1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | Nothing CMF Phone 1 is slightly larger, which might be less comfortable for one-handed use for some users but provides a larger screen |
| Weight | 177g | 197g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, which could be more comfortable during long periods of use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a slightly larger display, which is beneficial for content consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both offer similar sharpness, so the difference is not noticeable |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing CMF Phone 1 provides a significantly smoother user experience, better for scrolling and gaming |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | Nothing CMF Phone 1 provides much better visibility in bright sunlight, offering a significantly better outdoor viewing experience |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Nothing CMF Phone 1 uses a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to faster performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 673,000 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has significantly better performance, making it smoother for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers better gaming capabilities due to the more modern GPU, although the practical difference would depend on the games being played |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones will have similar battery life on paper, but the Nothing CMF Phone 1 may have better endurance due to its more efficient chip. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has slightly faster charging speed, providing a bit of convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", OV64B, 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX882, 0.70µm | Realme 8 has a higher resolution camera; Nothing CMF Phone 1 may have better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1.0µm | Nothing CMF Phone 1's selfie camera has wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | None | Realme 8 has wide angle camera for ultrawide shots |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4", Smartsens sc202pcs, 1.12µm | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a portrait mode for depth perception shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 can take macro shots |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 can take black & white shots |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Both can shoot 4K with image stabilization, but the real world performance is dependent on the post processing algorithms and can vary greatly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a more recent Android version, providing better features and security |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers faster WiFi speeds and more efficient network usage |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering more stable and power-efficient connections |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nothing CMF Phone 1 is more accurate at determining location as it supports more satellites |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256 GB | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has options with higher storage, beneficial for storing more photos, videos and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both are good for multitasking and general use, with Nothing CMF offering 8GB option as well |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Realme 8 has better audio quality features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices have standard fingerprint security |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar screen protection technology, though the type isn't specified |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a similar range of sensors; Nothing CMF Phone 1 does not feature magnetometer, but has a compass sensor |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: At 177g, it's significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during long usage periods.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers higher quality audio playback, which will be appreciated by audiophiles.
- Wide Angle, Macro, and Black and white Lenses: Realme 8 has more camera lenses.
- Magnetometer: Includes a magnetometer which can be useful in some niche applications.
Practical Implications for Realme 8:
- The lighter weight makes it easier to handle, especially for those with smaller hands or who frequently use their phone for extended durations.
- The Hi-Res audio will make a difference if listening to high fidelity music on headphones or external speakers
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset offers significantly faster performance than the Helio G95, making the phone more responsive for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother visual experience compared to the 60Hz on Realme 8.
- Brighter Display: With 2000 nits of brightness, it's much easier to use in direct sunlight.
- More Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, offering more recent features and better security.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster, more reliable connections.
- More Storage Options: Comes with option for 256GB internal storage, allowing more storage space
- Better Selfie Camera: Wider aperture for better low-light selfies
- Portrait Mode Camera: Dedicated depth sensor
Practical Implications for Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Faster chip results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding games.
- 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through feeds and menus feel more fluid and responsive.
- 2000 nits brightness will be beneficial in direct sunlight as it improves readability significantly.
- Newer Android version means users get the latest features and security updates.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth mean more efficient downloads, streaming and connectivity with wireless accessories.
- Portrait mode is useful for taking photos with a blurred background
- More Storage is beneficial for users who take photos/videos and download a lot of apps
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices processing power, display smoothness and low light performance to achieve a lighter build and more camera lenses.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1 sacrifices the wide angle, macro, and black and white camera lenses, and the Hi-Res audio feature to gain overall performance, display and better connectivity features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a lighter device with a decent display and basic camera functionality.
- Users who prioritize audio quality.
- Users who don't require heavy performance.
- Users who prefer having multiple camera lenses.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and calls.
- Casual gaming.
- Users who listen to high fidelity music.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 is ideal for:
- Users who want a smoother experience: due to the 120Hz display and faster processor.
- Users who need a bright screen: for good visibility in direct sunlight.
- Users who prioritize performance: for demanding games and multi-tasking.
- Users who need the latest features: due to its newer OS and connectivity options.
- Users who require more storage space.
- Users who need a better selfie camera.
Use Cases for Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Gaming
- Photography enthusiasts
- Users who need a reliable phone for outdoor use.
- Users who perform demanding tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and a smooth display? If these are priorities, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better option.
- Is portability and weight a priority? The Realme 8 is lighter and more comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Do you need the extra cameras, or prefer a better overall experience? The Realme 8 has more cameras, while the Nothing Phone has a better selfie camera, and offers a better overall experience
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you prioritize a lighter phone, a good audio feature, and are not doing heavy tasks or playing demanding games and are on a strict budget, the Realme 8 is a good option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display Focused User: If you frequently play mobile games, need a smoother experience, better outdoor visibility and enjoy capturing high-quality pictures, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: A User Wanting a More Modern Device: If you're looking for a device that has newer connectivity and more updated features and is able to perform better overall, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While the Realme 8's lighter build and Hi-Res audio are appealing, the performance gains, significantly better display (120Hz and 2000 nits), more modern software, better connectivity, better selfie camera and the more storage options of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 are more crucial for my needs. I value a smoother and more responsive user experience, better outdoor visibility, and having a phone that will remain fast and up to date for longer. The lack of a wide-angle lens and Hi-Res audio on the Nothing CMF Phone 1 are trade-offs I'm willing to make for the other advantages it offers.
