Okay, let's break down the Nokia G21 and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. Here’s a detailed comparison aimed at helping you, the reader, understand what these phones offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | Very similar size, the CMF is slightly wider, the G21 slightly thicker; this difference is unlikely to be noticed. |
| Weight | 190g | 197g | The Nokia G21 is a touch lighter; may be noticeable during extended single-handed use, if you are sensitive to it. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Nothing CMF has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1's higher resolution will result in a much sharper image, text, and videos will look much better. |
| PPI | 270 | 395 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a significantly sharper display due to higher pixel density, leading to less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has richer colors, deeper blacks, and much better power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 will offer slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Nothing CMF will be extremely visible in bright sunlight; Nokia G21 struggles significantly. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | The Nothing CMF Phone 1's newer chip is much more powerful and efficient, leading to much better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 673,000 | A massive difference in performance, with the Nothing CMF Phone 1 handling demanding tasks with ease, the G21 struggles. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1’s GPU will allow for smoother graphics and better performance with intensive graphical apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Li-Ion | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 will recharge much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, In box charger 10W | Non-removable | The Nokia G21 includes a charger in the box which is nice but very slow, neither phone allows the battery to be removed. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm, Sony IMX882 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, leading to better low-light photos, generally much better photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.00µm, GalaxyCore GC16B3C | The Nothing CMF has higher resolution and a bigger sensor, leading to sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4", 1.12µm, SmartSens sc202pcs | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a wider aperture and bigger sensor, for better bokeh in portraits. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Nokia G21 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; the CMF does not, but may not need one with its better main sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 captures much higher resolution video with superior stabilisation; it also offers smooth 60fps. |
| Video Features | None | 1080p@30fps, 4K@30fps (EIS), Slow-motion: Yes, 240fps | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has significantly better video features, much better stabilisation, better slow motion support and higher resolution. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | Noise reduction, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has image stabilization and noise reduction which improve image quality; the G21 has a macro lens and a front flash which are nice but can't compete with the CMF's superior core technology. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | The Nothing CMF runs a much newer OS, with additional security and features, and will get longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Nothing CMF has newer Wi-Fi technology, with more speed, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 uses a newer version, and has better audio codec support for high quality audio transmission. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Nothing CMF supports a wider range of satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones allow two SIM cards to be active simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers significantly more storage options, allowing for larger libraries of photos and media. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The Nothing CMF phone has more RAM, for better multitasking and overall responsiveness. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic Audio Features | The G21 has two microphones, which may improve audio recording quality slightly. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The G21 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor; both offer biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Nothing CMF has more comprehensive sensors, good for gaming and augmented reality apps. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21:
- Strengths: The Nokia G21’s primary appeal lies in its simpler features, solid battery life, macro lens, and the included charger. It's designed for users looking for a reliable, no-frills smartphone.
- Competitive Advantages: The G21 offers a slightly lighter build, and macro lens which is missing in the CMF.
- Trade-offs: The G21 significantly lags in display quality, processing power, camera performance, and video quality; it uses an older Android version and has a much slower charging rate.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Strengths: The CMF Phone 1 shines with its vibrant AMOLED display, powerful processor, and much better camera system including 4k video. Its faster charging is also a big advantage, as is the more modern software and feature set.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a superior display, performance, and camera system, as well as a more current version of Android and faster charging; these elements combine to give an outstanding user experience.
- Trade-offs: It's slightly heavier, it does not include a charger and lacks a macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21:
- Best Suited For: Users who need a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks, such as calls, texts, and light browsing, and that they value a macro lens. This is a device for less intensive users.
- Use Cases: Good for those who prioritize battery life above all else, prefer a lightweight device, and are not very demanding in terms of performance and media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: The G21 is a very budget-friendly option; however, the performance and lack of display quality limit the value.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Best Suited For: Users who want a high-quality display, strong performance for gaming and multitasking, a great camera for photos and video, and fast charging, and who are looking for a modern user experience with good future support.
- Use Cases: Ideal for media consumption, photography enthusiasts, gaming and power users. This phone excels for people who expect good responsiveness and modern features from a smartphone.
- Price-to-Value: The CMF offers fantastic value; it does not offer the macro lens, but its core performance and camera system more than make up for this.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What’s Your Priority: Performance or Basics?
- If you need a very basic device that is inexpensive and don't care about display, speed or the quality of photos and video, the Nokia G21 is cheaper.
- If you want a smooth, responsive experience, better photos and videos and don't mind paying a little more, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the way to go.
- How Important is Display Quality and Media Consumption?
- If you primarily text and browse the internet, and don't often watch videos, the Nokia G21's lower quality display is tolerable.
- If you love watching videos or playing mobile games, the Nothing CMF Phone 1's display is a game changer.
- How Often Do You Need to Charge Your Phone and how fast should it charge?
- If you are willing to deal with slow charging to save money, the Nokia G21's lower speed is adequate.
- If you want a phone that recharges quickly, the Nothing CMF Phone 1’s charging is more convenient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a strict budget and need a basic smartphone, the Nokia G21 fits the bill, but prepare for sacrifices in performance and display quality.
- The Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos and value the best experience, the Nothing CMF Phone 1's AMOLED display is a must-have.
- The Power User: If you game, do a lot of multitasking, or require the phone to do more demanding tasks, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers much superior performance.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1. The superior display, processor, camera, and fast charging make it a much better all-around experience. The AMOLED screen alone, combined with the 120Hz refresh rate and high resolution, transforms the user experience, making everything from browsing to gaming feel more fluid and engaging. While the Nokia G21 is a decent budget device, the CMF offers so much more in terms of technology, that it is worth paying the extra.
The performance of the CMF is vastly superior; The G21 feels very sluggish in comparison. For me, the video features on the CMF, specifically its 4K recording and electronic image stabilization are very important. The significantly faster charging is another huge advantage, as I don't like having to wait too long for my phone to charge. While the macro lens on the Nokia is useful, the main camera on the CMF is so much better, that it’s easy to overlook the missing feature.
The Nothing CMF is just a much more well-rounded and future proof device.
