Xiaomi Poco M5 vs Nothing CMF Phone 1 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 13, 2022 July 9, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 111.08 cm³ 103.55 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.27 "/g 3.39 "/g
Weight 201 g 197 g
Height 164 mm 164 mm
Width 76.1 mm 77 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Black
  • Orange
  • Light Green

Display

Screen Size 6.58 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2408 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.6 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 401 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 500 nits
HBM Brightness 500 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 115.48 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.01 mAh/cm³ 48.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Mali-G615 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 14
Maximum OS Version 14 16

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. We’ll be looking beyond the spec sheets to understand how these phones stack up in the real world, focusing on what matters to you as a user.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureXiaomi Poco M5Nothing CMF Phone 1Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm, 201g164 × 77 × 8.2 mm, 197gSimilar size but Nothing CMF Phone 1 is slightly thinner and lighter. Less bulky feel.
Display
Size6.58"6.67"Negligibly different screen sizes, a mere 0.09" difference.
Resolution1080x24081080x2400Very similar sharpness, indiscernible difference in daily usage.
PPI401395Similar pixel density; both are sharp enough for comfortable viewing.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDAMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency for dark themes.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzNothing CMF Phone 1 is smoother, especially in animations and gaming.
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsNothing CMF Phone 1 is far superior in bright sunlight with much higher peak brightness.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)Dimensity 7300 is more powerful, offering faster processing and better power efficiency.
AnTuTu Score414,500673,000Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a substantial performance boost, noticeably faster in apps and games.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G615 MC2Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a better GPU for higher gaming performance.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth phones should offer similar battery endurance.
Charging18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer33W Fast Charging, Li-IonNothing CMF Phone 1 charges significantly faster.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX882, 0.70 µmNothing CMF Phone 1 has a slightly wider aperture, larger sensor for better low light performance.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1.00 µmNothing CMF Phone 1 has a much better front-facing camera, great for selfies and video calls.
Portrait Camera2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.3, 1/4", Smartsens sc202pcs, 1.12 µmNothing CMF Phone 1 has a slightly wider aperture for better depth sensing.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneXiaomi Poco M5 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots.
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EISNothing CMF Phone 1 captures higher resolution video with stabilization.
Slow-motionNo, 30fpsYes, 240fpsNothing CMF Phone 1 capable of higher frame rate slow-motion video.
Software
OSAndroid 12 (upgradable to 14)Android 14 (upgradable to 16)Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a newer OS, and will likely receive software updates for longer.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11acWiFi 6 (802.11ax)Nothing CMF Phone 1 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AACNothing CMF Phone 1 supports more high-quality audio codecs for wireless headphones.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoNothing CMF Phone 1 has more satellite systems for precise location.
SIMDual SIM (Nano)Dual SIM (Nano)Both offer dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal64/128 GB128/256 GBNothing CMF Phone 1 has more storage capacity.
RAM4/6 GB6/8 GBNothing CMF Phone 1 offers more RAM for better multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither has expandable storage.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted FingerprintBasic FingerprintXiaomi Poco M5 has a slightly more practical side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Other
SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, Proximity, FingerprintAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, FingerprintNothing CMF Phone 1 has additional Gyroscope sensor for better gaming.
Build QualityPlasticPlasticBoth phones feature a plastic build.

2. Key Insights

Xiaomi Poco M5 Strengths:

  • Macro Lens: It includes a dedicated macro lens, which is a feature absent in the Nothing CMF Phone 1, appealing to users who enjoy close-up photography.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Practical and easy to use, while both have fingerprint sensors, the side-mounted implementation is considered more convenient by some.
  • Price: While we don't have pricing here, the Poco M5 is generally positioned as a budget phone, so it will likely be more affordable, giving it a price advantage.

Nothing CMF Phone 1 Strengths:

  • Superior Display: The AMOLED panel offers better colors, deeper blacks, and higher brightness, significantly improving the visual experience, especially in outdoor conditions.
  • Faster Performance: The Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial performance boost for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
  • Better Camera: The main and selfie cameras are superior, providing sharper images, better low-light performance, and higher-resolution video recording.
  • Faster Charging: 33W charging is almost twice as fast as the Poco M5's 18W, very useful for those needing quick power-ups.
  • Newer OS & Software Support: It has a more recent version of Android, guaranteeing longer software updates.
  • Better Wireless Audio: More advanced audio codecs (aptX, LDAC) provide a better wireless audio experience.
  • WiFi 6 and more GPS satellite systems: The CMF Phone 1 also have newer and better capabilities for both of these features.

Trade-offs:

  • The Xiaomi Poco M5 offers a macro lens, which some users might prefer over the improved camera quality of the CMF Phone 1.
  • The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is likely to cost more, reflecting its superior features.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Xiaomi Poco M5 is Ideal For:

  • Budget-conscious users: Those seeking the most functionality at a lower price point.
  • Casual users: People who prioritize daily tasks and do not require top-tier performance.
  • Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy taking close-up photos will appreciate the dedicated macro lens.

Nothing CMF Phone 1 is Ideal For:

  • Performance-oriented users: Gamers and those who prioritize smooth multitasking.
  • Visual enthusiasts: People who want a vibrant, high-quality display for media consumption.
  • Photography lovers: Users who value excellent camera quality, especially in low-light conditions and for video.
  • Future-Proofing: Those seeking a phone with longer software support and better performance.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to help you choose:

  1. How important is display quality to you? If you watch a lot of videos or play graphics-intensive games, the CMF Phone 1's AMOLED display is worth the investment. For basic usage, the Poco M5's IPS display is sufficient.
  2. How important is peak performance? If you prioritize a fast and smooth experience, the CMF Phone 1 with its powerful chipset is the clear choice. If you only use basic applications and are not a gamer, the Poco M5 is adequate.
  3. What's your budget? The Poco M5 offers a decent package at a lower price, while the CMF Phone 1 provides a premium experience for a higher cost.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: "I want the most for my money on a budget."

    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M5. It provides decent performance and features at a lower price, great for everyday tasks and light use.
  • Scenario 2: "I use my phone for gaming and media consumption."

    • Recommendation: Nothing CMF Phone 1. The AMOLED display, faster chipset, and better camera will enhance your multimedia and gaming experience.
  • Scenario 3: "I take lots of pictures, including macro shots."

    • Recommendation: This is a harder choice depending on the user's priorities. If macro shots are more important, then the Xiaomi Poco M5. If overall quality is preferred then the Nothing CMF Phone 1.

Conclusion

Both the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Nothing CMF Phone 1 are capable devices. The Poco M5 provides better value for its price tag, whereas the CMF Phone 1 will give you a noticeably better and more robust experience.

Which one would I choose?

I would go with the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While the price will certainly be higher, the jump in display quality with the AMOLED screen, the vastly superior performance due to the more powerful chipset, and the far more advanced camera system outweighs the Poco's macro lens and slightly more convenient fingerprint reader. For me, these upgrades are worth the cost for a much better user experience. If price is your absolutely #1 priority, then the Poco M5 is adequate, but the CMF Phone 1 will offer much more enjoyment in the long run. The faster charging and much longer software support are the final nails in the coffin for me.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.