Moto G96 vs CMF Phone 2 Pro: Best Smartphone Under Rs 20,000? Full Comparison & Verdict
Confused between "Moto G96 and CMF Phone 2 Pro" ' Discover a comprehensive comparison of specifications, features, cameras, battery, performance, and value to help you pick the best smartphone under Rs 20,000 in 2025.
Moto G96 vs CMF Phone 2 Pro: Which is the Better Phone Under Rs 20,000?
Are you looking for a powerful smartphone without stretching your budget past Rs 20,000? The Moto G96 and the CMF Phone 2 Pro are among the hottest contenders in this segment for 2025. In this detailed, unbiased comparison, we’ll evaluate design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and overall value to help you choose the best phone for your needs.
1. Design and Build Quality
Moto G96: Stays true to Motorola’s understated yet robust ethos, featuring a matte-finish polycarbonate back, slim profile, and a well-balanced in-hand feel. The handset is splash-resistant, which is a plus for durability.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Created by Nothing’s sub-brand CMF, this phone pushes the envelope with a slightly bolder aesthetic—a transparent rear panel, customizable button, and a hint of retro-futuristic flair. Premium glass back, metal frame, and IP54 rating makes it slightly more upmarket in look and feel.
Verdict: If you want “safe but solid,” Moto G96 wins. For those valuing standout looks and a trendy vibe, CMF Phone 2 Pro is your pick.
2. Display
Moto G96: Boasts a 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate. Vibrant color reproduction and deep blacks make it great for streaming and gaming.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Matches with a 6.67-inch AMOLED, also 120Hz, but with a higher peak brightness (up to 1,200 nits). Gorilla Glass 5 protection adds durability.
Verdict: Both offer smooth, vivid displays, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro edges ahead with brighter visuals and stronger screen protection.
3. Performance
Moto G96: Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. It handles gaming and daily multitasking with minimal lag, thanks to near-stock Android optimizations.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Runs on MediaTek Dimensity 8200 with up to 12GB RAM/256GB storage. It delivers slightly better synthetic benchmarks and is more future-proof for heavy gaming and 4K video editing.
Verdict: CMF Phone 2 Pro is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, offering more RAM and a stronger chipset, especially for power users.
4. Camera Comparison
Moto G96: Dual rear setup—50MP main with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide. Daylight images are punchy and natural, but low-light results could be better. The 16MP front camera is reliable for social media.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Triple-lens setup—64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. Superior in both daylight and low-light thanks to advanced AI tuning. The 32MP selfie camera delivers sharper and more dynamic results.
Verdict: CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a more versatile and reliable camera system for both photography and videography buffs.
5. Battery Life and Charging
Moto G96: Packs a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. Easily lasts a full day with moderate use; full charge in about 80 minutes.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Near-identical 5,000mAh cell, but supports faster 67W charging—juicing up to 80% in around 30 minutes.
Verdict: Tie on battery life, but CMF’s blazing-fast charging makes a real difference if you’re on the go.
6. Software and Updates
Moto G96: Ships with near-stock Android 14 and promised two years of OS upgrades plus security patches.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Runs Nothing OS 3.0 atop Android 14, offering minimal bloatware, unique widgets, and regular feature updates.
Verdict: Both offer clean, up-to-date software, but CMF’s added customization and exclusive features may excite tech-savvy users.
7. Connectivity and Extras
Moto G96: Dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, in-display fingerprint, NFC, stereo speakers, customizable hardware button.
Verdict: CMF Phone 2 Pro pulls ahead with more advanced connectivity options and exclusive hardware perks.
Pros & Cons Table
| Feature | Moto G96 | CMF Phone 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Solid, practical, durable | Trendy, premium, IP54, customizable |
| Display | FHD+ OLED, 120Hz | Brighter AMOLED, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Performance | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, up to 8GB RAM | Dimensity 8200, up to 12GB RAM |
| Camera | 50MP + 8MP, decent selfies | 64MP + 8MP + 2MP, better selfies |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 33W fast charge | 5,000mAh, 67W super-fast charge |
| Software | Near-stock Android 14, 2 years updates | Nothing OS 3.0, Android 14, regular features |
| Extras | Side fingerprint, stereo speakers | In-display fingerprint, NFC, hardware button |
| Price | Starts ~Rs 17,999 | Starts ~Rs 19,499 |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you prioritize clean software, reliable everyday performance, and a no-nonsense build, the Moto G96 is an excellent value pick. However, for just a slight premium, the CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers a more powerful chipset, bolder design, superior cameras, faster charging, and extra features. CMF Phone 2 Pro is the better-rounded choice for most users seeking the best phone under Rs 20,000 in 2025, especially if you care about style, camera, and speed.