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Review of CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Jul 11, 2024

Review of CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Introduction

  • CMF Phone 1: Budget sub-brand of Nothing, offering a $200 Android phone with a focus on software and design.
  • Key Idea: Great design and software experience at a budget price.

Design

  • Appearance: Average size, AMOLED display, dual cameras on the back.
  • Removable and Replaceable Back:
    • Comes in black, orange, blue, light blue.
    • Plastic back, feels cheap and flexible but sturdy when attached.
    • Customizable and upsell opportunity.
  • Accessories:
    • Orange combo sim ejector tool and flat-headed screwdriver in the box.
    • Accessories include a kickstand, card holder wallet, and lanyard.
    • Colorful cap knob for mounting accessories.
    • MagSafe-like magnetic ring for accessories.
    • Dial protrudes the same amount as the camera bump preventing rocking.

Software and Usability

  • Operating System: Running Nothing OS 2.6, similar to premium Nothing phones.
  • Features:
    • Cloned apps feature, Game Mode, one-handed pull down gesture.
    • Icon pack, home screen widgets, dots font, notification history.
  • Hardware Performance:
    • MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chip, 6 or 8 GB of RAM.
    • 5000mAh battery, solid life, no wireless charging, supports 33W charging.
    • No NFC, cheap vibration motor, single mono speaker.
    • Under-screen fingerprint sensor, IP 52 water resistance.

Display

  • Specifications:
    • AMOLED display, 60 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 240Hz touch sample rate.
    • Bright (500-700 nits, peaks at 2000 nits).
    • Smooth for basic functions like social media, email, and web browsing.

Camera

  • Primary Sensor: 50MP Sony IMX882, serviceable photos.
  • Secondary Sensor: Depth sensor for 2X Portrait Mode.
  • Limitations: No OIS, rough performance in low light.

Trade-offs

  • Advantages:
    • Affordable with good design and software.
    • Expandable storage with microSD card slot.
    • Enjoyable to use without feeling like a budget phone.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Lacks some features like NFC and premium build components.
    • Less robust vibration motor, mono speaker, and slower fingerprint sensor.

Market Position

  • Target Market: Mainly for India.
  • Competitors: Other budget phones slightly more expensive but with two years of software updates, AMOLED screens, and thin bezels.

Additional Products by CMF

  • Smart Watch: $69.
  • Earbuds: $59.

Conclusion

  • Overall Impression: The CMF Phone 1 is notable for its design and user experience at $200, offering many features of more expensive devices.
  • Recommendation: Strong consideration for those looking for a budget-friendly, well-designed smartphone.

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