Motorola Smartphone Evolution: A Comprehensive Look at Moto G85 and CMF Phone 1
The smartphone market has been a battleground for innovation, design, and value-for-money propositions. Motorola, a stalwart in the industry, has continuously evolved its offerings to stay relevant and appealing to a broad audience. The latest addition to their lineup, the Moto G85, is a testament to this evolution. Meanwhile, Nothing, a relatively new player, has introduced the CMF Phone 1 under its sub-brand, aiming to capture the budget segment with compelling features. This article delves into the comprehensive details of these two smartphones, comparing their design, performance, and value propositions to provide a holistic view of what they bring to the table.
Motorola’s Moto G85 is a mid-range smartphone that combines classic design elements with modern upgrades. Priced at Rs. 17,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage option and Rs. 19,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage option in India, it aims to offer a premium experience without breaking the bank. The review unit we examined boasts the 256GB storage option, which provides ample space for apps, media, and other data. The design of the Moto G85 has evolved significantly from its predecessor, featuring a curved display and a vegan leather finish at the back. This design choice is uncommon in mid-range phones under Rs. 20,000 in India, making the Moto G85 stand out in its category.
The curved display and vegan leather back of the Moto G85 offer a comfortable grip and a premium feel, enhancing the overall user experience. The phone comes in two color options: olive green and urban grey. The olive green variant, while aesthetically pleasing, is more prone to marks and smudges. The plastic sides of the phone, although giving it a budget-friendly feel, do not compromise on durability. The bottom of the device houses a speaker grille and a USB type-C port, but it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which might be a drawback for some users. The Moto G85 runs on Android 14 with Motorola’s new interface, Hello UI, which provides a near-stock Android experience with some useful additions.
Despite the presence of bloatware and the MotoHub app, which sends frequent notifications, the Moto G85’s interface includes several useful features such as family space, Moto Unplugged, and Moto Secure. These features enhance the overall usability of the device, catering to different user needs. Motorola has also promised to provide two major Android updates and four years of security updates for the Moto G85, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date with the latest software advancements. Under the hood, the Moto G85 is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor. While it is an improvement over its predecessor, it still falls short compared to competitors with advanced MediaTek Dimensity processors.
The Moto G85 handles daily tasks, social media, and gaming with ease, although there may be some lag with more demanding apps like Snapchat. The camera setup of the Moto G85 performs well in daylight conditions, with its 50-megapixel primary camera delivering sharp and vibrant images. The AI-driven improvements further enhance the photo quality, although there may be some overexposure and distortion with the ultra-wide camera. Overall, the Moto G85 offers a balanced performance, making it a reliable choice for users looking for a mid-range smartphone with a good mix of design, features, and performance.
On the other hand, the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing targets the budget segment, priced at S$369. Despite its lower price point, the CMF Phone 1 offers competitive features that cater to value-conscious consumers. The design of the CMF Phone 1 maintains the industrial simplicity that Nothing is known for, with a flat front and back and rounded corners that exude a high-quality feel. The phone’s dimensions and weight make it compact and lightweight, without sacrificing build quality. The back of the phone is made of ‘eco leather’ and comes with additional backs in blue and orange, which can be changed using the included screwdriver.
The removable frame of the CMF Phone 1 provides a solution for stress-free use, as it can easily be swapped if damaged. This feature adds to the phone’s longevity and usability. However, the display glass protection technology is not mentioned, so it is recommended to use a tempered glass screen protector to prevent scratches and damage. The phone also has an ‘accessory point’ at the bottom right of the back frame, allowing users to attach accessories like a lanyard, phone stand, or card case. This thoughtful addition enhances the phone’s practicality and customization options.
The hand-feel of the CMF Phone 1 is impressive, with no sharp corners and a frame that does not attract fingerprints or feel cheap. The full-flat display makes it easier to use a tempered glass screen protector, ensuring the screen remains protected without compromising on usability. The display itself boasts a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits and good color reproduction, making it comparable to more expensive smartphones. This level of display quality is a significant advantage for a budget phone, providing a visually pleasing experience for users.
Performance-wise, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, which offers strong performance and smooth user interface transitions. This processor choice ensures that the phone can handle everyday tasks and multitasking efficiently. Additionally, the phone includes a microSD card slot and a 5,000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life and expandable storage options. However, one notable omission is the lack of NFC, which may be missed by users who rely on tap-to-pay features for convenience in their daily transactions.
The camera setup on the CMF Phone 1 is basic, with only one main shooter. Despite this limitation, the camera performs well in daytime shots, delivering better results than many competitors in its price range. This makes the CMF Phone 1 a suitable option for users who prioritize affordability and decent camera performance over having multiple camera lenses. Overall, the CMF Phone 1 is a great budget option from Nothing, offering good design, hardware choices, and battery life, making it a reliable and suitable choice for users who do not need NFC.
In conclusion, both the Moto G85 and the CMF Phone 1 offer unique value propositions in their respective segments. The Moto G85 stands out with its premium design, curved display, and solid performance, making it an attractive option for mid-range smartphone buyers. Its promise of software updates and useful interface features further enhance its appeal. On the other hand, the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing provides a compelling budget option with its minimalist design, strong performance, and practical features. While it lacks NFC, it compensates with excellent battery life and a user-friendly design. Both smartphones reflect the ongoing evolution in the industry, catering to diverse consumer needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Moto G85 and the CMF Phone 1 will depend on individual priorities. Those seeking a more premium feel and better camera capabilities might lean towards the Moto G85, while budget-conscious users who value design and battery life may find the CMF Phone 1 to be the better fit. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it is exciting to see how brands like Motorola and Nothing innovate to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers. Whether you are looking for a mid-range powerhouse or a budget-friendly performer, these two smartphones offer something for everyone, underscoring the dynamic nature of the mobile technology landscape.