The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a promising new entry in the budget smartphone market, with a starting price of $199 USD, offering a unique design and solid performance at an attractive price point. Designed by Nothing’s sub-brand CMF, this device aims to challenge the notion that affordable phones have to be boring.
Design and Customization
The standout feature of the CMF Phone 1 is its modular and customizable design. The back panel is user-replaceable, allowing you to easily change the color of your phone or replace a damaged panel. This not only adds a fun, personalized touch but also helps extend the phone’s lifespan by making repairs more accessible. However, some users have criticized this approach, arguing that it is outdated and that companies should focus on creating more durable, longer-lasting products to reduce e-waste. Despite this criticism, the modular design is a refreshing change from the typical one-size-fits-all smartphone design. The phone also features an “Accessory Point” on the back, which lets you attach various accessories like a stand, card holder, or lanyard. This modular approach is a welcome addition, giving users the ability to customize their device to their liking.
Display and Performance
The CMF Phone 1 boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. This display is truly impressive, delivering vibrant colors, deep contrast, and a smooth scrolling experience. It’s easily one of the best displays you’ll find in this price range.Under the hood, the phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, which provides solid performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. The 8GB of RAM helps the phone punch above its weight, ensuring a snappy and responsive user experience.
Camera and Battery Life
The CMF Phone 1 features a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor, which deliver surprisingly good results for a budget device. While it may not match the versatility of more expensive smartphones, the camera produces crisp, colorful images in good lighting conditions. Battery life is decent, with the 5,000mAh cell providing around 6 hours of screen-on time. The phone supports 33W wired charging, which should get you back up and running quickly. However, some users have expressed disappointment with the battery life, noting that they would have expected better performance from a 5,000mAh battery.
Software and Ecosystem
The CMF Phone 1 runs Nothing OS 2.6, which is based on Android 14. Nothing’s custom software adds a unique visual flair without compromising on functionality. The company promises 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security updates, which is a welcome commitment for a budget device. While the phone’s carrier support in the US is still a question mark, it performed well on T-Mobile’s network during testing. Some users have expressed concern about the lack of NFC support, which may limit the phone’s usefulness for mobile payments, especially in the US market.
Nothing CMF Phone 1 Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | – Dimensions: 164x77x8.2mm, 197g/202g – Plastic shell, glass front – User-replaceable back cover – Splash resistant (IPX2) |
| Display | – 6.67-inch AMOLED – 120Hz refresh rate – 1080×2400 pixel resolution – 500-700 nits typical brightness, 2000 nits peak |
| Processor | – MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) – Octa-core (4×2.5GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×2.0GHz Cortex-A55) – Mali-G615 MC2 GPU |
| Memory | – 6GB/8GB RAM – 128GB/256GB storage – microSDXC card slot |
| Camera | – Rear: 50MP f/1.8 main, 2MP depth – Front: 16MP f/2.0 |
| Video | – Rear: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps – Front: 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | – 5,000mAh – 33W wired charging – 5W reverse wired charging |
| Connectivity | – 5G – Dual SIM – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth |
| Software | – Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6 – 2 years of major Android updates – 3 years of security updates |
| Misc | – Fingerprint sensor (under display, optical) |
Conclusion
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a refreshing take on the affordable smartphone market. Its modular design, impressive display, and solid performance make it a compelling option for those looking to get more than just the basics from a budget device. However, the phone’s battery life and carrier compatibility in the US may be concerns for some users. Despite some criticism, the CMF Phone 1 offers a unique and customizable experience that sets it apart from the competition. If you’re in the US and don’t mind the potential carrier compatibility issues, the CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth considering as a budget-friendly option with a touch of personality.
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