Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ vs. Nothing CMF Phone 1: A Deep Dive
Let's dissect the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and the Nothing CMF Phone 1, two intriguing mid-range contenders, to see which phone truly delivers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | ||||||||
| Dimensions (mm) | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 | 164 x 77 x 8.2 | CMF Phone 1 is slightly larger and thinner. Negligible difference in daily handling. | |||||
| Weight (g) | 208.4 | 197 | CMF Phone 1 is slightly lighter, enhancing one-handed use. | |||||
| Build Materials | Glass front/back, | Plastic frame | Redmi boasts a premium feel with glass, while CMF prioritizes a lightweight build | |||||
| Display | ||||||||
| Size (inches) | 6.67 | 6.67 | Identical screen real estate. | |||||
| Resolution (px) | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Same resolution, resulting in similar sharpness. | |||||
| Panel Type | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. | |||||
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. | |||||
| Peak Brightness | 900 nits | 2000 nits | CMF Phone 1 boasts significantly higher peak brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility. | HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | None specified | Redmi offers superior HDR support for richer video content. | |
| Performance | ||||||||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 | Dimensity 7300 on CMF is newer (4nm vs 6nm) likely offering better performance and efficiency. | |||||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz A78 & 6x2.0 GHz A55) | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz A78 & 4x2.0 GHz A55) | CMF might have a slight edge in CPU performance due to newer architecture and higher clock speeds on performance cores. | |||||
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Redmi's GPU might offer slightly better gaming performance, but real-world differences may be subtle. | |||||
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Same RAM capacity should provide comparable multitasking capabilities. | |||||
| Camera | ||||||||
| Main Sensor (MP) | 200 | 50 | Redmi boasts significantly higher megapixel count, potentially offering more detail in some scenarios. | |||||
| Sensor Model | Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Sony IMX882 | Sony IMX882 on CMF is known for its strong performance and might produce better overall image quality despite lower resolution. | |||||
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps | Redmi offers higher slow-motion capabilities. | |||||
| Battery Life | ||||||||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Identical battery capacity suggests similar potential runtime. | |||||
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi supports blazing-fast 120W charging, significantly reducing downtime. | |||||
| Other | ||||||||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 16) | CMF launches with a newer Android version and longer software update commitment. | |||||
| NFC | Yes | No | Redmi supports NFC for contactless payments. |
2. Key Insights
- Performance: While both phones offer capable processors, the CMF Phone 1's newer Dimensity 7300, built on a more efficient 4nm process, likely provides a performance and battery life advantage.
- Display: Both have 120Hz AMOLED displays, but the CMF Phone 1's significantly brighter screen makes it a clear winner for outdoor use. Redmi, however, offers superior HDR capabilities.
- Camera: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts a massive 200MP sensor, but megapixels aren't everything. The CMF Phone 1's Sony IMX882 sensor is known for excellent image quality. This is a category where real-world testing would be needed to determine a clear winner.
- Charging: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ demolishes the competition with its 120W hyper-fast charging, fully juicing up the battery in minutes.
- Software: CMF Phone 1 ships with the latest Android 14 and is promised longer software updates, offering a longer lifespan and potentially more features in the long run. Redmi will likely receive the Android 14 update but may not be supported for as long.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+: For users prioritizing fast charging, a high-resolution sensor (though image quality needs further investigation), and NFC functionality.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: Best suited for users who value a lightweight design, excellent display brightness for outdoor use, the latest Android OS and longer software support, and a potentially more efficient processor.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Is blazing-fast charging your top priority? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- Do you spend a lot of time using your phone outdoors? If so, the CMF Phone 1's superior brightness is crucial.
- How important is software longevity and having the latest features? CMF Phone 1's commitment to Android updates makes it a better long-term investment.
My Choice: Nothing CMF Phone 1
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers tempting features like incredibly fast charging and a high-resolution camera sensor, I would choose the Nothing CMF Phone 1. The newer and more efficient processor, brighter display for outdoor use, latest Android version with a longer update commitment, and potentially better overall camera image quality (despite lower megapixel count) make it a more compelling package for my needs. I value performance, longevity, and a great outdoor experience, and the CMF Phone 1 delivers on these fronts. While the 120W charging on the Redmi is impressive, I'd rather have a phone that lasts longer on a single charge and enjoys software support for a longer period.
