We continually get excited about new phone launches, especially when a brand releases its first smartphone. After endless leaks within the previous months, Nothing’s sub-brand has finally unveiled the CMF Phone 1, the new budget-centric entry in Nothing’s growing phone lineup.
New phone launches are always exciting, right? Especially when it’s a brand’s first-ever smartphone! After months of leaks and speculation, Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has finally revealed the CMF Phone 1, the latest budget-friendly addition to their lineup. Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out.
Table of Contents
CMF Phone 1: Specs and Details
The CMF Phone 1 is not your typical smartphone. It boasts a modular design, allowing you to swap out the back panels easily. It means you can change the look of your phone by removing a few screws and the physical dial, then replacing the back panel with another one.
The CMF Phone 1 comes out of the box with a black back panel. But if you’re in the mood for a change, you can choose from Light Green, Blue (India Only), and Orange panels, each offering a unique finish.
The back is polycarbonate, with a protective metal frame around the camera. One distinctive feature is the Accessory Point, a dial at the bottom right. You can unscrew this to attach accessories like a lanyard cable, a fold-out stand, or a cardholder.
While this modular nature makes repairs easier and extends the device’s lifespan, it does affect its durability. The CMF Phone 1 has an IP52 rating, which means it’s somewhat dustproof but has limited protection against liquids.
Display Features
On the front, the CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. For enhanced visuals, it supports HDR10+ and boasts a peak brightness of up to 2000 nits. There’s also an in-display fingerprint scanner, and the display supports a 240 Hz touch sampling rate, perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Phone 1 is powered by the eight-core 4nm Dimensity 7300 chipset, clocked at 2.5 GHz. While it’s a newer chipset, it’s slightly slower than the Dimensity 7200 Profound in the Nothing Phone (2a). CMF has included a liquid cooling system with a heat pipe, cryogenic frame, and graphite components to keep things cool.
Memory and Storage
You can choose between variants with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with support for expandable storage up to 2TB. It ensures you have plenty of space for all your apps, photos, and videos.
Battery Life and Charging
The CMF Phone 1 can last up to two days on a single charge, according to CMF. When you need to top up, the phone supports 33W fast charging, giving you 50% battery in just 20 minutes.
CMF Phone 1: Camera Specifications
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 50 MP Sony primary camera with a 79-degree field of view and a secondary portrait sensor. On the front, there’s a 16 MP selfie camera. Both cameras benefit from Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 2.0 algorithms for better photo quality.
Operating System and Software
The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, built on Android 14. CMF promises two years of major Android updates and up to three years of security updates, which is standard for budget devices like this.
Connectivity Options
Regarding connectivity, the CMF Phone 1 supports Dual SIM, Dual 5G (with support for 9 5G bands), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. It ensures you stay connected with the latest network technologies.
CMF Phone 1: Pricing and Availability
The CMF Phone 1 starts at Rs. 15,999 for the base 6GB + 128GB variant and Rs. 17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant. Additional covers are available for Rs. 1,499 each to customize your phone. The first sale starts at 12:00 PM on July 12 in India, with promotional offers including a Rs. 2,000 exchange bonus and Rs. 2,000 off on select banks.
Hands-on Experience
Our initial impressions of the CMF Phone 1 are positive. The modular design is unique and practical, making it easy to change the look and feel of your phone. The build quality feels solid, and the accessory options add a fun twist.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to other budget smartphones, the CMF Phone 1 holds its own. The Dimensity 7300 chipset, high-quality display, and versatile camera setup make it a strong contender in its price range. However, the lower IP52 rating might be a concern for some users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Modular design with swappable back panels
- High-quality Super AMOLED display with HDR10+
- Powerful Dimensity 7300 chipset
- Expandable storage up to 2TB
- Fast charging support
Cons:
- Lower IP52 rating for dust and water resistance
- Slightly slower chipset compared to competitors
Conclusion
The CMF Phone 1 is a solid entry into the budget smartphone market. Its unique design, impressive display, and capable hardware make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and stylish phone. While it does have some minor drawbacks, the overall value for money is hard to beat.
