Review of CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Jul 11, 2024

Review of CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Introduction

  • Brand: CMF (sub-brand of Nothing)
  • Price: $200
  • Focus: Software and design
  • Purpose: Budget phone with premium software/design

Design

  • Back is removable and replaceable in different colors (black, orange, blue, light blue with green hue)
  • Flat sides and average bezels
  • Dual cameras
  • Unique knob/dial at the bottom corner

Color Options

  • Colors: Black, orange, blue, light blue
  • Material: Plastic back
  • Customization: Changeable backs available for upsell
  • Tools included: Orange combo sim ejector tool and flat head screwdriver

Knob/Dial Feature

  • Attaches accessories
    • Kickstand: For propping phone
    • Card holder wallet: Holds up to 4 cards
    • Lanyard: For attaching to phone
  • Comparison to MagSafe: Works with MagSafe accessories
    • Magnetic accessory plate included

Software and Usability

  • OS: Nothing OS 2.6
  • Features:
    • Cloned apps feature
    • Game Mode
    • One-handed pull down gesture
    • Notification history view
  • Performance:
    • Display: AMOLED, adaptive 60-120hz, 240hz touch sample rate
    • Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G
    • RAM: 6GB or 8GB
    • Battery: 5000mAh
    • Adaptive brightness: 700-2000 nits

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Design and Customization: Unique design, removable/replaceable backs
  • Display: AMOLED, adaptive refresh rate
  • Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
  • Software: Nothing OS with several useful features

Cons

  • Build Quality: Plastic, no water resistance (IP 52)
  • Camera: Acceptable for price, no OIS, second sensor is a depth sensor
  • Audio: Single mono speaker
  • No NFC
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Optical, under screen, but noticeably slow at times

Target Market

  • Primary Market: India
  • Competitors: Slightly more expensive phones with longer software/security updates
  • Advantages: Better display (AMOLED), micro SD card expansion

Additional Products

  • Smart Watch: $69
  • Earbuds: $59

Conclusion

  • Overall: Innovative budget phone with a focus on design and software. Good set of trade-offs for the price, making it a compelling option in its market segment.