Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. I've got my engineering hat on, but I'll keep it relatable, like we're chatting over coffee about these two contenders.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a special focus on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2024-07-09 | The CMF Phone 1 is much newer, potentially having more modern software and features. |
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | Edge 30 Fusion is more compact and thinner; CMF Phone 1 is larger and might feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 168g | 197g | Edge 30 Fusion is significantly lighter, easier for extended use; CMF Phone 1 might feel heavier in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | CMF Phone 1's larger screen offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp, detailed screens, ensuring clarity for text, videos, and photos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 395 | Both are very similar in sharpness; practically indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; slight differences in manufacturing might lead to minor color shifts. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Fusion is slightly smoother for scrolling and gaming, though both will be fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 is much better in bright sunlight, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ (5 nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Fusion has a higher-end chipset from 2021, better for demanding tasks; CMF Phone 1 more recent mid-range chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 673,000 | Edge 30 Fusion is noticeably faster, offering smoother performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Edge 30 Fusion’s GPU is more powerful, better for graphically intense tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" OV50A | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX882 | Edge 30 Fusion has larger sensor for better low-light performance; CMF Phone 1 has a slightly wider aperture, also good for low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1" GC16B3C | Edge 30 Fusion higher resolution for sharper selfies; CMF Phone 1, larger pixels for better light sensitivity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | Edge 30 Fusion can capture wider shots; CMF Phone 1 lacks this versatility. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" OV02B1B | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4" Smartsens sc202pcs | CMF Phone 1 has slightly wider aperture and a larger sensor in the dedicated portrait lens, a potential edge for depth effects. |
| Video | Up to 8K, EIS | Up to 4K, EIS | Edge 30 Fusion can record higher quality video, which is great for those seeking professional footage. |
| Camera Features | OIS, LAF, PDAF etc. | Noise reduction, Continuous AF | Edge 30 Fusion is loaded with features like OIS, LAF, PDAF while CMF Phone focuses on noise reduction and continuous autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | CMF Phone 1 is likely to last longer on a single charge, particularly for heavy users. |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Fusion charges much faster, great if you're in a hurry. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | CMF Phone 1 will have the latest software and longer support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both offer fast and reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | BT 5.2, A2DP, LE | BT 5.3, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | CMF Phone 1 with latest Bluetooth version for more stable and energy-efficient connections, and has more audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both have excellent GPS features for precise navigation; Motorola with extra L1+L5 support, while Nothing supports QZSS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer ample space for apps and media. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | Edge 30 Fusion is better for multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Motorola gives richer sound quality with spatial audio. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: This phone is a performance powerhouse with a slightly older but powerful flagship-level Snapdragon chip. It boasts a smoother display, a better main camera sensor, and much faster charging speeds. The Dolby Atmos audio provides a much richer audio experience. However, it’s older, and the battery is smaller.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: The newer CMF Phone 1 shines with a more modern design, significantly brighter screen, larger battery, and newer software. The camera is more than competent, though not as feature rich as the Edge 30 Fusion. It also features more modern Bluetooth codecs for those who care about audio quality with wireless headphones.
Practical Differences:
- Everyday Speed: The Edge 30 Fusion feels snappier in everyday tasks, like app switching and gaming, thanks to its higher-end chipset.
- Outdoor Visibility: The CMF Phone 1's super bright display is a game-changer for anyone who spends time outdoors.
- Battery Endurance: If you're a power user, the CMF Phone 1 is likely to last longer before needing a recharge.
- Photography and Videography: If you want the maximum photography and video capabilities, including higher video resolutions and features like OIS, the Motorola is the clear winner.
- Software Longevity: The CMF Phone 1 is a better choice for those wanting the latest software, newer features and longer support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Best for: Performance enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and users who value fast charging and higher quality photos and videos.
- Use Cases: Ideal for anyone who pushes their phone to its limits or wants a phone with top notch audio.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Best for: Users who value a bright screen, longer battery life, and a more modern software experience.
- Use Cases: Great for outdoor enthusiasts, people who use their phone heavily throughout the day, or those who want a reliable phone with good battery life and the latest software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your choice:
- How much do I care about raw performance vs. battery life?
- If performance and snappiness is a must, the Edge 30 Fusion is the clear winner. If battery endurance and a larger screen is your priority, the CMF Phone 1 wins.
- Will I be using my phone often in bright sunlight?
- If yes, the CMF Phone 1's brighter display will make a huge difference.
- What software experience is most important to me?
- If you want the absolute latest software and features with ongoing updates, the CMF Phone 1 is your best bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer or Power User: The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is the better option, providing more performance and better audio immersion.
- For the Everyday User, Especially Outdoors: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is ideal, thanks to its longer battery life and brighter display, with a more modern software experience.
- For the Budget-Conscious: Evaluate if the extra performance of the Motorola is worth the price. The CMF Phone 1 offers a very good experience at its more mid-range price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While I appreciate the sheer power of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion's Snapdragon 888+, the brighter display, longer battery life, and more modern software of the CMF Phone 1 align better with my typical daily use. As a tech journalist, I'm often outside, taking photos, writing notes, and checking emails, and the visibility and battery of the CMF phone makes it the better choice for me. While the Motorola does offer a more powerful chip for demanding tasks, I don't do enough heavy lifting on my phone to justify that difference over a better outdoor screen and longer battery life. Plus, I like supporting companies that try to do things a little different.
