Remember the days when you could pop off your phone’s back cover and swap it for a new color? The CMF Phone 1 is here to reignite that nostalgia with a modern twist. This budget-friendly device from Nothing’s sub-brand CMF aims to shake up the smartphone market with its unique customizable design. But does it deliver substance along with its style? Let’s dive in and find out.
A Design That Stands Out (Literally)
The CMF Phone 1’s most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly its industrial-inspired back panel. Complete with exposed screws and a prominent dial, it’s a look that’s sure to turn heads. But this isn’t just about aesthetics – those screws are functional, allowing you to swap out the back cover for different colors and attach accessories like stands or card holders.
While the customization options are fun, there’s a catch: you’ll need to break out a screwdriver each time you want to make a change. It’s novel at first, but might become tedious for frequent tinkerers. And let’s not even talk about the potential for lost screws (trust me, I’ve been there).
Display and Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
CMF hasn’t skimped on the essentials. The Phone 1 boasts a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s bright, vibrant, and perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows. Under the hood, you’ll find the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, which handles everyday tasks with ease.
Gaming performance is respectable for the price point, though don’t expect to run the latest titles at max settings. The clean, bloatware-free Nothing OS 2.6 (based on Android 14) keeps things running smoothly and offers a near-stock Android experience with some thoughtful additions.
Camera: Jack of All Trades, Master of None
The 50MP main camera can capture some decent shots in good lighting conditions. Colors are generally natural, though occasionally veering towards over-saturation. Night mode does an admirable job, but the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means you’ll need steady hands for the best results.
Selfie enthusiasts will find the 16MP front-facing camera adequate, though it can be inconsistent with color reproduction. Video capabilities top out at 4K30fps, but the electronic stabilization can’t fully compensate for the missing OIS.
Battery Life and Charging: The Price of Customization
The 5,000mAh battery should get most users through a full day of use. However, the omission of a charger in the box is a bit of a letdown, especially for a budget-oriented device. The phone supports 33W fast charging, which can get you from 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes – if you have a compatible charger, that is.
The Verdict: For Enthusiasts on a Budget
The CMF Phone 1 is a breath of fresh air in the often-homogeneous budget smartphone market. Its unique design and customization options will appeal to those who want their phone to stand out. The solid display, clean software experience, and decent performance make it a compelling option for its price point.
However, it’s not without compromises. The camera system is merely adequate, and the lack of included charger might irk some buyers. The customization process, while novel, could become cumbersome over time.
Ultimately, the CMF Phone 1 is best suited for tech enthusiasts who prioritize uniqueness and software experience over having the absolute best specs. If you’re looking for a conversation starter that won’t break the bank, this could be the phone for you. Just don’t lose those screws!