A First Look at Two Very Different Mid-Range Phones
The smartphone market in 2025 is becoming increasingly competitive in the mid-range segment, and two upcoming models are drawing major attention: the Nothing Phone 3A Lite and Apple’s iPhone SE 4. While the Nothing device is already making its way into the hands of users, Apple’s SE 4 is expected to launch soon. An early comparison between the two reveals clear differences in design, performance, camera systems, and overall approach to value.
The Nothing Phone 3A Lite is expected to offer a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and strong peak brightness. This makes it a phone built for smooth visuals and vibrant colors, ideal for streaming, gaming, or everyday use. Apple’s iPhone SE 4, on the other hand, is expected to step up from its older 4.7-inch design to a modern 6.1-inch OLED display. This brings the SE line closer to Apple’s flagship design language, but it’s likely to keep a notch and Face ID rather than adopting a fully dynamic layout.
Performance will also mark a major difference between the two. Nothing’s mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip provides solid everyday speed with 8GB to 12GB of RAM, paired with fast charging and a large 5,000 mAh battery. Apple’s SE 4 is rumored to use an A-series chip from the iPhone 16 lineup, which would give it flagship-level processing power. Apple may offer around 8GB of RAM, a significant improvement over previous SE generations. Battery capacity is expected to increase, though fast charging speeds will likely remain more modest than Nothing’s 50W capabilities.
Camera setups show one of the sharpest contrasts. Nothing Phone 3A Lite is set to ship with a triple rear camera system: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. This gives it flexibility for portraits, landscapes, and zoom shots without heavy reliance on digital processing. Apple’s SE 4 is expected to feature a single 48MP rear camera, likely borrowing some processing features from the iPhone 16. While it may produce excellent photos with Apple’s image tuning, the lack of multiple lenses limits its versatility compared to Nothing’s setup.
Battery life and charging speeds lean in Nothing’s favor. Its 5,000 mAh battery and 50W fast charging are well above what Apple usually offers on SE models. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to include USB-C, MagSafe support, and better efficiency from its newer chip, but actual charging speeds may remain around 20W. Users who prioritize quick top-ups and longer screen-on time may find the Nothing device more appealing.
Apple, however, will rely on its ecosystem strength. The SE 4 is expected to come with long-term iOS updates, advanced security, Face ID, and tight integration with Apple’s services. It may also feature improved water and dust resistance, plus better build quality. These advantages will appeal to users who prefer a seamless Apple experience even at a lower price point.
In early comparisons, the Nothing Phone 3A Lite appears to offer stronger hardware value: a bigger and brighter display, a versatile camera system, larger battery, and faster charging. The iPhone SE 4, meanwhile, focuses on powerful performance, software polish, and long-term reliability. For Android users or those looking for more features at a lower cost, Nothing’s device may be the more attractive choice. For iPhone fans or those seeking a long-lasting, secure ecosystem, the SE 4 could be the smarter buy.
Ultimately, the real decision will depend on pricing and launch timing. Nothing has built a reputation for bringing premium features to lower price tiers, while Apple usually relies on its ecosystem and optimization. Once the SE 4 officially launches, real-world tests will show how well it stacks up against a feature-heavy Android rival like the Nothing Phone 3A Lite.
