CMF Phone 1 Review
The CMF Phone 1, released under Nothing’s sub-brand CMF, aims to provide a feature-rich experience at a budget-friendly price. Priced at around £209, the phone offers a blend of modern features and unique design elements, targeting budget-conscious consumers.
Design and Build
The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch FHD Plus AMOLED display (FHD+) with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and vibrant colours. The design includes customisable backplates, allowing users to swap covers for a personalized look. The phone lacks an IP68 rating but offers basic dust and splash resistance.
Technical Specifications
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- RAM: 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2, expandable via microSD
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
- Camera: 50MP main, 16MP front
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Nothing OS based on Android 14
Performance
The CMF Phone 1’s MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM, delivers decent performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming. It scores well on benchmarks for its class, although it doesn’t match higher-end models like the Nothing Phone 2a in raw power. The device supports Widevine L1 for HD streaming, but its mono speaker setup lacks the richness of stereo configurations​.
User Experience
The Nothing OS offers a clean and customisable user interface with minimal bloatware. The system includes useful features like a customisable home screen and a built-in music widget. However, the phone lacks NFC, which could be a drawback for some users. Security features include an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, although the latter is less secure.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
The CMF Phone 1 integrates well within the Android ecosystem, supporting common apps and services. However, it does not support 5G connectivity on all carriers, which may limit its use in some regions​.
Value for Money
At around $199, the CMF Phone 1 offers excellent value with its solid build, vibrant display, and decent performance. It’s an attractive option for those who prioritize design and display quality without breaking the bank.
Comparison with Other Products
Compared to the Realme P1, Redmi Note 13, and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, the CMF Phone 1 offers a unique design and customisable options. It lacks the ultra-wide camera found in some competitors and does not offer the same level of camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions.
Conclusion
The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing combines cutting-edge technology with a unique design aesthetic. The device boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, providing vibrant colours and smooth visuals. This display is perfect for media consumption and gaming, offering an immersive experience.
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU (4×2.5GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G615 MC2 GPU. This setup ensures seamless multitasking and gaming performance. The device comes with 8GB of RAM and offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card, providing ample space for all your apps and media.
The phone’s camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor, capable of recording up to 4K video. The 16MP front camera supports 1080p video recording, making it ideal for selfies and video calls. Camera features include HDR, panorama, and various shooting modes, ensuring versatile photography capabilities.
Running on Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6, the CMF Phone 1 offers a clean and customisable user interface, free from bloatware. It supports two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates, ensuring long-term software support.
The 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, capable of charging 50% in just 20 minutes. The device includes dual SIM support with 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS, ensuring robust connectivity options.
Design-wise, the CMF Phone 1 is available in multiple colours, including Black, Light Green, Blue, and Orange, with options for interchangeable back covers. This feature allows users to customise the look of their device, adding a personal touch.
It stands out in the budget segment with its attractive design, vibrant display, and customisable backplates. It delivers good overall performance and battery life, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. However, its limitations, such as the lack of 5G support on some networks and NFC, may deter some users. Overall, it provides strong value for its price, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a stylish and functional smartphone.
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars. This rating reflects its strong value for money, attractive design, and good performance for its price range. The main areas of concern are the lack of NFC, the absence of an ultra-wide camera, and some limitations in low-light photography. Overall, it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a feature-rich smartphone with unique design options.
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