1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | CMF Phone 1 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less sleek in hand. S21+ might fit better in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 197g | Both phones are virtually the same weight, not noticeable. |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | Unable to compare durability or premium feel. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference, both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp and detailed screens for everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical sharpness; individual pixels are indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, responsive gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 is significantly brighter, better visibility 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) | S21+ has slightly higher benchmark scores, suggesting better overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 673,000 | S21+ performs marginally better in synthetic benchmarks, but real-world difference might be subtle. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G615 MC2 | S21+ has a slightly more powerful GPU, could result in better gaming experiences for graphically intensive games. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | CMF Phone 1 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | CMF Phone 1 charges faster, reducing time plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging, No Charge In-Box | None | S21+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging which are very convenient. CMF does not have a wireless charging feature, but comes with a charger in the box. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Lens | 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, S21+ has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung S5KGW2, 0.8µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens which allows for better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 16MP f/2.0, 1/3.1" GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1.0µm | CMF Phone 1 has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP f/2.3, 1/4" Smartsens sc202pcs, 1.12µm | CMF Phone 1 has a dedicated depth sensor, which might help in producing more accurate bokeh effects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563, 1.4µm | None | S21+ offers more flexibility with wide-angle and macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ offers higher video resolution for professional quality, though practical use is limited to situations with proper displays. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | Not Available | S21+ has been professionally benchmarked, providing a reliable measure of its performance, CMF Phone 1 is untested by DxOMark. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- More powerful chipset: The Exynos 2100 offers slightly better performance than the Dimensity 7300 according to benchmarks.
- More versatile camera system: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, offering greater creative flexibility.
- Higher video recording capabilities: Supports 8K video recording, although the use is limited by current display technology.
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: Adds convenience for users who prefer wireless charging.
- Superior Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, noise cancelling microphone, and stereo speakers for more immersive experience.
- eSIM support: Offers more flexibility for dual sim use and digital carrier switching.
- More Screen Protection: Utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for higher resistance to scratches and cracks.
- Barometer Sensor: Allows for more detailed environment tracking for weather and elevation.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Significantly higher screen brightness: 2000 nits vs 1300 nits, improving outdoor visibility greatly.
- Faster charging: 33W compared to 25W, reducing charging times.
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box, with the promise of more updates.
- Potentially better selfie and standard camera in some situations: Higher resolution and a wider aperture offer potential for low light situations.
- Comes with a charging block: Unlike the S21+ which doesn't come with one.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ has a more versatile camera, but the CMF phone may be better for selfies and is more convenient due to the faster charging and inclusion of a charger in the box.
- The S21+ has higher performance but is slightly heavier.
- The S21+ has better audio features and wireless charging capabilities while the CMF phone has a significantly brighter display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Ideal Users:
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung S21+ 5G: Usually found as a used device, the S21+ offers more value for the price considering it is cheaper than brand-new flagship phones, with good performance, a versatile camera, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: The CMF Phone 1 offers a new and budget-friendly option with a bright display, fast charging, and the latest Android version. The price is quite attractive for a brand-new phone in its category.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is a bright display for outdoor visibility? If outdoor visibility is a key factor, the CMF Phone 1 is the clear winner.
- Do I need a versatile camera system with multiple lenses and better zoom capabilities? The S21+ excels in this area.
- Is fast charging essential, or is wireless charging more important to me? The CMF phone has faster wired charging and the S21+ provides convenient wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You frequently use your phone outdoors under direct sunlight and prioritize a clear screen.
- Recommendation: Nothing CMF Phone 1 is better suited due to its significantly brighter screen.
- Scenario 2: You are a keen photographer, need to capture different perspectives, and want better zoom and more video recording options.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a more versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses.
- Scenario 3: You frequently need to quickly charge your phone and don't care about wireless charging.
- Recommendation: Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers faster charging speeds.
- Scenario 4: You need a reliable phone for daily tasks with good performance and a convenient wireless charging option.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is more suitable given its powerful chipset, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Nothing CMF Phone 1 has some very compelling features like faster charging and a much brighter display, I value the versatility and higher performance offered by the S21+. My primary use cases involve taking photos in different conditions (and using zoom), listening to music and podcasts with great audio quality, and also having a phone with good performance for multitasking. Additionally, I prefer the convenience of wireless charging and would appreciate the additional eSIM support for possible international travel. While the phone is not new and could be used, it offers better features for the price.
I acknowledge that the CMF Phone 1's brighter screen and faster charging are very useful. However, for my specific use cases, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G’s more versatile camera system and higher performance, plus its better audio and wireless charging capabilities makes it a better fit.
