Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. I'm Alex Griffin, and I'll be your guide through the technical details, and most importantly, what they mean for you, the user. We'll go beyond the spec sheet and talk real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what these specs actually translate to for your daily usage:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-07-09 | The CMF Phone 1 is significantly newer, offering more current tech. |
| Dimensions | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm | CMF is taller and wider, while both are equally thick. Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 172g | 197g | Xperia 5 IV feels noticeably lighter and easier to handle, especially for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | CMF offers a more expansive viewing experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display. |
| PPI | 449 | 395 | Xperia 5 IV's display will appear significantly crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; very comparable experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 will be much easier to view under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7300 | Xperia 5 IV offers substantially better performance for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 673,000 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster in real-world use, with a very clear margin. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Xperia 5 IV’s GPU provides better graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life based on capacity alone, but chip efficiency differs. |
| Charging | 30W Fast, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast, Li-Ion | CMF has slightly faster charging. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | None | Xperia 5 IV’s charging features are more versatile (bypassing battery for long gaming sessions), and reverse charging enables it to act as a power bank. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | CMF excels in resolution, while Xperia has larger pixels and sensor for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | CMF offers higher resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1µm | None | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom, which the CMF Phone 1 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | Xperia 5 IV has a wide angle lens, adding more versatility to the camera setup. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4", 1.12µm | CMF offers depth mapping for portrait mode. |
| Video | 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Xperia 5 IV is much more versatile for video (higher frame rates), has HDR, and OIS. |
| DXOMark | 119 Mobile | Not Tested | Xperia 5 IV has a proven and reputable camera system. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF | Noise Reduction | Xperia 5 IV has premium camera features like optical zoom, OIS and better autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | CMF Phone 1 runs on a newer operating system and supports longer software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | CMF has more advanced WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Full Feature Set | 5.3, subset Features | CMF has a newer Bluetooth version, while the Sony has more advanced features within the protocol, enabling better connectivity with accessories. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1 | Xperia 5 IV has greater accuracy for navigation. |
| SIM | Nano+eSIM | Nano+Nano | Xperia 5 IV offers more flexibility with a physical and digital SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | Xperia 5 IV comes standard with 8GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic audio | Xperia 5 IV is a much better choice for audio enthusiasts and content creators. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Xperia 5 IV has a more premium and ergonomic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xperia 5 IV has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Barometer | None | The Xperia 5 IV features an environmental Barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Strengths: The Xperia 5 IV is a performance powerhouse with a superior processor, GPU, and more RAM. It shines in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The camera system is very versatile, featuring OIS, PDAF, telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and 4K 120fps video recording. It also has better audio quality and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The smaller footprint makes it very pocketable.
- Advantages: The Xperia 5 IV’s focus is on top-tier performance and camera capabilities, making it a content creator's dream. The higher pixel density display gives you more crisp and clear images, coupled with advanced navigation and connectivity features.
- Trade-offs: Its display brightness is significantly less than the CMF Phone 1. It has an older Android version and no expandable storage.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Strengths: The CMF Phone 1 stands out with a much brighter display, ensuring clear visibility outdoors. It also has a larger screen for a more immersive experience. It runs on the latest Android OS and supports 33W fast charging. The primary camera captures very high-resolution photos, and offers a portrait depth sensor.
- Advantages: The CMF Phone 1 is a better option for users who prioritize a large, bright display, a modern OS, and better battery charging, all at a very affordable price.
- Trade-offs: It lags behind the Xperia 5 IV in terms of overall performance, camera versatility, and audio capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Sony Xperia 5 IV is ideal for:
- Content creators: Its superior camera system, high-quality audio, and video recording capabilities make it perfect for photography, videography, and mobile editing.
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU provide a significant edge for gaming and demanding applications.
- Users needing a smaller phone: Its compact size makes it easier to carry and use with one hand.
- Power Users: The more robust connectivity and advanced features will be very useful for those that need a do-everything phone.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1 is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Users who primarily consume content, browse the web, and use social media will appreciate the large, bright display and very good battery life.
- Budget-conscious buyers: This phone offers a great experience at a lower cost.
- Users who prioritize outdoor visibility: The 2000 nits of brightness make it very usable in direct sunlight.
- Users who want the latest software: It comes with the newest version of Android and extended software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two:
- Do you prioritize performance and camera versatility or display brightness and software updates?
- Performance and camera: Xperia 5 IV is the clear choice.
- Display and software: CMF Phone 1 is your better bet.
- Will you primarily use your phone for gaming/content creation or casual daily use?
- Gaming and creation: Xperia 5 IV is the way to go.
- Casual use: CMF Phone 1 will meet your needs very well, and save you a lot of money.
- Is a smaller, pocketable design or a larger, more immersive display more important to you?
- Smaller phone: Xperia 5 IV is more convenient.
- Larger screen: CMF Phone 1 gives you more screen real estate.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Videographer/Photographer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better option due to its premium camera system, including OIS, PDAF, telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and superior video recording at 4K 120fps. The audio capabilities also make it ideal for content creation.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Everyday User: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the more practical choice. You get a larger, brighter display, the latest Android, and fast charging at a lower price point, covering all the basics.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Power User: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the more powerful gaming machine. Its superior chipset, GPU, and higher RAM give it a significant performance advantage, while the more versatile connectivity features are useful.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Enthusiast: The Nothing CMF Phone 1's display is much brighter and easier to see in direct sunlight.
My Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices for my personal daily use, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the CMF Phone 1's brighter display is tempting, and the newer software is a plus, the Xperia's performance, versatile camera system, and compact size align better with my priorities. As someone who often finds themselves creating content on the go, the Xperia’s feature set for content creation and mobile editing is simply too good to ignore. The audio quality is also a nice touch for a better entertainment and content creation experience.
While I value the advancements of the CMF, the Xperia 5 IV’s blend of power, camera prowess, and portability is what I'd reach for day to day. That said, if you're looking for a large display and value-driven proposition, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a very compelling device in its own right!
