1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | CMF Phone 1 is slightly thicker, which could affect in-hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 197g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size; similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same sharpness and clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density; both look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | Snapdragon 870 is a high-performance chipset, good for demanding games; Mediatek Dimensity 7300 is more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 673,000 | Poco F3 offers marginally higher raw performance, which may translate to a slightly smoother experience in very demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different GPUs with different strengths; both handle gaming but with varying efficiency and driver optimization. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Similar levels of detail in ideal conditions. |
| Rear Camera Sensor | Sony IMX582 | Sony IMX882 | Newer sensor on CMF Phone 1 might capture slightly better quality images in some scenarios. |
| Rear Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Slightly larger pixels on the Poco F3 could translate to better low-light performance in some instances. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Poco F3 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 selfie camera is better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.1" | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has larger sensor, could gather more light and perform better in low-light |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has better bokeh effect. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@ up to 960fps (slow-mo) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@ up to 240fps (slow-mo) | Both record 4K and offer EIS; Poco F3 has higher slow-motion frame rates. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual Focus | Dual camera, Continuous autofocus, Noise Reduction | Different sets of features catering to different shooting preferences; CMF has continuous AF which is ideal for moving subjects. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both offer the same charging speed, though Li-Ion vs Li-Polymer differences might have long term implications, the data for that is not provided. |
| Charging Features | QC3+/PD3.0 Support | Non-removable | Poco F3 supports fast charging protocols, potentially offering a wider range of compatible chargers and cables. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | CMF Phone 1 has a more modern OS and longer software update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Identical high-speed wireless capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | CMF Phone 1 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, L1+L5, BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Poco F3 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Same storage options; adequate for most users. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Same RAM options; good for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Poco F3 offers significantly better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Poco F3 has slightly more ergonomic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco F3 has known screen protection, while the CMF Phone 1 doesn't |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco F3 has additional ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Performance: Slightly better chipset performance in terms of raw power, suitable for more demanding gaming and applications.
- Audio: Superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers.
- Camera: More detailed selfies with a higher resolution front camera.
- GPS: More comprehensive GPS with support for more satellite systems.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen durability.
- Battery: Supports QC3 + / PD3.0 fast charging protocol
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Display: Significantly brighter display, improving outdoor visibility.
- Battery: Larger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Camera: Larger selfie camera sensor with wider aperture and a rear Portrait depth camera, for better low-light performance and bokeh effect.
- Software: Newer Android OS with longer software support.
- Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth standard for potentially better connectivity.
- Camera Features: Includes noise reduction and continuous autofocus
- Proximity Sensor: Traditional Proximity sensor
- Chipset: More energy efficient chipset.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 has better raw performance, but the CMF Phone 1 has a more efficient processor and potentially longer battery life.
- Poco F3 has better audio quality while CMF Phone 1 has a brighter screen.
- The CMF Phone 1 has newer software and Bluetooth, but the Poco F3 has a better GPS suite.
- Poco F3 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor while CMF has a standard one.
- Poco F3 has known screen protection while screen protection of CMF Phone 1 is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Benefit from the higher chipset performance, GPU and the slightly more ergonomic fingerprint sensor, better audio during gaming sessions.
- Multimedia Consumers: Appreciate the enhanced audio experience.
- Users Who Value Camera Quality: Prefer more detailed selfies.
- Users needing precise GPS: Benefit from the extended location tracking capabilities.
- Users who prefer to have fast charging: Benefit from the various fast charging protocols.
- Budget-conscious: Those seeking high performance on a budget.
- Users who prefer known durability: Benefit from known display protection.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming
- Watching movies with superior audio
- Taking detailed selfies
- Navigation in areas with complex geography.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Users: Benefit from the brighter display.
- Average Users: Value a phone with modern software and long term updates.
- Social Media Users: Benefit from the better front camera and the added depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Users who value energy efficiency: Appreciate the more efficient processor.
- Users who value latest Bluetooth technology: Benefit from the newer Bluetooth version.
- Users who prefer continuous autofocus: benefit from continuous autofocus in the camera system.
Use Cases:
- Using a phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Taking selfies in low-light situations
- Long days away from a charger
- Using the phone for longer periods without having to upgrade.
- Taking videos of moving subjects, taking advantage of continuous autofocus
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco F3 was a high-value device at launch and may be available at lower prices now, while CMF Phone 1 is a new device with a focus on value. Both are price-sensitive, but CMF Phone 1 benefits from modern features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and audio quality or a brighter screen and updated software?
- Are you a heavy gamer, a social media user, or a general everyday user?
- Do you need precise GPS or better low-light selfie camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers/Media Consumers: If gaming and media consumption are your primary use cases and you are on a tighter budget, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better choice, offering better performance, sound, and a known screen protector.
- For Outdoor/Social Media Users: If outdoor visibility and selfie quality are important to you, and you want more battery life and the latest software, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is preferable.
- For Everyday Users who want long-term usage: If you want a phone with the latest Android OS and long-term updates, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a better option.
- For users who want the latest bluetooth: If you want a phone with the latest bluetooth standard the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1.
Reasoning:
While the Poco F3 has its strengths, particularly in raw performance and audio, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 aligns better with my typical usage patterns and future needs. I frequently use my phone outdoors, and the significantly brighter display is a major advantage. Additionally, the better selfie camera with larger sensor and wider aperture makes it more suitable for my social media use, and the depth sensor is an added advantage.
I value software updates and prefer having a phone with the latest OS and longer support; the Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers that. The battery is an added advantage, as well as the continuous autofocus and noise reduction in the camera. While I appreciate the high-end performance of the Poco F3, the CMF Phone 1 strikes a better balance of features that are practical for my everyday use case. The newer bluetooth is an added bonus. I also prefer the standard proximity sensor compared to ultrasonic virtual sensor on the Poco F3.
