Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and get into the nitty-gritty, explaining how these specs translate into real-world performance.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-01 | 2024-07-09 | The Nothing CMF is a much newer device. |
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | The CMF is slightly taller and wider, but the Redmi is thicker and has a bigger overall volume. The Redmi might feel more substantial due to thickness. |
| Weight | 181g | 197g | The Redmi is noticeably lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The CMF offers a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution for crisp visuals on their respective display sizes. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Very similar pixel densities, ensuring a sharp and detailed display experience on both devices. |
| Technology | (Unspecified) | AMOLED | The CMF has a superior AMOLED display with better blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy – making for more immersive media viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The CMF has a smoother display refresh rate, leading to less motion blur and better responsiveness during gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The CMF is dramatically brighter, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | The CMF's 4nm chip is much more powerful and efficient, translating to snappier performance, better multitasking, and longer battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 673,000 | The CMF significantly outperforms the Redmi, indicating a much faster user experience for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | Mali-G615 MC2 (Arm Mali-G615 MC2) | CMF's GPU is more powerful, leading to superior graphics in games and better performance in graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The CMF charges faster, meaning less waiting time for a full charge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 9W reverse wired charging | Non-removable | The Redmi offers reverse charging capabilities to charge other devices, a useful feature for emergencies or when using accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.79 (Sony IMX882, 1/2", 0.70µm) | Both have 50MP main cameras, but the CMF has a wider aperture and a higher quality sensor allowing for better low light and overall better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 (1.12 µm pixel size) | 16MP, f/2.0 (GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1/3.1", 1.00µm pixel size) | The CMF has a higher resolution selfie camera with larger sensor size, potentially capturing more detailed and clear images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | The Redmi has a dedicated wide-angle lens, useful for capturing landscapes and group shots, missing on the CMF. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.3 (Smartsens sc202pcs, 1/4", 1.12 µm pixel size) | The CMF has a depth sensor for enhanced portrait photos with more accurate background blur, missing on the Redmi. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Redmi has a macro lens for detailed close-up photos, missing on the CMF. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | The CMF can shoot at a higher resolution for higher quality videos and has EIS for stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, RAW, DIS | Dual Camera, EIS, Noise reduction, CAF, Panorama | The Redmi includes a triple camera setup and RAW image capture, while the CMF offers noise reduction, EIS, and panoramic mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 (up to 16) | The CMF has a much newer OS with a better future support of updates and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The CMF supports faster Wi-Fi standards, which is a big plus if you have a Wi-Fi 6 compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The CMF uses the newest standard for better connection, low energy and supports LDAC, SBC and AAC codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The CMF has more satellite system for more precise location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM cards for using multiple networks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | The CMF has an option for more internal storage, useful for users who keep lots of media and files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | The CMF offers more RAM, especially in the 8GB variant, for better multitasking and faster performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so you're stuck with the internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Redmi provides a better audio experience, especially for media consumption, due to stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Redmi features a more user-friendly side mounted fingerprint sensor, while the CMF has a basic one. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi offers better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3, while the CMF screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Redmi has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, adding an Ultrasonic proximity sensor, while the CMF's proximity sensor may not be as precise. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for long periods of use and easier to carry around.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: More versatile camera setup for a wider variety of shots.
- Reverse Charging: Allows users to charge other devices in an emergency or when using accessories.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides a higher level of screen protection against scratches.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Strengths:
- Much Newer and Faster Processor: Superior overall performance and efficiency, leading to smoother operation.
- Brighter and Smoother Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate provides a better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Better Primary Camera: With a better sensor, it delivers superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Capture detailed and clear selfies with its front camera.
- Faster Charging: Get your phone charged much faster thanks to its 33W fast charging.
- Better Video Recording: 4K@30fps recording, compared to the 1080p@30fps in Redmi, with EIS for video stabilization.
- More RAM Option: More RAM is better for multitasking and gaming.
- Newer OS: The CMF offers a newer version of Android with likely better software support.
- Newer Standards: Features newer and faster standards for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Key Trade-offs:
- Redmi: While it provides a more versatile camera with wide angle and macro lenses, the performance and overall image quality does not match the CMF. It lacks the performance for resource-intensive applications.
- CMF: Despite its strengths, it lacks a wide-angle and macro lens, which some users may need. It is also slightly heavier than the Redmi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartphone at a lower price.
- Users who need a versatile camera with wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users who prioritize audio quality for media consumption or casual gaming.
- Users who appreciate reverse charging to power other devices.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 is best for:
- Performance enthusiasts who want a phone that can handle demanding tasks and gaming.
- Users who prioritize display quality with a vibrant AMOLED screen and high refresh rate, especially outdoor.
- Users who capture lots of photos and videos and need excellent image quality and video recording.
- Users who seek future-proof software with the latest OS version and updates.
- Users who value a modern design and a smooth user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value performance? If you need a phone that can keep up with demanding tasks and gaming, the CMF is the clear winner. If you're a casual user, the Redmi is ok.
- How important is screen quality? The CMF's AMOLED display is vastly superior for media consumption and outdoor visibility. If a bright, vivid display is critical, go with the CMF.
- Do you need the additional versatility of a wide-angle and macro lens, or the reverse charging? If you need the wide-angle lens for landscapes, or the macro lens for close up shots, then the Redmi is a better choice. The Redmi also has reverse charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you mostly browse social media, text, and watch some videos, the Redmi Note 11 4G is more than adequate.
- Photo Enthusiast: If you love taking photos and videos, especially in low light, then the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice due to its main camera quality and 4K video.
- Gamer: If you want a smooth gaming experience, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 provides a significantly better performance, better display, and faster charging.
- Budget-Conscious: If you need a good all around phone without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 11 4G is better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would definitely go with the Nothing CMF Phone 1. The significantly better performance, display quality, main camera performance, faster charging, and more modern software experience far outweigh the absence of the wide angle and macro lenses. As a tech journalist and someone who uses my phone heavily for productivity, gaming, and media, the CMF phone's capabilities are far more aligned with my needs. The jump in performance and display technology alone is a game changer, providing a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience. The absence of the wide-angle lens is a trade-off I am willing to make for such significant performance upgrades. Additionally, having a modern phone is a big plus for someone that tries to make use of newer technologies.
