Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Nothing CMF Phone 1. These are two intriguing devices, each with its own strengths, and I'm here to break down what each offers in real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of both phones, focusing on how these specs translate into daily usage:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Nothing CMF Phone 1 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2024-07-09 | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is significantly newer, so it may have some advantages in terms of software and feature updates. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm | The CMF is slightly wider, which might affect one-handed usability. The Axon is marginally thicker, but not significantly so. |
| Weight | 204g | 197g | The CMF is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The Axon has a larger display, which can provide a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 1080 x 2400 | The Axon has a slightly sharper display, providing clearer images, but it will probably be unnoticeable in practical usage. |
| PPI | 400 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel density, which means both will appear quite sharp in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones have vibrant displays with great contrast, deep blacks and punchy colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays provide fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers superior outdoor visibility with a significantly brighter screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7300 | The Axon has a higher-end chipset that offers superior performance for demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 673,000 | The Axon has a much higher benchmark score, indicating significantly faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The Adreno 730 in the Axon offers better graphics performance, particularly for high-end games and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, which should provide similar battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Axon charges significantly faster, reducing downtime when needing to recharge. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | The Axon has a higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1µm | Both have similar selfie camera specs, meaning they will provide similar quality selfie shots |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | None | The Axon offers a dedicated telephoto camera for zooming, a feature missing from the CMF. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | The Axon has a ToF 3D sensor which improves depth mapping for portrait shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/4" | Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a dedicated portrait mode depth sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | None | The Axon has a dedicated wide angle/macro lens providing versatile shot options, a feature missing in the CMF Phone. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | The Axon provides much higher quality videos with options for 8K and better image stabilization |
| Camera Features | Lots of Extra Features | Few Features | The Axon offers more advanced features, including 8K recording, OIS, and RAW format capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a more up-to-date OS, which means longer support and additional features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both phones support the latest WiFi standards for high-speed connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a more up-to-date version of bluetooth with additional codec support for better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | QZSS | Both offer comprehensive GPS support for location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512/1024GB | 128/256GB | The Axon offers more storage options, up to 1TB, for users who need more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12/16/18 GB | 6/8 GB | The Axon has more RAM, which can provide smoother multitasking, better performance in heavy games and applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so selecting the correct storage option at the time of purchase will be important. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic audio features | The Axon provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and enhanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint security technology to keep your device safe. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither phone provides details about screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gravity, Hall | Compass | Both phones have similar sensors with each of them having additional features |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse, sporting a flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, significantly outperforming the Nothing CMF Phone 1 in raw performance benchmarks. The Axon has a much more versatile camera system, with three 64MP cameras, including a dedicated telephoto lens and a wide-angle with macro function and features a ToF 3D sensor. It also features 65W fast charging for quick power-ups and larger storage options.
- Competitive Advantages: The Axon is ideal for users who prioritize performance and camera versatility. It’s a device that's built for demanding tasks and offers top-tier features that elevate both the quality of your shots and how you interact with the phone, such as 8K recording and DTS/DTS X audio enhancement.
- Trade-offs: Launched in 2022, it might lag behind in terms of software updates compared to the CMF Phone 1. It also has a slightly lower screen brightness than the CMF.
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
- Strengths: The CMF Phone 1 has a brighter screen, making it easier to use in bright sunlight. It also benefits from a more recent Android version, guaranteeing longer support. The 5.3 Bluetooth support has some advantages for audio lovers who want to use the latest codecs.
- Competitive Advantages: The CMF is a solid, well-rounded option, perfect for users who value a smooth user experience and great outdoor visibility, and desire a phone that offers the latest software.
- Trade-offs: It lacks some premium features like a dedicated telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens with macro function, and a powerful processor, which might be a limitation for performance-intensive tasks. It also has slower charging speed and less comprehensive audio features compared to the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is Best For:
- Power Users and Gamers: The high-end chipset, larger RAM, and powerful GPU make it suitable for resource-intensive tasks and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile triple camera system with a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, along with the ToF sensor, offer great versatility. The 8K video recording and OIS provide top-quality capture for video enthusiasts.
- Users who need large storage: The 1 TB option ensures that users who require large internal storage can access all their files easily.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 is Best For:
- Everyday Users: Perfect for users who want a reliable smartphone with a bright display and the latest software, along with a smooth UI and good overall performance for day-to-day tasks.
- Outdoor Users: The higher screen brightness makes it easier to see the screen when outdoors in sunny environments.
- Software-focused consumers: As a newer device, it offers the latest Android OS and longer term software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help users decide between these two phones, here are three practical questions:
- How important is raw performance and gaming power?
- If top performance for demanding tasks and gaming is a priority, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear winner. If you are just using your phone for everyday tasks, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is an adequate performer.
- How critical is having the latest software with long term support?
- For users who need the latest OS, longer term updates and the latest software enhancements, Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the better choice. If you are comfortable using older software, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is still an adequate daily driver.
- How much do you value camera versatility?
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra’s versatile triple camera system provides many more options that the Nothing CMF phone, which is limited to standard shots. For those looking for the best photos, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Tech Enthusiast: You want the most powerful phone possible, with the most features and latest tech.
- Recommendation: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers the best overall specs with its higher-performance chip, better camera, more RAM, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User: You need a solid, reliable phone that works well day-to-day and you aren't interested in pushing your phone to the limits.
- Recommendation: The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a reliable choice, providing better screen brightness, newer software, and a streamlined experience for everyday usage.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Lover: The most important aspect is taking great photos, with a versatile camera system.
- Recommendation: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is better as it provides the highest flexibility and overall better camera features.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally lean towards the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Nothing CMF Phone 1 has the advantage of a brighter display and newer software, my needs are better served by the sheer power and the camera versatility of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. I'm a heavy user who enjoys pushing my devices to the limit, and I value a great camera system for creative photography, and the Axon has more to offer in those departments.
In short, the Axon has a better camera, more power, and more storage options. While it might not be perfect (the software is older, and the screen brightness is not the highest), its strengths are compelling enough to outweigh its shortcomings. For me, that makes it the better device.
