Nothing's sub-brand CMF has officially unveiled its first smartphone, the CMF Phone 1, bringing an innovative customizable design to the budget segment.
Key features of the CMF Phone 1 include:
- 6.67-inch sAMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits peak brightness
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor
- 6GB/8GB RAM options with 128GB storage
- 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- 50MP main camera + portrait lens, 16MP selfie camera
- Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6
The standout feature is the modular back panel design. Users can easily swap out colored back panels (available in Light Green, Blue, and Orange) using the included screwdriver. A circular dial on the back also allows for attaching accessories like a phone stand or card case.
Pricing is aggressive, starting at just $199 for the base 6GB model in the US (via beta program). In India, it will retail for ₹15,999, while UK and European pricing begins at £209 and €239 respectively.
While the customizable design and 120Hz AMOLED display are impressive at this price point, there may be compromises in areas like camera performance. The device also appears to have limited availability in some regions.
The CMF Phone 1 launches on July 12th, bringing a unique take on smartphone design to the budget market. It will be interesting to see if the modular concept resonates with consumers and how it performs against established budget offerings.
Update: Saturday July 13 16:22
The CMF Phone 1 has achieved remarkable success in its initial launch, selling 100,000 units within just three hours. This surpasses the performance of its sibling device, the Nothing Phone (2a), which took 24 hours to reach the same milestone. The phone is available through various channels including Flipkart, Croma, and Vijay Sales. It offers additional features such as expandable RAM, 4K video recording at 30 fps, and Ultra XDR technology for improved low-light photography, developed in collaboration with Google. The overwhelming success of the launch suggests a significant shift in the budget smartphone market, potentially setting a new trend for feature-rich, customizable devices at accessible price points.
