Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. Both phones are vying for attention in the competitive mid-range market, but they bring different strengths to the table. I'm here to break down the specs and see what it all means for you, the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown, focusing on what these specifications mean in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 164 × 77 × 8.2 mm | The Xiaomi is slightly taller while the CMF Phone 1 is a tad wider and thicker, though they're quite similar. It probably won't make a huge difference in hand. |
| Weight | 188g | 197g | The Redmi Note 12 is a touch lighter, which some might appreciate during long use periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen sizes. Expect an immersive experience on both devices. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp visuals with consistent pixel density across both screens. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Very similar display detail and sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both screens. Great for consuming content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. Everyday tasks and gaming will feel fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 will be much easier to use in bright sunlight thanks to its much higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 | The Dimensity 7300 in the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the more powerful chip, offering quicker app loading and smoother multi-tasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 673,000 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1's higher score indicates noticeably better performance. It will feel snappier for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different graphics processing capabilities; the Mali G615 MC2 in the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is generally more capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable all-day battery life with typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both offer decent fast charging capabilities, though not the fastest available on the market. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Slightly higher resolution on the Nothing CMF Phone 1 which may produce more detailed shots in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Very similar aperture, should perform similarly in low-light conditions |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/2" | Larger sensor on the CMF Phone 1 generally allows for better light capture and improved low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Higher megapixel selfie camera on the CMF Phone 1. Selfies should have more detail |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Wider aperture on the CMF Phone 1 means better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Xiaomi's got a dedicated ultrawide lens for more versatile shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP | The CMF Phone 1 has a depth sensor that can help when doing portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | The Redmi has a dedicated macro lens for close-ups, but these are generally not the best cameras. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Nothing CMF Phone 1 supports higher video recording quality with added electronic stabilization (EIS). |
| DxoMark Scores | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | None | Xiaomi's camera performance is mediocre according to the DxOMark score |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The CMF Phone 1 runs the latest version of Android, which means it will get updates for longer and have the latest features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Faster Wi-Fi standards on the Nothing CMF Phone 1 leads to faster connections, greater range, and less interference |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Newer Bluetooth standard on the Nothing CMF Phone 1, offering better range and power efficiency. Also supports APT-x. |
| GPS | More GPS Support | More GPS Support | Both include GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo, with slight differences in specific implementations. |
| Other | |||
| Storage Options | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options; no expandable storage on either device. |
| RAM Options | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | The CMF Phone 1 has a more consistent RAM option with a base of 6GB. |
| Security | Side-mounted FP | Basic FP Sensor | The Redmi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is likely easier to access on a daily basis. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Redmi offers at least a basic level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity Sensor | The Redmi has an ultrasonic sensor for proximity which is better than standard proximity sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Performance: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the clear winner here. Its more modern MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean it'll handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking with far more ease than the Redmi Note 12.
- Display: While both share the same AMOLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate, the Nothing CMF Phone 1's significantly higher peak brightness (2000 nits) will make a huge difference in outdoor visibility.
- Camera: This is where things get interesting. The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a higher resolution main sensor and better selfie camera. However, Xiaomi provides an ultrawide and macro lens on the Redmi Note 12 giving a more versatile experience at the cost of some sensor performance. It really depends on what kind of photography you prioritize.
- Software: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a clear advantage by running Android 14 out of the box with a confirmed update to Android 16, while the Redmi Note 12 comes with an older Android 12 operating system and is unlikely to receive updates beyond Android 13.
- Connectivity: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 supports the latest WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 technologies, which will be beneficial for faster wireless transfers, more stable connections, and better power efficiency.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Best for users on a tight budget who still want an AMOLED display, decent battery life, and an ultrawide lens. It's a solid everyday phone for those with less demanding needs. It's a good choice for basic tasks such as social media, browsing and light gaming.
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: This is the phone for those who want a device that's snappy and responsive, has a brilliant display for outdoor use, a better camera sensor, the latest software experience and who appreciate cutting edge tech. It's suitable for people who enjoy photography, mobile gaming, or are heavy multitaskers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance and future-proofing? If you're looking for a smoother experience with graphically intensive apps and a long update cycle, the CMF Phone 1 is the way to go. If you just want basic functionality, the Redmi is probably fine.
- Do you prioritize screen brightness for outdoor visibility? If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is far more suitable with its much higher peak brightness. The Redmi Note 12 may struggle in bright sunlight conditions.
- Which camera features do you prefer? If an ultrawide lens and a macro lens is important, then go for the Redmi Note 12. But if you prefer quality over quantity and are happy with a standard camera and a portrait mode, then the CMF Phone 1 with its higher resolution, better sensors and wider apertures is a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: Go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 as a great basic smartphone.
- Power User: If performance and the latest technology is a must-have, then the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a better overall camera sensor. However, if you want an ultrawide and macro lens at the cost of quality, then the Redmi is the one for you.
- Outdoor User: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is much better for outdoor visibility.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Nothing CMF Phone 1. While both phones are great mid-range options, the CMF phone's powerful processor, higher screen brightness, superior camera sensor, newer software, and latest connectivity technologies are all compelling features that suit my needs better. The slight extra cost is justified for the increase in performance and user experience it provides. It’s just a more modern and capable device overall that is more likely to keep me happy for longer!
