Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Nothing CMF Phone 1
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M3 and Nothing CMF Phone 1, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | CMF Phone 1 is slightly taller and significantly thinner, making it more pocketable and modern. Poco M3 is bulkier but with similar width. |
| Weight | 198g | 197g | Virtually identical weight; both will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | CMF Phone 1 offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have FHD+ resolution, providing sharp images. Minimal difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density for sharp text and images on both phones. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | CMF Phone 1's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | CMF Phone 1 provides much smoother scrolling and animations, making interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1's display is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. Poco M3 is unusable in bright conditions based on the 0 nits spec. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4nm) | CMF Phone 1's newer 4nm chipset is much more powerful and energy-efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 673,000 | CMF Phone 1 has significantly higher performance, offering a much smoother and faster user experience. Poco M3 may struggle with demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G615 MC2 | CMF Phone 1's GPU offers better graphics performance, which is crucial for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. However, this advantage may be offset by the less efficient chipset. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | CMF Phone 1 charges much faster than Poco M3. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Poco M3 can charge other devices, and includes a faster charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX882 | Both have similar main sensor sizes and aperture. CMF Phone 1's Sony sensor is likely to provide better image quality. Slightly better resolution |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1" | CMF Phone 1 has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera and a slightly larger sensor for better selfies. |
| Depth Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4" | CMF Phone 1 includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | CMF Phone 1 captures higher resolution video and has electronic image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Features | Triple camera, Manual focus, Digital image stabilization | Noise reduction, 4K Video, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization | Poco M3 has more versatile camera features. CMF Phone 1 offers 4k video recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 with planned upgrade to 16 | CMF Phone 1 has a newer Android version and is likely to receive more updates, ensuring better performance and features. Poco M3 is significantly outdated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | CMF Phone 1 supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | CMF Phone 1 has a newer Bluetooth version and better audio codec support, offering higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS functionality, with minor differences in satellite system support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | CMF Phone 1 offers larger internal storage options, suitable for users with extensive media libraries. Poco M3 does not have as much storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | CMF Phone 1 offers better multitasking capabilities, especially with the 8GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Poco M3 offers a better audio experience with higher quality sound and stereo speakers for immersive listening. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco M3 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. CMF Phone 1 has basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has a slightly better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | CMF Phone 1 offers Gyroscope sensor which is better for gaming. Poco M3 has Ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life, though this advantage might be offset by the less efficient chipset and screen.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices like a power bank.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Provides a better audio experience for media consumption and music.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: The placement is preferred by many users.
- Screen protection: Has Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
Practical Implications:
- The larger battery can be beneficial for users who prioritize battery life and often travel without access to power outlets.
- Reverse charging adds convenience for sharing power with friends or accessories.
- The better audio will provide better sound quality when listening to music or watching videos.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensors can be more easily accessed by the user.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset is much faster than the Snapdragon 662, leading to smoother app usage and gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is much faster compared to 18W.
- Better Camera: Offers a higher resolution selfie camera and 4K video recording.
- Newer Software: Comes with a much more recent version of Android and is expected to receive further updates.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connections.
Practical Implications:
- The AMOLED display makes a big difference in media consumption, especially in bright environments.
- The superior processing power makes the phone feel more responsive and future-proof.
- Faster charging significantly reduces downtime.
- The better camera system takes higher-quality photos and videos.
- The latest software ensures the device remains secure and gets the latest features.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices performance and display quality for a larger battery and better audio, while the CMF Phone 1 prioritizes performance and display but has a smaller battery and basic audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Users on a tight budget looking for maximum battery life
- Users who prioritize audio quality with stereo speakers
- Users who do not need advanced gaming or camera capabilities
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Use Cases:
- Long-lasting phone for travel without access to charging.
- Listening to music with better audio quality.
- Basic everyday use, web browsing, social media
- Backup phone with decent battery life.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize smooth performance and speed
- Users who need a high quality screen with excellent brightness for outdoor use
- Users who value camera quality and video recording capabilities
- Users who want a device with the latest software and features
- Users who need fast charging capabilities
Use Cases:
- Gaming
- High-quality camera use
- Heavy multitasking and app usage
- Long-term use with updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 is significantly older and likely cheaper.
- How important is smooth performance and responsiveness to you? CMF Phone 1 wins by a wide margin
- What kind of battery life and audio quality do you need? Poco M3 has better battery and better audio.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget and long battery life needed: The Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Best all-round performance and modern features: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia consumption (video/gaming): The Nothing CMF Phone 1, thanks to its superior screen and powerful processing, is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 has a larger battery and slightly better audio, the vast improvements in display quality, performance, camera, and software on the CMF Phone 1 are too significant to ignore. I value having a smooth, responsive phone with a great screen for everyday use, as well as the ability to take better photos and videos. The faster charging is also a huge advantage. The Poco M3's performance is noticeably behind, and the display quality is not suitable for bright sunlight usage. Therefore, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is my preferred choice even if the battery may not last as long.
