 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm and weighing 185.9 grams. Its thicker profile accommodates a larger battery, and it comes in vibrant colors—Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, and Iris—with an IP68 rating. The iPhone 16e sticks to Apple’s timeless formula: flat aluminum sides, a glass back, and a notched front, at 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm and 167 grams, making it the smallest and lightest for one-handed use. It offers Black and White color options and an IP68 rating, but the notch feels passé without Dynamic Island. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands apart with a transparent glass back revealing internals, a Glyph LED interface, and a large circular camera module, measuring roughly 162 x 76 x 8.5 mm and weighing around 200 grams. It’s bold and IP68-rated, appealing to those who crave uniqueness.
The iPhone 16e’s compact, premium build suits minimalists, while the Pixel 9a’s understated yet colorful design offers practicality and variety. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s larger, heavier frame and striking transparency make it a statement piece, though less ergonomic. For portability, the iPhone wins; for personality, Nothing takes the crown; and for a balanced middle ground, the Pixel shines.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Performance is a critical battleground, and these devices leverage distinct chipsets to cater to different needs. The Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 with 8GB of RAM, excelling in AI tasks like photo processing and transcription, with Geekbench scores around 1967 single-core and 4697 multi-core—solid for mid-range but not top-tier. Running Android 15 with seven years of updates, it’s optimized for longevity. The iPhone 16e’s A18 chip (downclocked from flagship models) with 8GB RAM dominates, scoring approximately 2800 single-core and 7000 multi-core on Geekbench 6, making it a beast for gaming and multitasking. iOS 18 brings Apple Intelligence features, supported for at least five years. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro opts for the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 with 12GB RAM, delivering estimated scores of 1200 single-core and 3300 multi-core—adequate but trailing its rivals. It runs Android 15 with Nothing’s clean UI, promising three years of OS updates and six years of security patches.
The iPhone 16e’s raw power is unmatched, ideal for demanding apps, while the Pixel 9a’s AI focus and software support make it a smart choice for efficiency. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s higher RAM aids multitasking, but its chipset can’t compete in benchmarks. Power users will gravitate toward the iPhone, while the Pixel and Nothing suffice for most everyday tasks with distinct advantages in software and memory, respectively.
Camera: Capturing the Moment
Camera performance is a defining factor, and these phones approach photography differently. The Pixel 9a sports a 48MP main sensor (f/1.7, OIS) and 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2), paired with a 13MP front camera (f/2.2), leveraging Google’s computational photography for stunning low-light shots via Night Sight and versatile AI features like Add Me. It records 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP Fusion camera (f/1.6, OIS) with 2x in-sensor zoom and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera (f/1.9), excelling in color accuracy and video (4K 60fps with cinematic modes), though it lacks an ultrawide lens. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro offers a triple setup: 50MP main (f/1.8, OIS), 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x zoom (f/2.6), and 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), plus a 32MP front camera (f/2.0), providing unmatched versatility, though video tops out at 4K 30fps.
The Pixel 9a’s dual-lens system and software prowess deliver consistent excellence, particularly in low light. The iPhone 16e’s single lens shines in video and main shots but sacrifices flexibility. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s triple-camera array, especially its telephoto, caters to enthusiasts, though it may not match the Pixel’s processing finesse. For all-around photography, the Pixel leads; for video, the iPhone excels; and for variety, Nothing stands out.
Battery: Endurance and Charging
Battery life and charging capabilities are pivotal for daily use, and these phones offer varied approaches. The Pixel 9a’s 5100mAh battery—the largest here—promises over 30 hours, with tests suggesting 13 hours of heavy use, supported by 23W wired charging (50% in ~30 minutes) and 7.5W wireless. The iPhone 16e’s 4005mAh battery lasts up to 21 hours and 39 minutes in streaming tests, aided by iOS efficiency, with 20W wired charging (47% in 30 minutes, full in ~1 hour 41 minutes) and 7.5W wireless (no MagSafe). The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s 5000mAh battery achieves around 6 hours and 40 minutes of screen-on time, outpacing the iPhone slightly, with 50W wired charging (70% in 30 minutes, full in 56 minutes) but no wireless option.
The Pixel 9a’s capacity gives it an edge in endurance, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s fast charging is a standout feature. The iPhone 16e balances efficiency and longevity but lags in speed and size. For long-lasting power, the Pixel wins; for quick top-ups, Nothing prevails; and for optimized efficiency, the iPhone holds its own.
Price: Value for Money
Pricing reflects each phone’s positioning in the mid-range market. The Pixel 9a starts at $499 for 128GB and $599 for 256GB, maintaining its predecessor’s value with robust features and support. The iPhone 16e begins at $599 for 128GB, rising to $699 for 256GB and $899 for 512GB, justifying its premium with performance and ecosystem benefits. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, at $459 for its sole 12GB/256GB variant, undercuts both, offering a feature-packed experience at the lowest cost.
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro delivers the best value, balancing specs and price. The Pixel 9a offers a strong middle ground, while the iPhone 16e’s higher cost appeals to those invested in iOS. Budget-conscious buyers will favor Nothing, while the iPhone targets premium seekers.
Storage Options: Flexibility and Capacity
Storage flexibility varies across these devices. The Pixel 9a offers 128GB and 256GB options with 8GB RAM, lacking expandability but meeting mid-range norms. The iPhone 16e provides 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB—all with 8GB RAM—offering the widest range for users needing space without cloud reliance. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro sticks to a single 12GB RAM/256GB configuration, generous but inflexible.
The iPhone 16e’s variety suits diverse needs, while Nothing’s high RAM and storage combo targets power users. The Pixel 9a’s options are practical but less versatile. For flexibility, the iPhone wins; for a robust single package, Nothing excels.
Technical Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | Google Pixel 9a | Apple iPhone 16e | Nothing (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ FHD+ OLED, 2424×1080, 60-120Hz, 2700 nits peak | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532×1170, 60Hz, 1200 nits peak | 6.8″ OLED, 2400×1080, 120Hz, 1800 nits peak |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, 185.9g | 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm, 167g | 162 x 76 x 8.5 mm, ~200g |
| Build | Polycarbonate back, aluminum frame, IP68 | Glass back, aluminum frame, IP68 | Transparent glass back, aluminum frame, IP68 |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4, 8GB RAM | A18 (downclocked), 8GB RAM | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, 12GB RAM |
| Camera (Rear) | 48MP (f/1.7, OIS) + 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP Fusion (f/1.6, OIS, 2x zoom) | 50MP (f/1.8, OIS) + 50MP telephoto (f/2.6, 3x) + 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2) |
| Camera (Front) | 13MP (f/2.2) | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9) | 32MP (f/2.0) |
| Battery | 5100mAh, 23W wired, 7.5W wireless | 4005mAh, 20W wired, 7.5W wireless | 5000mAh, 50W wired, no wireless |
| OS | Android 15, 7 yrs updates | iOS 18, 5 yrs updates | Android 15, 3 yrs OS + 6 yrs security |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB only |
| Price | $499 (128GB), $599 (256GB) | $599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), $899 (512GB) | $459 (256GB) |
Conclusion: Which Phone Should You Choose?
The Google Pixel 9a, Apple iPhone 16e, and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro each carve out a niche in 2025’s mid-range market. The Pixel 9a excels as an all-rounder with its bright display, stellar camera, massive battery, and $499 starting price, backed by seven years of updates—perfect for Android fans seeking value and longevity. The iPhone 16e dominates in performance and build quality, with its A18 chip, efficient battery, and iOS ecosystem starting at $599, ideal for power users and Apple loyalists willing to pay more. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stands out with its unique design, versatile cameras, and unbeatable $459 price, appealing to those wanting personality and affordability.
Your choice depends on priorities: the Pixel 9a for balance and support, the iPhone 16e for power and ecosystem, or the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro for flair and value. In this showdown, the Pixel offers the most well-rounded package, the iPhone the most performance, and Nothing the most character.
Source: GSMArena
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav