OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Nothing CMF Phone 1: A Practical Face-Off
Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | CMF Phone 1 is noticeably larger and heavier (197g vs 170g) - better for media, Nord better for one-hand use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.67" AMOLED | CMF's larger screen better for videos/games, but Nord's higher PPI (410 vs 395) slightly sharper |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | CMF's 120Hz feels smoother in scrolling/gaming |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 2000 nits | CMF's display is vastly superior in sunlight (3x brighter) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | CMF's newer 4nm chip is 75% faster (Antutu 673K vs 385K) - better future-proofing |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 6/8GB | Nord offers more RAM choices including a 12GB variant for power users |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (OV64B) | 50MP (IMX882) | Nord has higher resolution but CMF uses superior Sony sensor - real-world quality may be close |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP (f/2.25) | None | Nord wins for landscape/group shots |
| Selfie | 16MP (IMX471) | 16MP (GC16B3C) | Nord uses better Sony sensor, but CMF has slightly wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.45) |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (EIS) | Similar capabilities, but Nord offers 1080p@120fps vs CMF's max 1080p@60fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | CMF's 11% larger battery means longer usage between charges |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Negligible difference in charging speed (both charge fully in ~1 hour) |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | CMF supports newer WiFi 6 standard for better speed/congestion handling |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | CMF's newer Bluetooth offers better power efficiency and range |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | CMF launches with newer OS and longer update runway |
Key Insights
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Performance Beast: The Dimensity 7300's 75% higher benchmark scores translate to noticeably snappier performance in apps, games, and multitasking.
- Display Champion: That 2000-nit brightness makes outdoor use practical where the Nord would struggle, and 120Hz makes everything feel smoother.
- Battery Life: The 500mAh extra capacity could mean 1-2 hours more screen time - significant for heavy users.
- Modern Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 future-proof the device better than the Nord's older standards.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
- Camera Flexibility: The triple-camera setup (including ultra-wide) offers more shooting options than CMF's dual cameras.
- Lighter Build: At 170g vs 197g, the Nord is noticeably more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Higher RAM Options: The 12GB variant is overkill for most, but great for heavy multitaskers.
- Proven Camera Performance: DxOMark scores validate the Nord's camera quality (84 overall), while CMF lacks independent testing.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Choose Nothing CMF Phone 1 if you:
- Prioritize raw performance and future-proofing
- Need excellent outdoor visibility
- Want longer battery life
- Prefer a more modern software experience (Android 14 out of box)
- Are a media consumer who values the larger, brighter display
Stick with OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you:
- Value camera versatility (ultra-wide shots matter to you)
- Prefer a lighter, more compact phone
- Need maximum RAM (12GB option)
- Find it at a significant discount (as an older model)
Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- What's my priority - performance or camera flexibility? CMF wins on speed, Nord on camera options.
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you're often outside, CMF's 2000-nit display is transformative.
- Do I need WiFi 6/BT 5.3? Only relevant if you have compatible routers/devices now or plan to soon.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Student: CMF Phone 1 - better for media consumption and longevity
- Photography Enthusiast: Nord CE 5G - more camera options and proven quality
- Business User: CMF Phone 1 - better performance for productivity apps
- Budget-Conscious: Look for Nord CE 5G deals, but only if significantly cheaper
My Choice: Nothing CMF Phone 1
While I appreciate the OnePlus Nord CE 5G's camera flexibility and lighter design, the Nothing CMF Phone 1's superior performance, vastly better display brightness, and more modern connectivity options make it the better long-term investment. The 75% faster chipset performance is particularly compelling - it ensures the phone will remain responsive for years of software updates. Plus, that 2000-nit display solves one of smartphone's most persistent pain points: outdoor visibility. Unless you specifically need the ultra-wide camera or find the Nord at a steep discount, the CMF Phone 1 delivers more value where it matters most in daily use.
