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Review of CMF Phone 1

Jul 17, 2024

Review of CMF Phone 1

Key Features

  • Design: Unique & Customizable
    • Easily repairable and expandable memory
    • Under €200
    • Handmade look with large visible screws
    • Plastic reminiscent of hand tools
    • Small screwdriver included
    • Replaceable back covers in four colors
    • Accessories (stand, strap, wallet) attach via magnetic plate (like MagSafe)
    • No wireless charging
    • Comparisons to Ikea simplicity: 5 screws for easy assembly

Performance

  • Screen

    • 6.7-inch OLED display
    • Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
    • Peak brightness: 2,000 nits, Typical brightness: 700 nits
    • Comparable to high-end smartphones
    • Superior display to iPhone 15 Plus
    • Minor drawbacks (non-symmetrical bezels, conspicuous selfie camera)

  • Hardware

    • Mediatech 7300 processor
    • 8GB RAM, 128GB internal memory, expandable via MicroSD (up to 2TB)
    • Comparable performance to Nothing Phone 2A (€330 cost)
    • Minor flaws (occasional stutters, loading times)
    • Excellent performance for the price

  • Software

    • Nearly pure Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6
    • Stylish user interface with retro aesthetics
    • Widgets customizable on lock screen and always-on display
    • AI-generated background images
    • Direct integration of ChatGPT
    • 2 years of Android updates, 3 years of security updates

  • Audio & Vibrations

    • Mono speaker
    • Low-quality vibration motor
    • Absence of NFC (common in Asia, inconvenient in Europe & US)

Battery

  • Battery Life
    • 5,000 mAh battery
    • 2-day battery life is feasible
    • Easier battery replacement compared to other phones
    • IP52 splash-proof certification

Camera

  • Camera Performance
    • Single 50MP main camera, depth sensor for portraits (largely useless)
    • Average quality for snapshots
    • Weak low-light performance due to lack of OIS
    • Subpar selfie camera quality

Accessories Overview

  • CMF Watch

    • €69, modular and waterproof design
    • Round OLED display
    • 120 fitness features, 9-11 days battery life (realistically 5-6)
    • Comparisons to higher-end watches (Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch)

  • CMF Buds

    • €59, comfortable fit
    • Good ANC, similar sound to Nothing ear(2)
    • 6.5 hours battery life
    • Volume control via rotating case crown

Conclusion

  • Value
    • Initial price: €200 only for pre-orders
    • Regular price: €239 for 128GB, €269 for 256GB
    • Additional costs for accessories (cover, strap) bringing total to ~€330
    • Nothing Phone 2A (~€330) offers slightly better specs but lacks modular fun
    • CMF Phone 1: affordable, fun, easily repairable, great software

Hope this review was helpful!

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