Lecture: CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Overview

• CMF Phone 1: Budget sub-brand of Nothing, $200 Android phone
• Goal: To provide a budget phone with a focus on software and design

Design

• Colors: Black, Orange, Blue, Light Blue
• Features:
  • Flat sides, average bezels, big AMOLED display
  • Dual cameras
  • Removable/replaceable back: Various colors, metal screws, plastic,
  • Accessories:
    • Dial/Knob: Attachable point for accessories
    • Accessories include:
      • Kickstand
      • Card holder wallet
      • Lanyard
    • Also supports MagSafe accessories

Hardware

• Display: Bright and responsive
  • 5-700 nits, peaks at 2000 nits
  • AMOLED, 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 240Hz touch sample rate
• Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G
  • Comparable to Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
  • Six or eight gigs of RAM
• Battery: 5000mAh battery
  • Solid battery life
  • Supports up to 33W charging, no wireless charging, no charger in box
• Other Features:
  • No NFC
  • Crappy vibration motor
  • Single mono speaker
  • Optical under-screen fingerprint sensor: Slow, sometimes unreliable
• Build Quality:
  • Plastic back: Feels flimsy off the phone
  • Not super water-resistant (IP52)

Software

• OS: Nothing OS 2.6
  • Same software features as more premium Nothing phones
  • Cloned apps feature
  • Game Mode
  • One-handed pull down gesture
  • Various aesthetic features
  • Notification history view

Camera

• Primary Sensor: 50MP Sony IMX882
  • Serviceable photos
  • No OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
  • Second sensor: Depth sensor for 2X Portrait Mode photos (not very effective)
• Trade-offs: Expected for a $200 phone, focus on design and software rather than high-end specs

Target Market

• Mainly targeted towards India
  • Competitive within budget phone market there
  • Other budget phones may include features like micro SD card expansion, longer software and security updates

Final Thoughts

• Set of trade-offs: Well thought out
• Enjoyable experience: Smooth performance, nice software features
• Additional CMF Products: Smart watch ($69), earbuds ($59)
• Conclusion: A cool-looking $200 phone with good focus on software and design