CMF Phone 1 by Nothing - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• CMF Phone 1 by Nothing
  • Confusing name, but clear purpose
  • Notable new budget phone
• Focus on software and design
  • CMF: budget sub-brand of Nothing

Design

• $200 Android phone
• Distinguishing Features:
  • Flat sides and average bezels
  • Dual cameras on the back
  • Removable and replaceable plastic back
  • Available in multiple colors: black, orange, blue, light blue
  • Presence of a knob in the corner and metal screws around the exterior

Customization

• Phone backs can be changed (not like permanent Moto Maker days)
• Colors: Black, Orange, Blue, Light Blue
• Accessories:
  • Orange combo SIM ejector tool and flat head screwdriver
  • Matching SIM card tray and dial

Knob/ Dial Feature

• Initial speculations (volume knob, fidget toy)
• Actual Use: Mounting point for accessories
  • Accessories: Kickstand, Card Holder Wallet, Lanyard
  • Potentially a useful feature (kickstand valuable)
• Magnet accessory compatible with MagSafe mounts
• Note: Takes some work to attach/remove accessories

Software Experience

• OS: Nothing OS 2.6
• Same feature set as premium Nothing Phones
  • Cloned apps
  • Game Mode
  • One-handed pull down gesture
  • Icon pack, home screen widgets, dots font, notification history
• Overall smooth experience for daily tasks
  • Bright, responsive AMOLED display (2,000 nits peak, adaptive 60-120Hz)
  • MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chip, up to 8GB RAM

Performance

• Decent performance for $200
  • MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G, comparable to Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
  • 6 or 8 GB RAM
• Battery: 5000mAh, good life
• Charging: No wireless, 33W supported, no charger included
• Other Features: No NFC, weak vibration motor, single mono speaker, basic IP52 water resistance
• Fingerprint Sensor: Optical, slow, requires multiple reads
• Build: Plastic backs feel flimsy when detached, buttons feel weak

Camera

• Main: 50MP Sony IMX882, serviceable photos
  • Same sensor in POCO F6, Realme 12 Pro, Moto Edge
  • No OIS, struggles in low light
• Secondary: Depth sensor, not a true camera

Target Market

• Mainly India, competitive budget market
• Comparisons: Similar phones but with their own pros/cons (e.g., more expensive, lack AMOLED)
  • Two years of software updates, three years of security updates
  • MicroSD expansion

Conclusion

• Phone engineered to look cool
• Smooth software experience, good design for the price
• Other CMF products: Smart watch ($69), Earbuds ($59)
• Review of CMF Phone 1

Final Thoughts

• Potentially valuable budget phone with unique design features
• Lacking some premium features, but good trade-offs