Nothing Phone (2) vs. Realme 10 Pro+: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions

The Nothing Phone (2) arrives as a design-forward contender with flagship-tier processing power, challenging the established Realme 10 Pro+, which prioritizes a balance of features and value. This comparison dissects these two Android smartphones, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most from their distinct approaches.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and a unique software experience, the Nothing Phone (2) is the clear winner. However, the Realme 10 Pro+ offers a compelling package with faster wired charging and respectable battery life, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 10 Pro+ Nothing Phone (2)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, November 172023, July 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 24Available. Released 2023, July 17
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.5 x 73.9 x 7.8 mm or 8 mm162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight173 g / 175 g (6.10 oz)201.2 g (7.09 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 800 nitsLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 1Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 2Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) - version 1Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) - version 2Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4 - version 1Mali-G68 MC4 - version 2Adreno 730
OSAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 17 min45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark Matter Black, Nebula Blue, HyperspaceWhite, Dark Gray
ModelsRMX3687, RMX3686A065
PriceAbout 650 EUR$ 379.99 / £ 370.00

Realme 10 Pro+

  • Faster 67W wired charging
  • Potentially longer battery endurance (based on older rating)
  • More affordable price point

  • Less powerful processor (Dimensity 1080)
  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Limited charging options (no wireless)

Nothing Phone (2)

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Slower wired charging compared to Realme
  • Higher price
  • Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2) boasts a brighter display, reaching 998 nits measured, compared to the Realme 10 Pro+'s 809 nits. This translates to better outdoor visibility for the Nothing Phone (2). While both utilize OLED panels, Nothing doesn't specify PWM dimming frequency, a crucial factor for users sensitive to flicker. Realme doesn't publish this data either, making it difficult to assess which is better for eye comfort. Both displays are likely to offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Nothing Phone (2)'s higher peak brightness provides a tangible advantage in bright conditions.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is lacking in the provided data. Both are advertised as capable in Photo and Video. The Nothing Phone (2)'s Snapdragon ISP benefits from advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. Without specific sensor size or aperture details, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the Nothing Phone (2)'s more powerful processor provides a computational advantage in post-processing, which is increasingly important for smartphone photography.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nothing Phone (2) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), a significant leap over the Realme 10 Pro+'s Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) – or even the Dimensity 920 variant. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, coupled with its more efficient 4nm process, delivers substantially higher CPU and GPU performance. The Realme 10 Pro+’s Dimensity 1080, with its Cortex-A78 cores peaking at 2.6 GHz (or 2.5 GHz in the variant 2), is capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with sustained gaming at high settings. The Nothing Phone (2)'s superior thermal efficiency, thanks to the 4nm node, also minimizes throttling during prolonged intensive use.

Battery Life

The Realme 10 Pro+ boasts a 149-hour endurance rating, while the Nothing Phone (2) achieves 14:21h of active use and a 103-hour endurance rating. While the endurance rating seems higher for the Realme, the active use score provides a more realistic picture of real-world performance. The Nothing Phone (2) compensates for its potentially smaller battery capacity with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s improved power efficiency. Furthermore, the Nothing Phone (2) offers 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging, providing greater versatility, while the Realme 10 Pro+ is limited to 67W wired charging. The Realme 10 Pro+ charges to 50% in 17 minutes, while the Nothing Phone (2) takes 55 minutes for a full charge.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 10 Pro+ if you need exceptionally fast 67W wired charging and prioritize maximizing battery endurance with a focus on value. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you prefer a premium build, a more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor for demanding tasks, and the distinctive Glyph Interface for notifications and customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 1080 in the Realme 10 Pro+ struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, while the Dimensity 1080 is capable, it will likely require reduced graphics settings and may experience frame drops in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Nothing Phone (2) provides a much smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the Glyph Interface on the Nothing Phone (2) impact battery life?
The Glyph Interface's impact on battery life is relatively minor. Nothing has optimized the LEDs to be power-efficient. However, extensive use of the Glyph Interface for notifications and visual effects will naturally consume more battery than leaving it inactive.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Nothing Phone (2) significantly slower than the 67W on the Realme 10 Pro+ in real-world use?
While 67W is faster on paper, the difference in charging time isn't massive. The Realme 10 Pro+ reaches 50% in 17 minutes, while the Nothing Phone (2) takes longer to reach 100%. The Nothing Phone (2)'s wireless charging capabilities offer added convenience.