vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Which Entry-Level 5G Handset Suits You The Best?

The Chinese smartphone giant vivo recently released an affordable 5G handset with a massive battery: the vivo T4x. Since it costs less than Rs. 15,000, buyers are comparing the smartphone with models like the CMF Phone (1) (as it features the same chipset) and Samsung’s latest entrant into the segment, the Galaxy M16 5G. Here’s a detailed comparison between the three smartphones to help you make an informed decision and pick the best phone.

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Tech Specs

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vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Design

vivo T4x

The vivo T4x has a contemporary design with a punch-hole display in the front (with a broader chin) and a rectangular camera island at the top left of the plastic back. Though the phone has a plastic frame, it features an IP64 rating and complies with the MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability.

The camera island on the vivo T4x is larger than the other phones, as it also features a circular LED Aura Light.

CMF Phone (1)

The CMF Phone (1) looks like a regular phone at first due to the punch-hole screen (with a broader chin) and a vertically-stacked pill-shaped camera array at the top left of the back panel. With a plastic frame and back, the phone has an IP52 rating. However, unlike other phones, the phone features a modular back plate.

With the help of a few screws, the phone lets users change the back plates and attach a compact wallet, a lanyard loop, or a kickstand to the back of the phone. Though buyers must purchase these accessories separately, they surely add some character to the handset.

Samsung Galaxy M16 5G

Despite being an entry-level handset, the Galaxy M16 takes inspiration from the more expensive Galaxy lineups. Aside from the water-drop notch and a thick chin at the bottom, the phone has a polycarbonate back with a glossy finish and comes in three vibrant colors.

It is worth mentioning that the Galaxy M16 5G is the thinnest and the lightest smartphone in this comparison. Lastly, the phone has an IP54 dust and water resistance rating.

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Display

The vivo T4x ships with a 6.72-inch IPS LCD screen, which has a resolution of 2408 x 1080 (393 ppi). With support for a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen can achieve a maximum brightness of 1050 nits.

Even though the CMF Phone (1) is the oldest smartphone in the comparison, it features a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (395 ppi). The panel can achieve a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it the brightest of the three phones.

The Galaxy M16 flaunts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 90Hz screen with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (385 ppi). It supports a peak brightness of 800 nits in the high-brightness mode.

Since the vivo T4x doesn’t have an AMOLED screen, it doesn’t support always-on functionality. At the same time, it is the only phone that features a stereo speaker setup. On the other hand, the other two phones should produce deeper and richer colors (thanks to the AMOLED panel).

While the CMF Phone (1) features an under-display fingerprint scanner, the other two phones have a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

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vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Performance

The vivo T4x and the CMF Phone (1) run on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) chipset, which features four 2.5GHz performance cores and four 2.0GHz efficient cores. Both the handsets feature a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU and up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, but there’s a difference in the type of storage.

The vivo T4x packs in UFS 3.1 storage, which is significantly faster and more efficient than the UFS 2.2 storage on the CMF Phone (1). Even so, both phones provide up to 256GB of storage, which should be enough for most users. Interestingly, the CMF Phone (1) has a microSD card slot to expand storage to 2TB.

Samsung’s Galaxy M16 5G features the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) chipset, comprising two 2.4GHz performance cores and six 2.0GHz efficient cores. Besides, the chipset has the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, up to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. What’s good is that users can extend the storage with a microSD card slot (via a hybrid SIM tray).

If performance is your priority, the vivo T4x should provide the best experience (courtesy of the faster storage). However, if you aren’t concerned about performance, all the phones should provide a similar user experience.

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Software

Out of the box, the vivo T4x runs on FunTouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15. The operating system offers features live Live Text, Circle to Search, and AI Screen Translation. Further, vivo has promised to provide two years of major operating system updates and three years of security fixes with the device.

The CMF Phone (1) ran on Nothing OS 2.6 at its launch in July 2024. Most recently, the phone got updates to Nothing OS 3.0 based on Android 15. However, given that the brand promised only two years of major operating system updates, Android 16 should be the last update the phone gets. Nonetheless, it will still get another year of security fixes after that.

Samsung Galaxy M16 5G is the only phone in this comparison (and in the segment) that offers six years of software support (for both the operating system and security fixes). Further, the handset runs on One UI 7.0 (based on Android 15) right out of the box. If longevity is a priority for you, Galaxy M16 should be the top priority on your list.

Also Read: Galaxy A56 5G vs. OnePlus 13R 5G: Which Mid-Ranger Offers More Value For Your Money?

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Cameras

The vivo T4x packs a 50MP (f/1.8) primary camera, a 2MP (f/2.4) depth camera, and an 8MP (f/2.1) front camera. The smartphone’s main camera can record 4K (30 fps) video, while the selfie shooter can only record 1080p (30 fps). Some notable photography-related features include portrait mode, night mode, 50MP high-resolution mode, and Live Photo.

A unique feature of the vivo T4x’s camera setup is the circular Aura Light, which helps in capturing low-light pictures by illuminating subjects.

The CMF Phone (1) also has a similar camera setup, which consists of a 50MP (f/1.8) primary sensor and a 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor. On the front, users get a 16MP (f/2.0) camera. While the phone can record 4K videos (30 fps), it can also shoot 1080p videos at 60 fps. Additional features include Live HDR 1080p (30 fps) recording, Action Mode, AI Vivid Modes, and night mode.

The Galaxy M16 5G is the only phone in the comparison with a triple camera setup. Apart from the 50MP (f/1.8) primary sensor and 2MP (f/2.4) macro sensor, there’s a 5MP (f/2.2) ultrawide sensor. Additional features include a 13MP (f/2.0) selfie camera and 1080p video recording (at 30 fps).

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Battery Life And Charging Speed

The latest smartphone from vivo features a massive 6,500 mAh, which should outlast all the other phones in the comparison. It also features 44W wired charging (50% in 40 minutes). It is important to mention that this is the only phone that ships with a power brick in the box.

The CMF Phone (1) features a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 33W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging. In our review of the smartphone, we’ve mentioned how it can “easily last a day on heavy 5G usage.”

Samsung’s entry-level handset packs in a 5,000 mAh battery that supports only 25W wired charging. Given that the chipset is based on 6nm fabrication technology, it should consume slightly more energy than the chipset on the other two phones.

If battery life is your top priority, consider the vivo T4x. It won’t just last over a day on a single charge, but you won’t have to spend on getting a charging brick separately either.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M16 vs. realme P3x vs. vivo T3X: Which Affordable 5G Phone Is Better For You?

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Connectivity

Connectivity options on the vivo T4x include 5G (8 bands), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.4 (A2DP, LE), GPS, an IR Blaster, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

The CMF Phone (1) provides 5G (10 bands) connectivity, along with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.3 (A2DP, BLE), GPS, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

Last but not least, the Galaxy M16 5G (11 bands), dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth v5.3, GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0 port.

vivo T4x vs. CMF Phone (1) vs. Galaxy M16: Price And Conclusion

vivo T4x 5G Price

• vivo T4x 5G (6GB + 128GB): Rs. 13,999
• vivo T4x 5G (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 14,999
• vivo T4x 5G (6GB + 256GB): Rs. 16,999

The inclusion of an IP64 rating and compliance with the MIL-STD-810H standard sure instills more confidence in the vivo T4x’s durability. The phone also features a giant screen with stereo speakers, a capable processor, up to 256GB of storage, and a dual-camera setup.

However, the main highlight remains its 6,500 mAh battery, which remains unmatched. You wouldn’t end up spending more on getting a charger as well (it’s included in the box). The handset’s downsides are an LCD display and a shorter software support.

The smartphone will be available on sale March 12, 2025.

CMF Phone (1) Price

• CMF Phone (1) (6GB + 128GB): Rs. 13,940
• CMF Phone (1) (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 16,299

If you’re into DIY customization, the interchangeable back panels of the CMF Phone (1) should appeal to you. Besides, the phone offers an under-display fingerprint scanner, the brightest AMOLED display in comparison, and runs on Nothing OS (which is similar to stock Android). Its downsides include an inferior IP rating and shorter software support.

Samsung Galaxy M16 5G Price

• Galaxy M16 5G (4GB + 128GB): Rs. 12,499
• Galaxy M16 5G (6GB + 128GB): Rs. 13,499
• Galaxy M16 5G (8GB + 128GB): Rs. 15,499

Although the handset features a less powerful chipset than the others, Samsung compensates for the same with six years of major operating system updates, implying that you can keep the phone for longer before it stops receiving the latest updates. Further, it includes a triple-camera setup, allowing you to capture images in more perspectives than the other models.

The mid-tier variant with 6GB of RAM should work well for most buyers.

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