CMF Phone 1 Review
Nothing, a relatively new player in the smartphone market, has unveiled its latest product, the CMF Phone 1. Known for its distinctive design and affordability, Nothing aims to make a mark with this new release. Let’s dive into the details of the CMF Phone 1 and see how it stands out.
The CMF Phone 1 arrives in a straightforward, two-piece cardboard box. The front of the box features an enlarged design depiction, highlighting details like the exposed screws on the back of the phone. Inside, you’ll find the phone cradled securely, along with a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a SIM ejector tool, reflecting CMF’s minimalist approach. However, the package lacks a charger and other accessories, which might be a downside for some.
The CMF Phone 1’s design is a key selling point. The phone features rounded corners and an industrial look accentuated by visible stainless steel screws on the back. These screws not only contribute to the phone’s aesthetic but also serve a functional purpose by securing the removable back cover. This design choice supports CMF’s commitment to customizability and repairability, aligning with their environmentally friendly strategy.
The back panel comes in four initial color options: black matte, light green carmine, orange carmine, and blue carmine. The black and light green variants feature textured plastic, while the orange and blue versions boast a layer of vegan leather. These finishes are durable and easy to maintain, though the screws may require occasional cleaning to prevent debris buildup.
An intriguing feature on the back is the round “Accessory Point” located at the bottom right. This point allows for the attachment of optional accessories like an ID lanyard, stand, or a modular card case, adding to the phone’s versatility.
Built primarily of plastic with a metal camera housing, the CMF Phone 1 has a sturdy, tactile feel. It carries an IP52 rating, making it resistant to splashes. The phone is comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved edges, although the button placement is somewhat unconventional.
The CMF Phone 1 boasts a 6.67-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 and a PPI of 395, providing sharp and clear visuals. The LED screen supports HDR content and offers a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, enhancing the viewing experience with vibrant colors. The 20.5:9 aspect ratio makes it ideal for consuming multimedia content.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the CMF Phone 1 offers solid performance. It comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps and media. The Mali-G615 GPU enhances gaming performance and image processing capabilities.
One of the standout features of the CMF Phone 1 is its 5000 mAh battery, which outperforms many competitors with an active use score of 16 hours and 13 minutes. However, the charging options are less impressive, lacking rapid charging capabilities and only offering moderate speeds.
The phone features a single bottom-firing speaker, which delivers adequate loudness and clear mid-tones but lacks the immersive quality of stereo sound. Connectivity options include dual Nano-SIM with 5G support, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. However, it lacks NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack, which might be a drawback for some users.
Running on Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14, the CMF Phone 1 integrates seamlessly into Nothing’s ecosystem. The operating system promises two years of Android updates and three years of security updates. The user interface is clean and features a custom touch with a dot matrix font and monochrome icon set, along with 24 accessible widgets.
The CMF Phone 1’s camera system includes a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor and a secondary depth sensor. The main sensor focuses on capturing detailed images and is enhanced by Nothing’s True Lens Engine, Ultra XDR, and AI Vivid Mode, which optimize settings for various environments. The front camera features a 16MP sensor for selfies, which is capable but lacks advanced focus features.
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 stands out with its unique design, robust build, and impressive battery life. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of rapid charging, stereo sound, NFC, and an included charger, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a stylish and functional smartphone. The CMF Phone 1 is a strong contender in the budget smartphone market, appealing to buyers who prioritize design and practicality.
In summary, the CMF Phone 1 is a noteworthy addition to Nothing’s lineup, providing a blend of style and functionality at an affordable price. Its focus on customizability and repairability, combined with a solid performance and excellent battery life, makes it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers.
(FAQs) About Nothing CMF Phone 1
What makes the Nothing CMF Phone 1 stand out from other smartphones?
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is distinctive due to its unique industrial design, visible stainless steel screws, and customizable back panels. It also offers a strong focus on affordability and environmental friendliness through repairable components and minimalist packaging.
What comes in the box with the Nothing CMF Phone 1?
The CMF Phone 1 comes in a simple two-piece cardboard box. Inside, you’ll find the phone itself, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool. However, it does not include a charger or additional accessories.
Can I expand the storage on the Nothing CMF Phone 1?
Yes, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers up to 256GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage via microSD cards. You will need to choose the storage variant that best fits your needs when purchasing.
What color options are available for the back panel of the CMF Phone 1?
The back panel of the CMF Phone 1 comes in four color options: black matte, light green carmine, orange carmine, and blue carmine. The black and light green variants feature textured plastic, while the orange and blue versions have a layer of vegan leather.
Is the CMF Phone 1 water-resistant?
Yes, the CMF Phone 1 has an IP52 rating, which means it is resistant to splashes but not suitable for submersion in water.
How does the battery life of the CMF Phone 1 compare to other smartphones?
The CMF Phone 1 boasts a 5000 mAh battery, which provides an impressive active use score of 16 hours and 13 minutes. This performance is better than many competitors in its price range.
What type of display does the CMF Phone 1 have?
The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch LED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a PPI of 395. It supports HDR content and has a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring vibrant and clear visuals.
Does the CMF Phone 1 support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the CMF Phone 1 supports dual Nano-SIM cards with 5G connectivity, allowing for faster internet speeds and improved network performance.
What is the camera setup on the CMF Phone 1?
The CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor and a secondary depth sensor. The front camera has a 16MP sensor for selfies. The camera system is designed to capture detailed images and includes features like Ultra XDR and AI Vivid Mode.
Does the CMF Phone 1 have stereo speakers?
No, the CMF Phone 1 has a single bottom-firing speaker. While it provides adequate loudness and clear mid-tones, it does not offer the immersive experience of stereo sound.
What version of Android does the CMF Phone 1 run on?
The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, which is based on Android 14. The device is guaranteed to receive two years of Android updates and three years of security updates.
Are there any unique features or accessories available for the CMF Phone 1?
Yes, the CMF Phone 1 has an “Accessory Point” on the back panel for attaching optional accessories like an ID lanyard, stand, or modular card case. These accessories enhance the phone’s functionality and customization options.
What are the available RAM and storage options for the CMF Phone 1?
The CMF Phone 1 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. This ensures smooth performance and ample space for apps and media.
Does the CMF Phone 1 include a headphone jack?
No, the CMF Phone 1 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users will need to use wireless headphones or a USB Type-C adapter for wired headphones.
What kind of charging options does the CMF Phone 1 support?
The CMF Phone 1 supports moderate charging speeds but lacks rapid charging capabilities. It also does not include a charger in the box, so users will need to use their existing charger or purchase one separately.
Disclaimer: We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
