1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is noticeably larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 169g | 197g | The Samsung S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and one-handed operation. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21's Victus glass offers superior scratch and drop protection compared to the unknown protection of the CMF Phone 1. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | The CMF Phone 1 offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming due to its larger size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays will appear equally sharp, but the smaller screen of the S21 will have slightly more pixels per inch. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 395 | The S21 will look slightly sharper due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; no practical difference in display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | The CMF Phone 1 is significantly brighter, making it far more readable in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is generally slightly faster in benchmarks and can handle intensive tasks better, though the Dimensity 7300 is very efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 673,000 | The S21 will have slightly better overall performance in resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The S21's GPU is slightly better for demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The CMF Phone 1 captures higher-resolution images, allowing for more detail and cropping flexibility. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Both have a very wide aperture, performing well in low light. The difference is negligible. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | The S21's larger sensor captures more light, leading to better low-light performance despite the lower resolution. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | None | The S21 offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | The CMF Phone 1 has higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The CMF Phone 1's wider aperture allows for better low light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/3.1" | The CMF Phone 1's larger sensor leads to better low light selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP | The CMF Phone 1 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | None | The S21 has an ultrawide angle lens as well as macro capabilities. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 offers much higher video resolution for professional-grade content. |
| Video Stabilisation | EIS | EIS | Both offer electronic image stabilisation for smoother videos. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | None | The S21 has a proven track record in camera quality. |
| Camera Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Noise reduction | The S21 has more professional camera features (OIS, RAW, Night Mode), while the CMF Phone 1 has noise reduction. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The CMF Phone 1 has a significantly larger battery, promising longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The CMF Phone 1 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | The S21 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, providing more convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates slightly better performance, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle/macro lens, OIS, and more professional features like RAW capture and a dedicated Night Mode, and significantly higher video resolution with 8K. The DXOMark scores indicate a superior camera system overall.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers more convenience for charging and sharing power.
- Better Audio Features: Includes Dolby Atmos, a noise cancellation microphone, and stereo speakers.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes an additional barometer, Hall, and Geomagnetic sensors, which can be beneficial for certain apps and gaming.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Much better readability in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life, ideal for users who require extended usage without frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: Offers slightly faster charging, reducing downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Higher-resolution images allow for more detail and cropping flexibility.
- Newer OS: Runs on a newer Android version, which may provide better performance and new features.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Newer version offering faster and more efficient connections.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21 trades battery capacity for a slightly more premium experience with wireless charging, a better build, and better cameras.
- The Nothing CMF Phone 1 prioritizes battery life and display brightness over the camera and wireless charging.
- The S21 is significantly lighter, while the CMF Phone 1 is larger and heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Users who value a premium feel: The Gorilla Glass Victus and lighter weight make the phone feel more premium.
- Photography enthusiasts: Superior cameras with versatile lens options, OIS, RAW capture, and 8K video.
- Users who prioritize performance: Better benchmarks and GPU make it better for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users who want wireless charging: Offers convenience for charging at home and on the go.
- Users who value audio quality: Offers enhanced audio features like Dolby Atmos.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, including low light.
- Gaming and running demanding applications smoothly.
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Enjoying high-quality music and immersive audio experiences.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 is Ideal For:
- Users needing long battery life: The larger battery is ideal for power users.
- Users who spend time outdoors: The high brightness makes the display visible even under bright sunlight.
- Budget-conscious buyers: It will likely be more affordable and offer good value.
- Users who prefer larger screens: A larger screen for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who value the newest software: Users who value staying up to date with the latest Android OS.
Use Cases:
- Extended periods away from power sources.
- Outdoor usage in bright environments.
- Media consumption (watching videos, browsing, gaming) on a larger screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much do you prioritize camera quality and video recording features?
- If you require versatile zoom options and 8K video, the S21 is superior. If high resolution is the most important, the CMF Phone 1 has the advantage in its main camera and selfie camera.
- How important is battery life versus wireless charging and premium features?
- If you need maximum battery endurance, the CMF Phone 1 is the better choice. If you prioritize the convenience of wireless charging and additional premium camera features the S21 is preferable.
- How important is screen visibility in bright sunlight?
- If you often use your phone outdoors, the CMF Phone 1 offers superior display brightness, however, the S21 has the better build quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler
- If you take a lot of photos, use a lot of navigation, and need reliable performance, the S21 may be better due to its robust camera system and reliable performance, but the CMF phone will have more battery.
- Scenario 2: Outdoors Enthusiast
- The CMF Phone 1's superior display brightness and battery life will be better for outdoor use and will be able to record long video periods while not needing to recharge as often.
- Scenario 3: Daily User at Home or Work
- If you have regular access to a power source, the S21 will provide a more premium experience with wireless charging, better build quality, better audio, and better cameras.
- Scenario 4: Mobile Gamer
- If performance and features such as extra sensors are crucial the S21 is the better device, however, if the battery is the most important aspect of the phone, the CMF phone is the better option.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
While the Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a larger screen, great battery life, and impressive brightness, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a more balanced feature set for my daily needs. My key considerations are:
- Camera Versatility: I often take photos in diverse conditions and value the telephoto zoom, OIS, and RAW shooting capabilities. The S21's camera system better suits my photographic needs.
- Premium Feel and Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus offers significantly more protection and the lighter design means it will be more comfortable to use one handed for extended periods. I also appreciate the added protection.
- Audio Quality: The enhanced audio features like Dolby Atmos provide a superior multimedia experience.
- Performance and Features: While not the newest or most performant on paper, the phone is still more than capable of handling all the tasks that I throw at it and has additional features such as wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, as well as the additional sensors.
Ultimately, while the Nothing CMF Phone 1 has some impressive advantages like its battery and screen brightness, the all-around balanced experience, especially with superior camera capabilities, premium build, and enhanced audio, makes the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G the better choice for my needs.
