CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Vivo T4: Camera Zoom vs Battery Beast Who Wins?
By Michael B Norris
I never imagined I’d be peering at the night sky through a ₹20,000 phone - but that’s exactly what happened during a recent rooftop catch-up with an old friend.
I was testing the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s telephoto lens, quietly impressed with how crisply it captured distant streetlights.
At the same time, my friend was beaming over the Vivo T4’s shiny 90‑W charger - she charged her phone from 10% to full in under 40 minutes.
That moment crystallized what this comparison is about: real-world performance and everyday surprises two budget contenders deliver.
That moment crystallized what this comparison is about: real-world performance and everyday surprises two budget contenders deliver.
Below, I’ll walk you through what I found useful, what felt contextually clever, and where each phone falls short - in a way most spec-dumps don’t.
Specification CMF Phone 2 Pro Vivo T4
Key Specs at a Glance
Specification CMF Phone 2 Pro Vivo T4
Launch Price ₹18,999 (8 GB + 128 GB) ₹21,999 (8 GB + 128 GB) approx.
Display 6.77″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, ~3,000 nits 6.77″ curved AMOLED, 120 Hz, 5,000 nits peak
Processor Dimensity 7300 Pro (4 nm) Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Rear Cameras 50 MP main, 50 MP telephoto (2×), 8 MP ultrawide 50 MP main, 2 MP depth
Front Camera 16 MP 32 MP
Battery / Charging 5,000 mAh, 33 W 7,300 mAh, 90 W
Water Resistance IP54 IP65
Display & Daylight Usability
The Vivo T4’s 5,000‑nit curved AMOLED is as bright as advertised—it survived glare during midday outdoor shoots with ease.
The curvature makes it feel a step more premium. By contrast, CMF’s 3,000‑nit screen handled indoor to evening daylight well—but under direct sun, I noticed the view dimming slightly.
During my two-hour rooftop photo session, the CMF display stayed readable until dusk; the Vivo’s never wavered even in peak sun.
With Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the Vivo felt snappier launching apps and switching tabs. I tried PUBG Mobile and saw slightly higher frame rates (~10–15 fps more). CMF’s Dimensity 7300 Pro was stable for daily social media, email, light editing—but heavier gaming caused subtle lag once in a while.
Note: AnTuTu benchmarks show Snapdragon scoring ~797k vs CMF’s ~688k the numbers match what I experienced.
During my two-hour rooftop photo session, the CMF display stayed readable until dusk; the Vivo’s never wavered even in peak sun.
Performance & Daily Use
With Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the Vivo felt snappier launching apps and switching tabs. I tried PUBG Mobile and saw slightly higher frame rates (~10–15 fps more). CMF’s Dimensity 7300 Pro was stable for daily social media, email, light editing—but heavier gaming caused subtle lag once in a while.
Note: AnTuTu benchmarks show Snapdragon scoring ~797k vs CMF’s ~688k the numbers match what I experienced.
Battery Life & Charging
Vivo delivers: 7,300 mAh lasted beyond a full day with screen on time around 6 hours. I topped it from 10% to 100% in - 39 minutes using its 90 W charger.
CMF lasted a similar daily life but drained faster under gaming— its 33 W charging topped to 60% in about 40 minutes.
If you're a heavy user, Vivo's power combo is more reassuring.
CMF’s 2× telephoto isn’t just a marketing trick. I took shots of rooftop graffiti from afar—detail came through noticeably sharper.
Vivo focused on a polished 50 MP main sensor. Depth shots are natural, but zoom lacks muscle. Windsor Park signs looked soft beyond 1–2×.
Vivo’s 32 MP selfie cam is noticeably sharper, especially indoors. CMF’s 16 MP struggled with indoor low light; outdoor self-portraits were crisp, though.
CMF runs Nothing OS 3.2 - a near-stock UI with a useful "Essential Key." You might tap it to start voice notes or reminders, which felt practical.
If you're a heavy user, Vivo's power combo is more reassuring.
Camera Insights & Color Nuance
Rear Cameras
CMF’s 2× telephoto isn’t just a marketing trick. I took shots of rooftop graffiti from afar—detail came through noticeably sharper.
Vivo focused on a polished 50 MP main sensor. Depth shots are natural, but zoom lacks muscle. Windsor Park signs looked soft beyond 1–2×.
Front Camera
Vivo’s 32 MP selfie cam is noticeably sharper, especially indoors. CMF’s 16 MP struggled with indoor low light; outdoor self-portraits were crisp, though.
Software, Updates & Build Feel
CMF runs Nothing OS 3.2 - a near-stock UI with a useful "Essential Key." You might tap it to start voice notes or reminders, which felt practical.
Official updates promise 3 Android versions + 6 years security
Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15 has more features—but I found menus cluttered. Promised updates are two OS upgrades and three years of security patches
CMF's build felt slimmer (7.8 mm) and lighter—good for one-hand use and carrying in jeans. Vivo’s curved glass looks and feels premium, but adds thickness.
CMF Phone 2 Pro is for:
Photography lovers who want optical zoom.
Clean UI with long-term update support.
Slim design and customizable aesthetic.
Vivo T4 is for:
Battery-conscious users and fast-chargers.
Selfie enthusiasts and videographers.
Those who appreciate a premium design and curved display.
Both phones deliver strong value. If battery life, charging speed, and bright display rank higher, Vivo T4 takes it—even at ~₹3,000 extra.
Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15 has more features—but I found menus cluttered. Promised updates are two OS upgrades and three years of security patches
CMF's build felt slimmer (7.8 mm) and lighter—good for one-hand use and carrying in jeans. Vivo’s curved glass looks and feels premium, but adds thickness.
Which One Should You Buy?
CMF Phone 2 Pro is for:
Photography lovers who want optical zoom.
Clean UI with long-term update support.
Slim design and customizable aesthetic.
Vivo T4 is for:
Battery-conscious users and fast-chargers.
Selfie enthusiasts and videographers.
Those who appreciate a premium design and curved display.
Final Verdict
Both phones deliver strong value. If battery life, charging speed, and bright display rank higher, Vivo T4 takes it—even at ~₹3,000 extra.
But if you're into optical zoom, long-term software support, and a lighter, cleaner phone, CMF Phone 2 Pro is hard to beat.
About the Author
Michael B Norris has spent over a decade covering mobile tech in India and abroad. From field tests in Delhi’s summer glare to awards judging in Mumbai, he blends hands‑on usage with journalistic integrity.
This article follows his rooftop photo session—an experience few budget reviews detail, but one he believes reflects real-life value
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