Smartphone Performance
Panasonic Lumix DMC-CM1 Review – Smartphone Performance
For those considering the CM1, there are a couple of fundamental questions it needs to answer. Does it replace my phone? Can it take pictures better than the best smartphones available?
As an Android device, it matches the performance and specs of many of the mid-range devices currently on the market. Running Android 4.4 with a custom Panasonic UI, the CM1 has a Snapdragon 801 2.3GHz Quad-core unit, keeping it in touch with the iPhone 5S, Samsung Galaxy Alpha, LG G3 and the Sony Xperia Z2 in terms of processing power.
The icons are large and avoid making the interface look overly cluttered. It also has minimal manufacturer bloatware, although Panasonic has developed some 4K camera applications that are currently exclusive to the CM1.
I was impressed with the operational speed of this device and you get the feeling that Panasonic’s approach places much more emphasis on function over style compared to the slightly more sleek and modern UIs from Sony and LG.
I swapped my regular Android handset for the CM1 while writing this review, and was pleasantly surprised by the battery performance. It charges quickly and, after a full day of regular use that included checking my social media feeds, responding to messages and taking pictures, I would get home with around 20% of battery life remaining.
Switching between applications is smooth and the handset handled multimedia functions well. Overall, in my experience, as an Android device, the only significant difference between the CM1 and other mid to top-of-the-range Android devices is that this device has a large-sensor camera built in.
