Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Nothing CMF Phone 1
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm | The Poco X3 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, making the CMF Phone 1 more pocketable and potentially easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 215g | 197g | CMF Phone 1 is noticeably lighter (18g), making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size; both offer immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide sharp, detailed visuals at Full HD+ resolution. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Same pixel density; both offer similarly sharp and clear displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers richer blacks, superior contrast, better color reproduction and better energy efficiency, especially with dark mode. The CMF Phone 1 provides a superior viewing experience compared to the LCD of the Poco X3 Pro. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 provides vastly superior outdoor visibility with much higher peak brightness, making it significantly easier to use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Both are capable chipsets. The 4nm process of the Dimensity 7300 means better power efficiency and a newer architecture. The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a more modern chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 673,000 | CMF Phone 1 scores slightly higher (about 7%) in benchmarks, suggesting slightly better performance in resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different GPUs, real-world impact depends on the games/apps used. The Mali-G615 MC2 in the CMF Phone 1 is a more recent design. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 48MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.79) | The CMF Phone 1 has a slightly higher megapixel count main sensor, which may translate to more detailed images; Both have the same aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.0) | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera. The CMF Phone 1 has a wider aperture, letting in more light, and a larger sensor, which provides better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Wide-Angle | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Poco X3 Pro includes a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos, while the CMF Phone 1 lacks it. |
| Portrait/Depth | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.3) | CMF Phone 1 has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which may improve portrait mode quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Poco X3 Pro has dedicated Macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, up to 960fps slow-mo | Up to 4K@30fps, up to 240fps slow-mo | Both record 4K video, but Poco X3 Pro records in 960 fps slow-mo while CMF Phone 1 has 240fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities and should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both support the same charging speed, which is reasonable for typical usage. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both are non-removable. Li-Polymer is slightly safer and more resistant to swelling than Li-Ion. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | CMF Phone 1 has a much newer operating system, translating to more modern features, security updates, and overall better software experience and longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | CMF Phone 1 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | CMF Phone 1 has a newer Bluetooth version for better energy efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | CMF Phone 1 supports more satellite systems, resulting in better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar internal storage configurations. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Poco X3 Pro has better audio, providing a more immersive audio experience, suitable for music and media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Poco X3 Pro is generally faster and more ergonomic than the basic one on the CMF Phone 1. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | The Poco X3 Pro has superior screen protection, offering better resistance against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco X3 Pro additionally has the ultrasonic proximity sensor, while CMF Phone 1 has a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for superior sound quality.
- Additional Cameras: Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro lenses for added versatility in photography.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides better protection against scratches and cracks.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more ergonomic.
Practical Implications: The X3 Pro excels in media consumption and versatile photography with extra lenses for different use cases. The screen protection is also very important for daily use.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better power efficiency.
- Higher Brightness: Much brighter screen for better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Newer Chipset: More power-efficient and modern architecture with the Dimensity 7300.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 providing a more modern software experience, more features and longer software update support.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and extended usage due to lower weight.
- Better Selfie Camera: Wider aperture and larger sensor for better low-light performance.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable connections.
- Better Location Accuracy: Supports QZSS for more accurate positioning.
Practical Implications: The CMF Phone 1 excels in outdoor usability, provides a more enjoyable viewing experience, offers a smoother performance due to newer components and software, and better connectivity options. The design is also better.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Lacks the display quality and outdoor visibility of the CMF Phone 1, also its older chipset and software may mean it will be lacking in the long term.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Doesn't offer the versatility of the additional rear cameras and the audio quality of the X3 Pro, nor does it offer the same screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Looking for a good value phone with high specs for the price.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Appreciates good audio quality and a variety of camera options.
- Users Needing Screen Protection: Prioritizes the use of Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
Use Cases:
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Versatile photography with different shooting scenarios.
- Users who want high quality audio while listening to music.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 - Ideal User:
- Outdoor Users: Needs a bright screen that is visible in sunlight.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Wants a more modern and faster phone experience with a recent chipset and software.
- Users Who Want an Excellent Screen: Prefers vibrant colors and deep blacks offered by AMOLED.
- Users Who Want a Lighter Design: Prefer a lighter, modern smartphone.
- Users Who Value Modern Features: Wants the latest connectivity and GPS.
Use Cases:
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Daily use with modern features and performance.
- Users who value a quality viewing experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility and screen quality? (If crucial, Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the clear choice.)
- Do you need additional cameras for ultrawide and macro shots? (If yes, Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is preferred.)
- Is the most recent Android version and feature set important to you? (If yes, Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a user who needs a bright screen, enjoys watching video content and plays games outdoors: Choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1.
- For a user on a strict budget that wants good audio, multiple camera options and good screen protection, and is willing to trade-off display quality and latest software: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
- For a user who needs a balanced device with a good screen and modern features: Choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While the Poco X3 Pro offers good value, the CMF Phone 1's superior AMOLED display with higher brightness, combined with a more modern chipset, operating system and lighter design make it the better choice for my needs. The improved connectivity and newer software are also major factors. The lack of a wide-angle and macro lens is a sacrifice that I'm willing to make for the overall improved user experience. The modern and lighter design also tips the scales in favour of the CMF Phone 1. While the lack of screen protection is a concern, the benefits of the CMF Phone 1 are simply greater.
