Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. As a tech journalist with a penchant for understanding the nitty-gritty, I'll break down these two devices, focusing on what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the specs, tailored for real-world understanding:
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | The CMF is noticeably larger and slightly heavier, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 185g | 197g | The Nokia is lighter by 12g, which might make a difference during longer usage periods. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Screen | Unknown Screen Protection | Nokia's Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and drop resistance; the CMF's screen is of unknown protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.67" | The CMF has a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same Full HD+ resolution, so sharpness is similar. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | The Nokia has a slightly higher pixel density, offering a tad more sharpness but the difference will be very difficult to perceive. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The CMF's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The CMF has significantly better outdoor visibility with much higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 (6nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | The CMF’s Dimensity chip is newer, more efficient and more powerful; expect faster processing and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 673,000 | The CMF offers noticeably superior performance, showing much better scores in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The CMF's GPU is more capable, better for graphically demanding games and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both phones offers the same amount of RAM for multitasking. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.79, Sony IMX882, 0.7µm | The CMF's wider aperture and Sony sensor suggests potentially better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.0, GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1.0 µm pixel size | The CMF’s larger aperture should provide better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | The Nokia has an extra wide-angle lens which can be useful for group shots or landscapes. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.3, Smartsens sc202pcs, 1.12µm pixel size | The CMF has a depth sensor dedicated for better bokeh effect, resulting in better portrait photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps, with Stabilization | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | The CMF offers much higher video resolution at 4k. The CMF also includes electronic image stabilization (EIS) |
| Camera Features | OIS, CDAF, Night Mode and more | Noise Reduction, 4K video, Continuous AutoFocus and more | The Nokia has OIS for more stable photos and videos, and a dedicated Night Mode. The CMF does offer 4k recording and continuous autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | The CMF offers noticeably longer battery life thanks to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both have the same 33W fast charging; with the CMF you will get a bit more endurance out of it thanks to its larger capacity. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | The CMF ships with the latest software and has guaranteed updates for the future. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | The CMF offers slightly better WiFi performance, thanks to Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The CMF has the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, offering better power efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30 Strengths:
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior durability and scratch resistance.
- Camera Versatility: Inclusion of a wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) can be beneficial for photography enthusiasts.
- Compactness: Lighter and more compact, better for single-hand usage.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Strengths:
- Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset provides a massive performance boost, making it a clear winner in this department.
- Display Quality: The higher peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate make the CMF a better choice for outdoor use and smooth scrolling.
- Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery will easily get you through a full day and beyond, and that's paired with a more efficient processor.
- Camera Technology: The CMF uses a more advanced primary sensor and has a larger aperture on the selfie camera, indicating better low-light capabilities.
- Software: Running on Android 14, the CMF is more up-to-date, and offers guaranteed software updates.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Nokia lags behind in terms of performance and display brightness.
- The CMF lacks OIS, and a wide-angle lens.
- Both phones lack expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize a compact, durable device with decent photography options.
- Those who prefer the versatility of a wide-angle lens.
- Users who don't need top-tier performance for gaming or heavy apps.
- Users who are willing to prioritize build quality over some performance and display features.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 is ideal for:
- Users who want a high-performing, smooth, and fast smartphone experience.
- Gamers and heavy app users who need the additional horsepower.
- Those who want a brighter screen, especially for outdoor visibility.
- Users who prioritize battery life and long-term software support.
- Users who take a lot of selfies or photos in low-light conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is raw performance to you? If you play mobile games or use a lot of resource-intensive apps, the CMF’s better performance is a must.
Do you need a super bright display and smooth scrolling? The CMF's 120Hz and much higher brightness, makes it the ideal choice for better outdoor visibility.
Do you prioritize durability or size? While the Nokia offers a more compact and durable design, the CMF offers better tech for the same price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: If you’re mainly browsing, using social media, and taking casual photos, the Nokia is more than adequate.
- For the performance enthusiast: The CMF is the clear winner with its better chipset and more features for the price.
- For the outdoorsy photographer: The Nokia offers a wide-angle lens, but the CMF has a superior brighter screen and camera for low-light.
Conclusion
Both the Nokia X30 and Nothing CMF Phone 1 are capable devices, but they cater to different needs. The Nokia X30 prioritizes build quality and camera versatility, while the Nothing CMF Phone 1 excels in performance, display quality, and battery life. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal priorities and how you use your smartphone.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While I appreciate the Nokia's durability and compact form factor, the CMF's superior performance, much better display, improved low-light camera performance, and significantly better battery life make it a more compelling daily driver. As someone who appreciates fast performance and high-quality visuals, the CMF simply delivers a much better overall experience for my needs. It is a device that combines modern specifications with an eye on great user experience at a decent price point.
