CMF Phone 1 Vs Realme P1: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

The CMF Phone 1 has finally gone official, and its base 6GB/128GB variant is priced at Rs 15,999, making it cross swords with the Realme P1. So, if you’re limited to a strict budget of Rs 16,000, which is the more rational choice? Is it the Realme P1 or Nothing’s new CMF Phone 1? I have had both phones with me for quite some time now. Hence, I used them as extensively as I could for a detailed comparison, which I’ll take you through right now! Let’s begin.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme P1 Specs at a Glance

Contents of the Box

When you purchase the CMF Phone 1, you might be disappointed to find that it doesn't include a charger or case, a decision that seems counterproductive for a device that promotes customization. The box contains only the basic essentials: a SIM ejector tool, a Type-C to Type-C cable, and some paperwork. In contrast, the Realme P1 offers a full package, with a 45W charger, cable, and a transparent silicone case, making it a more attractive unboxing experience.

Design and Build Quality

The CMF Phone 1 is available in various colors: Orange, Black, Light Green, and a matte-plastic variant. However, to access vegan leather options or other plastic colors, you need to pay extra. The Realme P1 offers two appealing color options: Phoenix Red and Peacock Green.

When it comes to design, the Phone 1 provides a customizable user experience, but it falls short by not including any extra cases in the box. Although the black plastic looks elegant, the P1’s artistic back design is more eye-catching and feels premium due to its matte texture. Overall, both phones have a plastic frame, but the CMF Phone 1 has a bit more grip, while the P1 has a slick finish.

Display and Audio Quality

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with impressive brightness levels. The CMF Phone 1 reaches a peak brightness of 1900 nits, while the Realme P1 manages around 1750 nits. The color accuracy is mostly comparable, though the Phone 1 tends to saturate colors slightly more. Both displays perform admirably in various lighting conditions and have good viewing angles.

In terms of audio, the Realme P1 excels with its dual stereo speakers, offering a better sound experience compared to the CMF Phone 1, which has a mono output that lacks depth.

Software Experience

The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, which is clean and minimalist, while the Realme P1 operates on Realme UI, known for its feature-rich nature. Although the Realme UI has some pre-installed bloatware, it includes useful features like a Smart Sidebar and smart sensing options. The Nothing OS, while simpler, may feel lacking in features but offers a unique widgets library for enhanced usability.

Performance Comparison

Both devices are equipped with powerful processors that deliver similar performance across various tasks and games. The CMF Phone 1's Dimensity 7300 and the Realme P1's Dimensity 7050 handle gaming and multitasking fairly well. RAM management is slightly better on the Phone 1, keeping more apps open in memory without significant lag.

Camera Capabilities

In terms of camera specifications, both phones utilize a 50MP primary sensor and a 16MP front camera. The CMF Phone 1’s secondary sensor is a depth sensor, while the Realme P1 opts for a 2MP B&W sensor. During the day, the Phone 1 captures more detailed images, though sometimes at the cost of color accuracy. The P1 tends to produce more natural colors, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Battery and Charging Performance

Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery, but the CMF Phone 1 provides slightly better battery life, offering around 7 hours of screen-on time compared to the P1's 6.5 hours. When it comes to charging, the Phone 1 supports 33