Nothing's sub-brand CMF has introduced a groundbreaking budget smartphone that challenges conventional expectations of what an affordable phone can offer. The CMF Phone 1 brings innovative design elements and impressive specifications to the sub-$300 market segment, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
Design and Customization
The CMF Phone 1 introduces a refreshing take on smartphone design with its modular approach. The device features a unique DIY-friendly construction with visible screws and a customizable back panel that can be easily swapped for different colors. Despite its plastic construction, the phone maintains a premium feel and includes an IP52 rating for basic water and dust resistance. At 6.94 ounces, it's remarkably lightweight for its 6.7-inch size.
Display Excellence
The phone sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1084 x 2412 pixels. What sets it apart from other budget devices is its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and impressive peak brightness of 1,129 nits. This combination delivers smooth animations and excellent outdoor visibility, matching the performance of some premium devices.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip and 8GB of RAM, the CMF Phone 1 delivers reliable everyday performance. While it may not be a gaming powerhouse, with its 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited test yielding around 18.84 fps, it handles routine tasks smoothly. The 5,000 mAh battery provides exceptional endurance, lasting over 15 hours in standardized testing, and supports 33W wired charging.
Software Experience
Running on Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14, the phone offers a clean, distinctive interface with dot-matrix styling and minimal bloatware. While it lacks advanced AI features found in premium phones, it maintains a smooth and responsive user experience. However, the limited software support of just 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security updates might concern long-term users.
Camera Capabilities
The camera system, while basic with a 50MP main sensor and a depth sensor, delivers acceptable results for its price point. The phone struggles with dynamic range and low-light photography, but performs adequately in well-lit conditions. The 16MP selfie camera provides serviceable results, though it may struggle with challenging lighting scenarios.
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| A nighttime shot captured by the CMF Phone 1 highlighting its camera capabilities in low-light environments |
Value Proposition
At $239, the CMF Phone 1 represents exceptional value, offering features typically found in more expensive devices. The combination of a high-quality display, strong battery life, and unique customizable design makes it a standout choice in the budget segment, despite some compromises in camera performance and long-term software support.
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| The CMF Phone 1 delivering vibrant photography in an urban setting, showcasing its value in the budget smartphone market |