Look, I’m not one for fancy marketing jargon. I want a phone that performs, isn’t too expensive, and maybe has a little personality. So when the CMF Phone 1 and Nothing Phone (2a) landed on my desk, I was intrigued. Could these phones become my everyday phone? Let’s dig into the details.

Price: a significant difference

There’s a significant price difference right away. The CMF Phone 1 starts at a tempting ₹15,999, while the Nothing Phone (2a) will set you back ₹25,999. That’s a whopping ₹10,000 difference! Does the Nothing Phone (2a) justify its higher price tag? Let’s take a look.

Design: Eco-leather or luminous symbols?

CMF Phone 1: The eco-leather back of the CMF Phone 1 (on the higher-end model) feels surprisingly nice. It’s a refreshing change from the endless sea of ​​glass. Plus, the user-replaceable back is a nod to the good old days of tinkering.

Nothing Phone (2a): The Nothing Phone (2a)’s transparent back and glowing Glyph Interface are undeniably cool. It’s certainly a conversation starter. But the plastic frame feels a little cheap compared to the CMF’s glass front.

Winner: This is a tough choice. The CMF Phone 1 feels more premium, but the Nothing Phone (2a) has that “wow” factor. For me, it’s a tie.

Display: bright and beautiful, but…

CMF Phone 1: The CMF’s AMOLED display is incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. It’s perfect for sunny days. However, the 1080p resolution feels a little underwhelming compared to other phones in this price range.

Nothing Phone (2a): The Nothing Phone (2a)’s flexible AMOLED display is also gorgeous. It’s not as bright as the CMF, but colors pop and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth.

Winner: The CMF Phone 1 wins for brightness, but the Nothing Phone’s (2a) screen is slightly better balanced overall.

Achievement: The Dimensity Duel

CMF Phone 1: The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is a capable chip. It can handle everyday tasks with ease and can even handle some gaming. But it’s not the fastest chip out there.

Nothing Phone (2a): The Dimensity 7200 Pro is slightly faster than the 7300, at least in benchmarks. In practice, the difference is negligible. Both phones offer fluid performance for most tasks.

Winner: It’s a close race, but the Nothing Phone (2a) beats the CMF Phone 1 in terms of raw performance.

Camera: Good, but not great

CMF Phone 1: The CMF’s 50MP main camera takes decent photos in good lighting. But it struggles in low light, and the 2MP depth sensor doesn’t add much value.

Nothing Phone (2a): The Nothing Phone (2a)’s dual 50MP cameras are a bit more versatile. The ultra-wide lens is a welcome addition, and overall image quality is a bit better.

Winner: The Nothing Phone (2a) takes the win here, but neither phone will wow you with its camera performance.

Software: Clean and Simple vs. Customizable Fun

CMF Phone 1: The CMF OS is based on Android 14 and is pretty close to stock Android. It is clean, smooth and easy to use. If you like a no-nonsense software experience, you will appreciate this.

Nothing Phone (2a): Nothing OS 2.6 is also based on Android 14, but has a more unique look and feel. It’s highly customizable, and the Glyph Interface adds some nice functionality.

Winner: This one comes down to personal preference. I lean toward the Nothing Phone (2a) for its customizability, but the simplicity of the CMF Phone 1 is also appealing.

Battery and Charging: A Tie

Both phones have a 5,000mAh battery that will easily last a full day with moderate usage. The Nothing Phone (2a) charges faster, but the CMF Phone 1 offers reverse wireless charging, which is a nice addition.

Verdict: Which one should you buy?

If you want a phone with a unique design, customizable software, and slightly better performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a good choice. But be prepared to pay a premium for it. If you prefer a more premium feel, a super bright display, and a clean software experience, the CMF Phone 1 might be a better choice. It’s a fantastic value for the price.

Ultimately, both phones offer great value for money. Choose the one that suits you!