Nothing's CMF Phone 1 Debuts July 8: Affordable Customization with Limited Availability
Nothing, the tech startup founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, is set to launch its latest smartphone offering on July 8. The CMF Phone 1, part of Nothing's new sub-brand CMF (Color, Material, Finish), aims to bring affordable customization to the smartphone market.
Key Features and Specifications
- 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset
- 6GB or 8GB RAM options
- 5,000 mAh battery
- Customizable backplates with screw-in accessories
Unique Design Approach
The CMF Phone 1 stands out with its industrial design aesthetic, featuring exposed screws that allow users to easily swap backplates and attach accessories like stands, card cases, or lanyard loops. This approach offers a unique take on smartphone customization, reminiscent of modular phone concepts but executed in a more practical manner.
Pricing and Availability
With a rumored price of around $245 (₹19,999), the CMF Phone 1 positions itself as an affordable option in Nothing's lineup. However, its availability may be limited, particularly for US consumers.
The US Availability Conundrum
While the CMF Phone 1 appears to offer impressive specs for its price point, its US release comes with significant caveats:
- The phone will only be available through Nothing's Beta Program
- Limited carrier support, with no 5G on AT&T and no recommended use on Verizon
- Incomplete VoLTE and VoWiFi support
These limitations raise questions about Nothing's strategy for the US market and may disappoint potential buyers looking for a fully-supported device.
What to Expect at Launch
The July 8 launch event will also introduce the CMF Watch Pro 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2, expanding the CMF by Nothing ecosystem. While the customizable design and affordable price point of the CMF Phone 1 are intriguing, potential buyers should carefully consider the device's limitations, especially regarding network compatibility in their region.
As Nothing continues to build hype around its products, the CMF Phone 1 represents an interesting experiment in affordable customization. However, its success may ultimately depend on how well it performs in markets where it receives full support and integration with local carriers.
Update: Sunday July 14 15:56
The CMF Phone 1 has seen significant initial success, selling over 100,000 units within three hours of its launch. The device features a removable back plate for easy customization, with Nothing even releasing 3D printing documentation for custom covers. It also includes a mysterious "Nothing Lock module" that may enable future add-on accessories. The phone runs Android 14 out of the box and uses a 50MP Sony main camera sensor. Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis stated that the device brings fresh innovation to the value smartphone segment, potentially disrupting the market with its blend of affordability and unique design features.