HTC U23 vs. Nothing Phone (2): A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nothing Phone (2) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly faster performance, and the 998 nits peak brightness provides a better viewing experience. While the HTC U23 offers respectable features, the performance gap justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HTC U23 | Nothing Phone (2) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 17 | 2023, July 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 26 | Available. Released 2023, July 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 77.1 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 201.2 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz | LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless Reverse wired | 45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4600 mAh | Li-Ion 4700 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Roland Violet | White, Dark Gray |
| Models | - | A065 |
| Price | - | $ 379.99 / £ 370.00 |
HTC U23
- More affordable price point
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially more compact form factor (unconfirmed)
- Significantly slower processor
- Lower peak display brightness
- Limited camera information
Nothing Phone (2)
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Higher price tag
- Unique design may not appeal to everyone
- Limited information on camera sensor details
Display Comparison
The Nothing Phone (2) boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 998 nits peak brightness, compared to an unstated value for the HTC U23. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Nothing Phone (2)'s brightness advantage is a clear win. Details regarding the U23's panel technology (LTPO, refresh rate) are missing, but the Phone (2)'s brightness alone makes it more versatile in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs beyond 'Photo / Video' are absent for the Nothing Phone (2), making a direct sensor comparison impossible. However, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1's superior image signal processor (ISP) will likely deliver better image processing and dynamic range. The HTC U23's camera performance is unknown, but the Phone (2)'s chipset advantage suggests superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without more data on the U23's sensor size and aperture, it's difficult to assess its capabilities beyond speculation.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2) is powered by the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), featuring a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, while the HTC U23 uses the SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) with a Cortex-A710 prime core at 2.4 GHz. This architectural difference, combined with the higher clock speeds on the Phone (2), results in a substantial performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. Both use a 4nm process, offering good efficiency, but the 8+ Gen 1 is a generation ahead and demonstrably faster. The Phone (2)'s GPU will also provide a smoother experience in graphically demanding games.
Battery Life
The Nothing Phone (2) achieves an impressive 14:21h active use score and an endurance rating of 103 hours, indicating excellent battery life. It supports 45W wired charging, reaching 100% in 55 minutes, and 15W wireless charging (130 minutes). The HTC U23 offers 30W wired charging, 15W wireless, and 5W reverse wireless, alongside reverse wired charging. While the U23 offers reverse charging options, the Phone (2)'s faster wired charging and longer endurance rating provide a more convenient and reliable experience for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U23 if you prioritize value and a more understated design, and don't require top-tier gaming performance. It's ideal for everyday tasks, media consumption, and casual photography. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you demand flagship-level performance for demanding apps, gaming, and photography, and appreciate a unique, eye-catching aesthetic. It's the better choice for power users and those who want a phone that will stay relevant for longer.