Unveiling The CMF Phone 1: A Budget Smartphone With Unique Features

New smartphone launches are something we always get excited about, especially when a brand is releasing its first phone ever. After an endless run of leaks in the previous months, Nothing’s sub-brand has finally unveiled the CMF Phone 1, the latest budget-centric entry in Nothing’s growing smartphone lineup.

CMF Phone 1: Specs and Details

The CMF Phone 1 marks a significant entry into the smartphone market with its modular design, allowing users to change back panels easily. This design choice is not just for aesthetics; it enables users to customize their device according to their personal style. The phone comes with a black back panel out of the box, and users have the option to choose from Light Green, Blue (available only in India), and Orange panels, each offering unique finishes.

The back of the CMF Phone 1 is primarily made of polycarbonate and is surrounded by a protective metal frame that encases the camera. A standout feature is the Accessory Point, located at the bottom right. This dial can be unscrewed to attach various accessories, such as a lanyard cable, fold-out stand, or cardholder, enhancing the phone's versatility.

Although the interchangeable design promotes easier repairs and extends the lifespan of the device, it does come with a meager IP52 rating. This rating indicates that while the phone is somewhat dustproof, it has limited protection against liquids, which users should consider before purchasing.

On the front, the CMF Phone 1 boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED 120 Hz display that is truly impressive. With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of up to 2000 nits, it ensures vibrant visuals, making it ideal for gaming and media consumption. Additionally, the inclusion of an in-screen fingerprint scanner and a 240 Hz touch sampling rate further enhance the overall user experience.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by an 8-core 4nm Dimensity 7300 chipset that operates at 2.5 GHz. While this chipset is newer, it does perform slightly slower than the Dimensity 7200 Pro used in previous models. However, CMF has incorporated a liquid cooling system, along with a heat pipe and graphite elements, to manage heat effectively during intensive tasks.

The smartphone is available with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with support for expandable storage of up to 2 TB. This means users can easily store their favorite apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space. The CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a robust 5000 mAh battery, which the company claims can last up to 2 days on a single charge. For added convenience, it supports 33W fast charging, allowing users to recharge 50% of the battery in just 20 minutes.

Photography Capabilities

In terms of photography, the CMF Phone 1 features a 50 MP Sony primary camera with a 79-degree field of view, complemented by a secondary portrait sensor. This setup is designed to capture stunning images with depth and clarity. For selfies, a 16 MP front-facing camera is available, ensuring users can take high-quality self-portraits. Both cameras benefit from Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 2.0 algorithms, which enhance image quality and stability.

On the software side, the CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, built on top of Android 14. Users can expect to receive 2 years of major Android updates and up to 3 years of security updates, aligning with the average support duration for budget devices. Connectivity options include Dual SIM functionality, Dual 5G support (compatible with 9 5G bands), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring users stay connected at all times.

Pricing and Availability

The CMF Phone 1 is competitively priced, starting at Rs. 15,999 for the base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the 8GB RAM variant costs Rs 17,999. Users can also purchase additional back covers for Rs 1,499 each. The first sale is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM on July 12 in India, and customers will have the opportunity to take advantage of a Rs 2,000 exchange bonus alongside Rs 2,000 off with select banks.

With the basics out of the way, you can read about our hands-on experience with the CMF Phone 1 in our dedicated review. We have also included a guide on how to open and change the Phone 1’s back cover. What are your thoughts on the CMF Phone 1? Is it value for money? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!