1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, while CMF Phone 1 is wider. S21 Ultra has a larger overall volume, feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 227g | 197g | CMF Phone 1 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, resulting in finer details and crisper text. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 395 PPI | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper screen; text and images are more refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, suitable for gaming and fluid UI. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 has significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | S21 Ultra's chip is older, but benchmarks higher. CMF Phone 1's chip is newer. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 673,000 | S21 Ultra has marginally better benchmark performance, indicating slightly smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G615 MC2 (Arm Mali-G615 MC2) | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, likely better for graphics-intensive tasks and higher-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under typical usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion | CMF Phone 1 charges faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor (Samsung S5KHM3) | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor (Sony IMX882) | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor (Samsung S5K3J1) | None | S21 Ultra offers enhanced zoom capabilities and better portrait mode with a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor (Samsung S5KGH1) | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1" sensor (GalaxyCore GC16B3C) | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution, though CMF Phone 1 has wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor (Samsung S5K3J1) | None | S21 Ultra has a second telephoto lens, providing a further zoom range. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4" sensor (Smartsens sc202pcs) | CMF Phone 1 has a dedicated portrait mode for depth sensing. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor (Sony IMX563) | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated ultrawide camera with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | S21 Ultra offers higher video recording capabilities with 8K support and higher frame rates. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 240 fps | S21 Ultra provides more advanced slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 115 (overall), 121 (photo), 100 (video) | Not tested | S21 Ultra has benchmarked higher with DxoMark, implying better overall picture quality and video. |
| DxoMark Selfie | 135 (overall), 133 (photo), 140 (video) | Not tested | S21 Ultra has benchmarked higher with DxoMark, implying better overall selfie quality. |
| Camera Features | Extensive: 8K, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | Basic: Noise reduction, dual camera | S21 Ultra offers more advanced photography features and flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | CMF Phone 1 has a newer version of Android out of the box. Both should receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities on both. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, LE, Apt-x, additional audio profiles | Bluetooth 5.3, LE, Apt-x, LDAC, AAC | CMF Phone 1 has a newer version of Bluetooth, supports LDAC and AAC. S21 Ultra has a more extensive profile suite. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer reliable GPS, S21 Ultra has higher precision, and CMF Phone 1 offers QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM for using two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher storage option at 512GB. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Basic audio features | S21 Ultra offers richer, more immersive audio and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has a superior screen protector |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has additional environmental sensors and is suitable for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density resulting in much sharper visuals.
- More Powerful Performance: Marginally better benchmark performance and more powerful GPU.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile and comprehensive camera system including telephoto lenses, a dedicated ultra-wide lens, and higher resolution sensors.
- Advanced Features: Offers more advanced features such as 8K video, optical zoom, wireless charging, and more robust audio features.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers higher RAM and a 512GB storage option for demanding users.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: More comprehensive sensor array, including Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is better for users who prioritize high-quality visuals, advanced photography, and demanding gaming or multitasking, as well as advanced feature sets.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness, ensuring better outdoor visibility.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for long periods of use and easier to handle.
- Faster Charging: Faster wired charging.
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with a more recent version of Android.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Newer Bluetooth version with LDAC and AAC codec support
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated depth sensor.
Practical Implications: The CMF Phone 1 is ideal for users who prioritize a comfortable form factor, better outdoor visibility, and faster charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Bulkier and heavier, less comfortable for extended use, lower display brightness, slower charging speed.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Less powerful camera system, lower screen resolution, slower performance, basic audio and sensor array.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, power users who demand the best performance and features, users who prioritize screen sharpness and clarity, those who consume a lot of media.
- Use Cases: Professional photography/videography, playing demanding mobile games, running complex applications, media consumption in diverse environments.
- Price-to-Value: Older flagship, may be available at a lower cost now, however, may not be ideal if you prefer the latest technology and software.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who value comfort, a lightweight build, better outdoor visibility and faster charging, users who want a modern android OS, user's who don't prioritize the best camera and performance.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, casual gaming, everyday task management, capturing photos casually in bright light.
- Price-to-Value: Mid-range device focused on essentials and a few key strengths.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority? Is it top-tier camera performance, best screen sharpness and clarity, or is it a comfortable, brighter display with fast charging?
- What are your primary use cases? Do you mainly play games, capture high-quality photos/videos, or are your needs more focused on everyday tasks and casual use?
- How important is the software experience? Do you want the latest android OS out of the box, or are you comfortable with the previous generation?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you need the best camera, gaming performance, and features, and you do not mind the extra bulk, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- For the Everyday User: If you value a comfortable, lightweight design, better outdoor visibility, and faster charging at a potentially lower price, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is ideal.
- For the Value-Conscious Buyer: Consider your budget, if you can find a good deal on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, it offers excellent value for the performance it provides, but if your budget is tight and the key strengths of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 suit your requirements, it can be a wise choice.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it's an older model, it delivers a more premium experience that aligns with my preferences as a power user and photography enthusiast. The superior display sharpness, more versatile camera system (with features like optical zoom and 8K recording), and enhanced audio capabilities justify the tradeoffs in terms of bulk and charging speed. While I appreciate the benefits of the CMF Phone 1's lighter build and brighter screen, I prioritize the overall performance and photography capabilities that the S21 Ultra offers. As a bonus, older flagships tend to be available at very attractive prices, which can present a strong value proposition.
