Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of each phone, focusing on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm | S21 FE is more compact; CMF Phone 1 is noticeably larger, which might be better for content consumption but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 177g | 197g | S21 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable for longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | CMF Phone 1 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Similar resolution; sharp visuals on both, with CMF Phone 1 having slightly more vertical space. |
| PPI | 403 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in clear images, though S21 FE has a tiny edge. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED panels with deep blacks and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 has significantly higher peak brightness, offering much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 offers stronger raw performance for gaming and demanding tasks. CMF Phone 1 uses a newer, more efficient chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 673,000 | S21 FE scores significantly higher on benchmarks, hinting at smoother performance for heavy users. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G615 MC2 | S21 FE's Adreno GPU has a reputation for gaming, but the Mali-G615 is no slouch. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | CMF Phone 1 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion | CMF Phone 1 charges faster, while the S21 FE’s offers wireless charging. |
| Charging Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W, No Charger | Non-removable, 33W fast charging | S21 FE has wireless charging capabilities, while the CMF Phone 1 has faster wired charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555, 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX882, 0.7µm) | CMF Phone 1 has higher resolution for more detail; S21 FE has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0, Hynix HI-847, 1.0µm) | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom; CMF Phone 1 has no telephoto capability. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616, 0.8µm) | 16MP (f/2.0, 1/3.1" GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1.0µm) | S21 FE has higher resolution for more detailed selfies; CMF Phone 1 has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP (f/2.3, 1/4" Smartsens sc202pcs, 1.12µm) | CMF Phone 1 has a depth sensor for more accurate portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258, 1.12µm) | None | S21 FE has a wide-angle lens for expansive scenes and macro shots; CMF Phone 1 does not have this feature. |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR, EIS, Slow-mo 960fps, HDR | 4K@30fps EIS, Slow-mo 240fps | S21 FE is better for video recording, with 60fps in 4K and higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Mobile (117, 119, 107) Selfie (127, 126, 130) | N/A | S21 FE has been tested and scored well on both front and back cameras; CMF Phone 1 is untested |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Noise Reduction, Portrait Mode | S21 FE has a more versatile camera system with OIS, better for night photos and video, raw photo capture, and optical zoom. CMF has added noise reduction and Portrait mode |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | CMF Phone 1 ships with a more recent version of Android; both are upgradeable to Android 16. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual Band | WiFi 6, Dual Band | Both support modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | CMF Phone 1 has a newer Bluetooth standard for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | CMF Phone 1 supports QZSS, potentially for more precise location tracking in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Both devices support dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/6GB | Both devices offer similar ram options, but the base ram amount on each device is different. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 FE has significantly enhanced audio features with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has superior scratch and impact protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE has an added barometer and geomagnetic sensor that is useful for gaming and weather related use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a more powerful experience, especially for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Features a telephoto lens, OIS, and a wide-angle lens, providing a more flexible setup for different shooting scenarios.
- Superior Video: Capable of 4K@60fps recording and high-speed slow-motion capture.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and stereo speakers.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for robust screen protection.
- DXOMark Tested: Has detailed results in camera testing.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Strengths:
- Larger & Brighter Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience and better outdoor visibility.
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery should offer better endurance.
- Faster Charging: Supports 33W fast charging for quicker refills.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with the latest Android 14 out of the box.
- Newer Bluetooth: Utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Older chipset (though still powerful), smaller battery, and lacks the latest Bluetooth version.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Weaker chipset, lacks a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, and wireless charging capabilities. It is also untested for video and photo quality through DXOMark.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Best For:
- Power Users and Gamers: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides better performance for demanding apps and games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile triple-camera system, including OIS, Telephoto, and wide-angle options, offers more flexibility for various shooting conditions.
- Multimedia Lovers: The vibrant AMOLED display, Dolby Atmos audio, and stereo speakers provide an immersive multimedia experience.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Those who want convenient wireless charging options.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 is Best For:
- Casual Users: Perfect for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming videos.
- Battery Conscious Users: The larger battery should provide better battery life.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display ensures good visibility in direct sunlight.
- Users Seeking the Latest Software: Comes with Android 14, providing the latest features and security updates.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The CMF phone should come at a lower price than the S21 FE.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw power for gaming and demanding apps, or is a smoother, efficient experience sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Are you looking for a versatile camera setup with multiple lenses and OIS, or are you content with a simpler setup?
- Battery and Charging: Do you need all-day battery life with fast charging, or do you prefer the convenience of wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Demanding User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The stronger processor, versatile camera, and enhanced audio will better meet your needs.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User
- Recommendation: Nothing CMF Phone 1. It’s a great option for casual tasks with good battery life and display.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It provides more versatility and optical image stabilization for better photo quality and greater zoom.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who often juggles multiple apps, edits videos and plays games, the Snapdragon 888's extra power makes a noticeable difference in daily use. The Nothing CMF Phone 1, while newer, wouldn't have the power needed for my daily use.
- Camera Versatility: I value the zoom lens for both photos and videos, and the addition of OIS makes for a smoother, clearer shot. The wide-angle lens is also invaluable for travel and capturing the whole story in one frame.
- Multimedia Experience: The enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers would be a significant improvement to my current phone.
- Wireless Charging: As someone who uses wireless charging regularly, I would prefer the additional features offered on the S21 FE, especially wireless charging.
While the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is newer with a larger battery, its lower performance and less-capable camera system are a bigger trade-off for my use case than the S21 FE's smaller battery.
