Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Nothing CMF Phone 1
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2024-07-09 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a newer device, potentially benefiting from newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | CMF Phone 1 is slightly taller and wider, with the A52 5G being a bit thicker. May influence one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | A52 5G is slightly lighter, which might be preferable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | CMF Phone 1 offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 395 | Visually similar sharpness, differences unnoticeable in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | CMF Phone 1's newer, more efficient chipset results in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 673,000 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 is significantly faster, offering a better gaming and performance experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G615 MC2 | CMF Phone 1's GPU is likely to perform better in graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A52 5G captures more detail in ideal lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | CMF Phone 1 has a slightly wider aperture, marginally better in low-light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | A52 5G has a larger sensor which is better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | A52 5G captures more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | CMF Phone 1's selfie camera is slightly better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/3.1" | A52 5G's selfie camera has a larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (13MP) | No | A52 5G offers a wider field of view for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | Yes (5MP) | Yes (2MP) | A52 5G has higher resolution depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | A52 5G can capture close-up shots. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | A52 5G offers stabilization for videos. CMF Phone 1 does not have any information about it. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps | Both phones offer same recording capabilities. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 240 fps | Nothing CMF Phone 1 records at higher slow motion fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | CMF Phone 1 offers longer battery life on average due to higher capacity. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Nothing CMF Phone 1 charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 16) | CMF Phone 1 has the latest OS out of the box, and will receive more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | CMF Phone 1 has support for the newer, faster WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | CMF Phone 1 has the latest Bluetooth version with better range and more efficient power consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nothing CMF Phone 1 supports additional QZSS satellite, potentially offering more precise location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones offer same storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Similar memory configurations suitable for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic audio features | Samsung offers enhanced audio with Dolby technologies. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones have similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has proven screen protection. Nothing is unknown. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung A52 has Hall and Geomagnetic Sensors. Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a Compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Includes a dedicated wide-angle lens and macro lens, offering greater flexibility in shooting scenarios.
- Better Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus for a superior audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing better screen protection against scratches and drops
- Video Stabilization: Yes in video recording.
Practical Implications:
- The A52 5G is better for users who want diverse camera options and like to capture different perspectives (wide shots, close-ups).
- It provides an enhanced audio experience with Dolby technologies for multimedia consumption.
- Its durability is better in case of any accidental drops.
- Better quality video recording with EIS.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset and higher AnTuTu scores make it much faster and smoother for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits brightness is a huge advantage in bright sunlight, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity leads to longer use between charges.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker top-ups.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, which means better future support and features.
- Faster Bluetooth: More modern bluetooth version and faster data transfer.
- Better GPS Accuracy: Supports QZSS, enhancing location accuracy.
Practical Implications:
- CMF Phone 1 offers a more responsive experience, especially for users who need quick app loading and fluid multitasking.
- Its display is ideal for outdoor use, making it more convenient for users who are frequently out and about.
- Longer battery life and faster charging are beneficial for users who need their phone to last all day.
- Future-proofed with latest software.
- Better Bluetooth with aptX, LDAC, SBC and AAC compatibility for high-quality wireless audio.
- More accurate location for navigation and mapping.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 5G has a more versatile camera system but is significantly slower in performance.
- The CMF Phone 1 is faster and has a brighter display but lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- The A52 5G has better audio, but the CMF Phone 1 focuses more on performance and future updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual photographers who value a variety of camera options, users who prioritize audio experience, and price-conscious users who don't need top-tier processing power.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing landscapes, group photos, and close-up shots.
- Watching movies and listening to music with enhanced audio.
- General everyday use.
- Price-to-Value: It is older and likely available at a lower price point. This provides good value to users on a budget.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Ideal User: Performance-focused users, gamers, users who spend a lot of time outdoors, and those who want a modern device.
- Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games and running demanding apps smoothly.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight without visibility issues.
- Long days without the need to recharge frequently.
- Users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest software.
- Price-to-Value: It offers a strong combination of performance and modern features at a competitive price, targeting performance-focused users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera versatility? If you frequently use wide-angle and macro lenses, the A52 5G might be better. Otherwise, CMF Phone 1's main camera will be adequate for most users.
- Do you prioritize performance or long battery life? If the answer is yes, then the CMF Phone 1 is better. If not, then the A52 5G may be better.
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you use your phone a lot outdoors, the CMF Phone 1 will be significantly more usable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you want to take various kinds of pictures, and are ok with slower performance, go for the A52 5G.
- For the Power User/Gamer: If you need the best possible performance and responsiveness, the CMF Phone 1 is the clear winner.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: If price is the most important factor, the A52 5G might be the better choice due to its lower price point.
- For the Outdoor User: If you require a phone that's easily visible outdoors, choose the CMF Phone 1 for its dramatically brighter screen.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1.
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a more versatile camera system, the significant performance difference and vastly superior display brightness of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 make it the better all-around choice for my needs. The newer software, faster Bluetooth, and improved battery life are also considerable advantages. I prioritize smooth operation and a clear display over the additional camera lenses, which I rarely find myself using. The better outdoor visibility is also crucial for me as I spend a lot of time outdoors. The CMF Phone 1 offers a more future-proofed experience.
