Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. We’re not just going to throw specs at you; we're going to break down what these numbers mean for your everyday smartphone experience. Think of this as a chat with a tech-savvy friend who's obsessed with the details but still cares about real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs, laid out in a way that should make sense to everyone, from casual users to tech enthusiasts.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm | The CMF is slightly thinner, making it feel more premium |
| Weight | 195g | 197g | Negligible difference in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | CMF has a slightly larger viewing area, good for content consumption |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | CMF's display is significantly sharper and clearer |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | CMF’s higher PPI means sharper text and images |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | CMF will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | CMF provides slightly smoother scrolling & animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | CMF is drastically brighter and much more readable outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | CMF’s chipset is far more powerful and efficient |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 673,000 | CMF will handle apps, multitasking, and games much faster |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G615 MC2 | CMF's GPU offers significantly better gaming experience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.79 | CMF's wider aperture allows more light, better in low-light conditions |
| Main Sensor Size | - | 1/2" | CMF's Larger sensor allows more light, better in low-light conditions |
| Main Sensor Model | - | Sony IMX882 | CMF's sensor is much more advanced for better image processing |
| Main Pixel Size | - | 0.70 µm | CMF's Larger pixels allow for better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.0 | CMF will take sharper and more detailed selfies |
| Selfie Sensor Size | - | 1/3.1" | CMF Larger sensor allows more light for better selfies |
| Selfie Pixel Size | - | 1.00 µm | CMF's Larger pixels allows for better low light performance |
| Selfie Sensor Model | - | GalaxyCore GC16B3C | CMF's Sensor model will allow for better image processing |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.3 | Slightly better depth of field on the CMF phone |
| Portrait Sensor Size | - | 1/4" | CMF's sensor allows more light |
| Portrait Pixel Size | - | 1.12 µm | CMF's Larger pixels allow for better low light performance |
| Portrait Sensor Model | - | Smartsens sc202pcs | CMF's Sensor model will allow for better image processing |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | A04s is better at macro shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | CMF can record much higher quality videos |
| Slow Motion | 34 fps | 240 fps | CMF will have much more detailed slow motion videos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery endurance |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | CMF will charge much faster |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 16) | CMF has newer software out of the box, and will stay up to date for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | CMF has newer and faster Wi-Fi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | CMF offers better connectivity and audio codecs |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | CMF has a larger minimum capacity and is double the maximum capacity |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 6/8 GB | CMF will multitask much better |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Samsung A04 has better fingerprint security than the CMF phone |
| Additional Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity, Compass, Gyroscope | CMF has a more complete sensor suite |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Affordability: The A04s is designed to be budget-friendly, and it shows in its specs. It hits the basics for an entry level user.
- Macro Camera: The inclusion of a macro lens is a nice touch for close-up photography, something the CMF lacks.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The A04s has a slightly more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Strengths:
- Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits brightness puts the A04s’s LCD panel to shame.
- Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset is a massive leap forward, making the CMF much faster for apps, games, and multitasking.
- Camera: It offers superior sensors with larger pixel size, a wider aperture and 4K video recording, making it a much more capable camera phone
- Charging: The faster 33W charging is a definite plus, getting you back up and running much quicker.
- Software: It ships with the latest Android version and has better update support.
- Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards give it better performance and more audio codec options.
- Storage: Larger base storage capacity with the option for even more, which is better for media and app storage.
- Sensors: The CMF comes with a more complete sensor suite, including a gyroscope and compass.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Significantly weaker performance and lower screen quality.
- Basic camera system with only 1080p video.
- Slower charging.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Lacks a macro lens.
- No expandable storage which may be limiting.
- Basic fingerprint sensor compared to the A04s
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best For: First-time smartphone users, people on a very tight budget, or those who need a simple device for basic tasks.
- Use Cases: Calling, texting, light web browsing, occasional photography, using a map app. It would also be okay for kids who might not need a powerful phone.
- Value Proposition: If your budget is extremely limited, the A04s will provide basic functionality, but it’s important to understand its significant limitations.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Best For: Users who want a well-rounded experience with good performance, a high-quality display, and solid camera capabilities without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Social media, streaming video, gaming, photography and video capture, browsing and multitasking. This would also be good for professionals that need a good performing and fast device.
- Value Proposition: The CMF provides incredible value for money, packing in features typically found in more expensive phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you are very budget limited, the A04s is a starting point. If you can stretch it, the CMF is a far better choice.
- What is your main purpose for the phone? If you’re looking for a device for basic tasks, the A04s may suffice, but if you plan on consuming content, playing games, or doing anything demanding, the CMF is necessary.
- How important is display and camera quality? If you value a smooth, vibrant display and want decent photos, the CMF should be your pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious and Basic Use: Go for the Samsung A04s, but understand that its performance will be limited.
- Value and Performance-Focused: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the clear winner, offering a huge step up in performance and features.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice, with it's better camera and 4k video. If you are going to take close up shots the Macro lens on the A04s is the better pick.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1 without hesitation. The difference in performance between the two devices is just too stark to ignore, with a almost 6x difference in AnTuTu Scores. The CMF's AMOLED display, significantly better camera with 4K video recording, faster charging, and newer software are all compelling advantages. While the lack of a macro lens is a slight drawback, the benefits of the CMF far outweigh this for most users. The CMF phone represents a massive leap in value for money and offers a much better user experience in almost every category. For me, the CMF Phone 1 offers a much better phone for the majority of people.
