Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. These two mid-range contenders have their unique strengths and target slightly different user needs. I'll break it down for you, as if we were chatting over coffee, but with all the technical details you'd expect from an engineer and tech journalist like myself.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how the specifications stack up, with a focus on what these numbers actually mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2024-07-09 | The CMF Phone 1 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | The CMF Phone 1 is slightly taller and wider but also a bit thinner. The G71 feels more compact in hand |
| Weight | 179g | 197g | The G71 is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The CMF Phone 1 has a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp, clear displays, offering a great visual experience for text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have high pixel densities. You will not see pixels with the naked eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The CMF Phone 1's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much smoother and more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The CMF Phone 1’s display is significantly brighter and will be far more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 | Dimensity 7300 | The CMF Phone 1's newer processor offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 673,000 | The CMF Phone 1 benchmarks considerably higher, meaning it has more processing power and faster speeds. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The CMF Phone 1’s GPU should handle graphics intensive tasks like mobile gaming better |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 50MP | 50MP | Both have 50MP main cameras. |
| Standard Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | The CMF Phone 1 has a slightly wider aperture, allowing more light, which helps in low-light conditions. |
| Standard Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/2" | The CMF Phone 1 uses a larger sensor, resulting in better image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. |
| Standard Pixel Size | 0.64 µm | 0.70 µm | The CMF Phone 1 has larger pixels which help it capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.0) | The CMF Phone 1 has a slightly wider aperture on its selfie camera, which allows for better low-light photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | The Moto G71 includes a wide-angle lens, useful for capturing more in a shot. This is missing on the CMF Phone 1. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP | The CMF Phone 1 has a dedicated portrait mode lens, improving the quality of background blur (bokeh) in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | The Moto G71 includes a dedicated macro lens, useful for taking close up photos of small objects. This is missing on the CMF Phone 1. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps,1080p@30/60fps | The CMF Phone 1 offers higher-resolution 4K video recording and EIS for stabilization, providing better video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, so battery life should be similar. |
| Charging | 33W Fast | 33W Fast | Both offer fast 33W charging, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The CMF Phone 1 ships with a much newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The CMF Phone 1 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, enabling faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The CMF Phone 1 has newer Bluetooth version for improved stability, range, and audio codecs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | The CMF Phone 1 offers a 256GB option, which is beneficial for users who store large amounts of media or have many apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones have equivalent RAM options, meaning that you can choose the option that is best for your budget. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage so you will be stuck with your storage variant. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic | The Motorola Moto G71 has advanced audio features, with Dolby Atmos support which can give better sound quality and voice capture performance. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer a fingerprint sensor as basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Hall sensor, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both phones have sensors for everyday use. They offer most of the same sensors, with the Motorola Moto G71 having a Hall sensor, and the Nothing CMF Phone 1 having a Compass. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: This is a solid, budget-friendly phone with a focus on practicality. It has a good AMOLED display and respectable performance for everyday tasks. Its main advantages are a lighter build, a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: This device is a step up in performance, thanks to its much more powerful processor, smoother 120Hz display, and brighter screen. It also offers better video recording capabilities and the latest Android version. The newer WiFi and Bluetooth are also beneficial. However, it lacks the wide-angle and macro cameras.
Strengths:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: Lighter, more compact, Dolby Atmos audio, wide-angle, and macro camera for more versatile photography.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Much faster performance, smoother display, brighter screen for better outdoor visibility, superior video recording with EIS, newer software, and better connectivity (WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3)
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: Older chipset and Android version, less advanced display, and inferior video capabilities.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Slightly heavier, lacks wide angle and macro lenses, and has more basic audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize everyday practicality, audio quality, and versatile photography.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, media consumption with enhanced audio, and occasional photos with wide angle and macro functionality.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Ideal User: Performance-oriented users, gamers, and anyone looking for a phone with a top-tier display and smooth user experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, intensive app usage, high quality video recording, viewing media in bright daylight, and those who prefer the latest software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Do you prioritize smooth performance and display quality over all else?
- Yes: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice. The faster processor, smoother 120Hz refresh rate, and brighter display are significant advantages.
- No: The Motorola Moto G71 5G is a viable option if you’re on a tighter budget and are not a power user.
- Do you need a camera with a wide-angle lens and a macro lens?
- Yes: The Motorola Moto G71 5G has you covered. The extra lenses offer additional versatility in your photography.
- No: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 does not have these lenses, so if these are not a priority for you, you may not miss them.
- Do you need the latest Android software and connectivity standards?
- Yes: The Nothing CMF Phone 1’s newer Android 14, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 support are more future-proof.
- No: The Motorola Moto G71 5G with its older Android 11 and less advanced connectivity will still suffice for basic use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If the budget is your main concern and you are not demanding performance, then the Motorola Moto G71 5G is a decent option, and the savings may be worth it.
- Casual User: If you use your phone for day-to-day tasks, media consumption, and occasional pictures, and you prioritize ease of use and versatility of the camera, then the Motorola Moto G71 5G could be for you.
- Performance Seeker: If you require a smooth experience, the latest Android features, better display performance, and intend to play games or perform intensive tasks on your phone, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a clear choice.
- Video Creator: The Nothing CMF Phone 1’s 4K recording, enhanced stabilisation, and improved display make it a much better choice for shooting videos.
Which would I choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Nothing CMF Phone 1. As someone who appreciates the latest tech, the superior performance of the Dimensity 7300 chipset, the 120Hz display, and the brighter screen are significant improvements that directly enhance my daily usage and workflow. The updated Android version, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, are also major factors, providing better connectivity and longevity. While I appreciate the wide-angle and macro lenses on the Moto G71 5G, the overall improvements in user experience with the CMF Phone 1 make it a more compelling option for me. I also tend to record a lot of video, and the 4k with EIS capabilities are beneficial.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your priorities, but I hope this in-depth comparison has helped clarify each phone's strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different user profiles.
