Moto G96 vs CMF Phone 2 Pro: If you are looking to buy a powerful and stylish smartphone in the budget of ₹ 20,000, then at this time two great options have emerged in the market – Moto G96 and CMF Phone 2 Pro. On one hand is Motorola’s reliable and stable phone, which comes with durability, clean software and strong battery. On the other hand is CMF’s new and different style phone, which can prove to be a game changer in terms of design, performance and long-term updates.

Now the question arises, which of these phones will be best for you? Do you want a reliable performer, or something new and future-ready? In this comparison, we will talk in detail about both the phones in every category – from design to battery – so that you can take a comfortable decision and invest money in the right place!

Design & Style

The segment under ₹20,000 has always been quite popular for smartphone buyers in India. In mid-2025, two new phones rocked: Moto G96 and CMF Phone 2 Pro. Both are phones with different personalities. The Moto G96 comes with a trusted and refined look, in which you get a vegan leather back that gives you a premium feel. And its IP68 rating makes it even tougher – no fear of water or dust. On the other hand, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is famous for its different design. With an industrial look, visible screws and modular style accessories, this phone looks awesome. The matte finish makes its look even more classy. For those who value style and uniqueness, CMF’s design is a bold statement.

Display & Visuals

Both phones have shown tremendous improvement in the world of display. The Moto G96’s 6.67-inch pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, and 1600 nits brightness is enough for outdoor usage. Gorilla Glass 5 protection is also available. But the CMF Phone 2 Pro goes one step ahead here – with a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and whopping 3000 nits peak brightness. Its 1000Hz touch sampling rate also gives a different responsiveness in gaming and everyday use. If you want the best in visual experience and outdoor readability, then CMF Phone 2 Pro clearly takes the lead.

Performance & Processor

When it comes to processor, both phones have quite capable chips. The Moto G96 gets Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 which gives solid performance for daily usage and mid-level gaming. Whereas CMF Phone 2 Pro has MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Pro chip, which performs slightly better in benchmarks, and also supports 120 FPS in games like BGMI. That is, if your focus is on gaming or multitasking, then CMF is a little ahead. Both phones have 8GB RAM as standard and storage is up to 128GB or 256GB. But in CMF you can increase the storage up to 2TB with a microSD card, which is slightly better than Moto’s 1TB.

Camera Setup

Both phones have their own strengths in terms of camera. Moto G96 has a 50MP Sony LYTIA sensor with OIS, which gives stability and clarity in photography. An 8MP ultrawide lens is also available. For selfie lovers, its 32MP front camera with 4K video recording is a blast. The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a combo of 50MP main camera, 50MP 2x telephoto lens and 8MP ultrawide lens. The telephoto lens is a rare feature at this price, which makes zoom and portrait shots professional. The front camera is 16MP, a bit modest, but useful. CMF offers a more versatile package for camera lovers.

Features & Tech

Both phones have done something special in the world of software as well. The Moto G96 comes with Android 15, which has Motorola’s clean Hello UI. It gives a near-stock Android feel with almost no bloatware. But Motorola is only going to give 1 year of OS update and 3 years of security patch. The CMF Phone 2 Pro also comes with Android 15 but gets the visual flare of Nothing OS 3.2, which gives a new kind of user experience with unique widgets and features like Essential Space. The biggest thing is that CMF promises 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches – meaning this phone is future proof in the long term.

Battery & Charging

In Moto G96 you get a big 5500mAh battery that supports 33W TurboPower charging. This phone can accompany you throughout the day without worrying about charging. The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a small but efficient 5000mAh battery that supports the same 33W fast charging. Both phones can handle full day usage, but the Moto’s battery is slightly better for heavier users.

Price & Variants

The price points of both phones are also quite close. The base model of the Moto G96 comes for ₹17,999 (8GB + 128GB), while the 256GB variant is available for ₹19,999. The base price of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is slightly higher – it starts at ₹18,999, and the 256GB model is priced at ₹20,999. But in bank offers and special sales, CMF can also be grabbed for under ₹20,000, so both are neck-to-neck in terms of value.

FAQs

Is Moto G96 good for gaming?

Yes, but CMF Phone 2 Pro performs slightly better in gaming.

Is CMF Phone 2 Pro waterproof?

No, it only has IP54 splash resistance. Moto G96 comes with full IP68 waterproof rating.

Do both phones have headphone jack?

Only Moto G96 has 3.5mm jack, CMF does not.

Final Verdict

If you want a dependable, smooth and premium-feeling phone with waterproofing, a big battery and clean Android, then the Moto G96 is the best pick for you. It’s a practical and reliable option that will get the job done all day long without any hassle.

But if you want a modern, unique design phone with gaming performance, advanced camera setup (especially telephoto), and long-term software support, then the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the perfect fit for you. This phone is for people who want a future-ready device and also like to standout in looks.