Smartphones are always changing, so it's not often that you find one that seamlessly blends high-end design, solid performance, and low price. The CMF Phone 1, the newest phone from Nothing's CMF sub-brand, is meant to fill that need. The CMF Phone 1 is making waves in the market for cheap smartphones with its unique look and great specs. Take a close look at what this new gadget has to offer.
Body: The CMF Phone 1 measures 164x77x8.2mm and weighs between 197g and 202g. It features a plastic shell with a glass front and a user-replaceable back cover. The phone is also splash resistant.
Display: The phone boasts a 6.67" AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers typical brightness levels between 500 and 700 nits, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. The resolution is 1080x2400px, providing a 20.1:9 aspect ratio and 394ppi density.
Chipset: The CMF Phone 1 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) chipset. It includes an octa-core processor with 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55, paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.
Memory: There are three memory configurations available: 128GB with 6GB RAM, 128GB with 8GB RAM, and 256GB with 8GB RAM. The phone also supports microSDXC for expandable storage.
OS/Software: It runs on Android 14, with Nothing OS 2.6 providing a unique user experience.
Rear Camera: The main camera setup includes a 50 MP wide (main) sensor with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, along with a 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture.
Front Camera: The front-facing camera is 16 MP with an f/2.0 aperture and a wide-angle lens.
Video Capture: The rear camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps. The front camera records 1080p video at 30fps.
Battery: The phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, supporting 33W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging.
Connectivity: It offers 5G connectivity, dual SIM capability, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Misc: Additional features include an under-display optical fingerprint reader.
Modular Design: The CMF Phone 1 features a unique modular design with a removable back panel, allowing for user customization. It also includes an "Accessory Point" for attaching functional accessories like a fold-out stand, card holder, or lanyard.
Colors: The phone is available in four color options: Black, Light Green, Orange, and Blue (exclusive to the Indian market).
Sensors: The phone includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, compass, and light and proximity sensors.
Ingress Protection: The phone has IP52 ingress protection, making it splash-resistant.
Nothing, known for its innovative designs and unique approach to technology, has recently expanded its product lineup with the CMF brand. Initially focusing on smartphone accessories, CMF has now ventured into the smartphone arena with the launch of the CMF Phone 1. Unlike other sub-brands that operate independently, CMF functions as an integral part of the broader Nothing ecosystem, offering a distinct style while maintaining the quality and innovation Nothing is known for.
The CMF Phone 1 boasts a standout design that aligns with the brand’s ethos of combining elegance with functionality. The device features a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth performance. The phone's body measures 164x77x8.2mm and weighs around 197g, making it comfortable to hold and use.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the CMF Phone 1 is its modular design. The back panel is not only swappable but also houses an "Accessory Point" – a unique feature for attaching functional accessories like a fold-out stand, card holder, or lanyard. This modular approach not only enhances customization but also contributes to the phone’s sustainability by making repairs easier.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display supports a peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. The display also supports HDR, providing an immersive viewing experience with rich colors and deep contrasts.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, the CMF Phone 1 offers robust performance. The octa-core processor, combined with options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient power management. While it may not top performance charts, the Dimensity 7300 is more than capable of handling everyday tasks and gaming with ease.
The CMF Phone 1 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This flagship-grade Sony sensor captures detailed and vibrant photos, while the 2MP depth sensor adds bokeh effects for portrait shots. The 16MP front camera is perfect for selfies, offering clear and sharp images.
The phone supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps, providing flexibility for capturing high-quality videos. The camera software includes various modes and features to enhance your photography experience, making it a versatile tool for both casual and serious photographers.
Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the CMF Phone 1 promises all-day battery life even with heavy usage. The Dimensity 7300 chipset’s power efficiency further enhances battery performance, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day.
The phone supports 33W wired charging, which, while not the fastest in the market, is adequate for most users. In our testing, the phone charged from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes, reaching a full charge in approximately 81 minutes. This ensures that even if you run low on battery, a quick charge will get you back up and running swiftly.
The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, a custom skin based on Android 14. This operating system offers a clean and intuitive user interface with minimal bloatware, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. The software includes several unique features and customization options, adding to the phone’s overall appeal.
The CMF Phone 1 supports dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity options. While it lacks NFC and an FM radio receiver, it makes up for it with robust network support and other connectivity features.
The phone features a single bottom-firing loudspeaker that delivers decent audio quality. Although it doesn’t have stereo speakers or a 3.5mm audio jack, the speaker performs well for calls and media consumption.
The CMF Phone 1 is a testament to Nothing’s commitment to innovation and quality. With its unique design, solid performance, impressive camera capabilities, and long battery life, it offers excellent value for its price. The modular design and customizable back panels add a layer of personalization that is rare in this price segment. If you’re looking for a budget smartphone that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality, the CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth considering.
Share your thoughts and experiences with the CMF Phone 1 in the comments below. We’d love to hear how this new device fits into your daily life!