Realme has launched its latest budget number series offering, the Realme 13 5G, in India. The new smartphone is a solid offering with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, 50MP camera, IP64 rating, and more. In this price segment, the CMF Phone 1 is one of its strongest contenders. So, let’s compare these two smartphones’ specifications to see which one is the more value-for-money device.
The Realme 13 5G offers 8GB RAM with 128GB and 256GB variants but is Rs 2,000 more expensive. The CMF Phone 1 comes with just 128GB storage but with 6GB and 8GB RAM. The flexibility to choose a higher RAM and storage variant for a little extra tips the scale in favour of the Realme 13 5G.
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Design
The Realme 13 5G comes with what the brand calls Speedy Curve design in Dark Purple and Speed Green colours. The smartphone features flat edges and a big circular camera module with chamfered edges on the back. The Realme 13 5G is IP64-rated and is just 7.79 mm thick, and weighs 190 grams.
The CMF Phone 1 stands out in the smartphone market with its unique modular design. Thanks to the proprietary screws and Accessory Point (the circular dial in the bottom right), users can swap back panels and attach accessories conveniently. The IP52-rated smartphone comes in Black, Light Green, Orange, and Blue (India-exclusive) colours. It is 9 mm thick and weighs 197 grams.
The CMF Phone 1 is chunkier and heavier, with a lower ingress protection rating, but it will appeal to those who prefer to stand out from the crowd. The more premium hand feel and the flexibility to swap the look of the device make the CMF Phone 1 the better-designed device. The Realme 13 5G is for those who prefer a sleek and durable smartphone.
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Display
The Realme 13 5G offers a 6.72-inch IPC LCD screen with FHD+ screen resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Other display features include an 83% NTSC colour gamut, 580 nits brightness, a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio, and Rainwater Smart Touch.
The CMF Phone 1 flaunts a Super AMOLED LTPS display measuring 6.67 inches diagonally. The panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ screen resolution. Its features include Ultra HDR+, 2000 nits peak brightness, 8-bit colour, and AGC DragonTrail Pro glass protection.
In the display department, the Super AMOLED LTPS panel and 2000 nits peak brightness offered by CMF Phone 1 make it a winner. Moreover, the CMF Phone 1 also offers Ultra HDR+ and AGC DragonTrail Pro protection.
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Processor
The Realme 13 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, an octa-core processor with a clock speed of up to 2.4GHz. The chipset is built on 6nm fabrication and comes with an integrated ARM G57 MC2 GPU, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The smartphone also gets Dynamic RAM support up to 10GB.
The CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, built on a 4nm TSMC process. The chipset has an integrated Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, up to 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a microSD card slot.
The CMF Phone 1 pulls ahead with a more robust and efficient chipset. Moreover, the smartphone offers cleaner software to elevate the user experience a notch above, which brings us to…
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Software
The Realme 13 5G comes with Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 preinstalled. The smartphone is assured of two Android upgrades and three years of security patches. Realme has equipped the latest software with an AI boost feature for smooth and optimised performance.
The CMF Phone 1 boots NothingOS 2.6 based on Android 14 out of the box. The brand has assured the device will get two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates.
Both smartphones offer identical software update timelines, so the software experience depends on user preference. Those who prefer a bloatware-free, minimalistic interface will like the CMF Phone 1. The Realme 13 5G will appeal to those who want AI goodies and other customisation options.
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Cameras
The Realme 13 5G flaunts a dual camera setup on the back with a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera with OIS and a secondary 2MP portrait camera. On the front, there is a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera.
The CMF Phone 1 also comes with dual cameras on the rear featuring a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.78 aperture and a secondary portrait sensor. The smartphone offers a 16MP front snapper with an f/2.45 aperture.
The rear camera setup on both smartphones is nearly identical, with a 50MP primary camera and a portrait sensor. The front cameras are also the same on the Realme 13 5G and the CMF Phone 1. When it comes to cameras, it’s a tie between these two smartphones.
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Battery and Charging
The Realme 13 5G features a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
The CMF Phone 1 packs a 5,000mAh battery and 33W charging.
The Realme 13 5G and CMF Phone 1 have a 5,000mAh battery. However, the Realme 13 5G edges ahead with slightly faster charging support.
Realme 13 5G vs CMF Phone 1: Verdict
The Realme 13 5G offers more RAM, faster charging support, and an attractive design at under Rs 20,000.
However, it is also more expensive compared to the CMF Phone 1. The CMF Phone 1, on the other hand, offers a much better display, powerful performance, clean software experience, and great cameras. The unique, customisable design is just the cherry on top, making, it a more preferable choice.
