The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is the latest offering from Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF, which aims to deliver quality electronics at affordable prices. Launched in 8 of July 2024, this budget-friendly smartphone has garnered significant attention for its unique design, robust features, and competitive pricing. This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the Nothing CMF Phone 1, including its design, display, performance, camera, battery life, software, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 stands out in the crowded smartphone market with its unique and interchangeable design. The phone features a modular design with actual screws on the back, allowing users to swap out the entire back panel for different colored casings or functional accessories such as a stand, lanyard, or card case. This level of customization is rare in the budget segment and adds a layer of personalization for users.
The phone measures 77.0 mm in width, 164.0 mm in height, and 8.2 mm in thickness, and weighs 197 grams. It is available in four colors: Black, Blue, Green, and Orange. The materials used include plastic and faux leather, giving it a premium feel despite its budget pricing.
Display
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The display supports a peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. Additional features include DCI-P3 color gamut, Always-On Display, and DC Dimming, which enhance the overall viewing experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, built on a 4nm process. This mid-range SoC is paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot. The phone runs on Nothing OS 2.6, based on Android 14, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.
Camera
The camera setup on the Nothing CMF Phone 1 includes a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera uses pixel binning to produce 12.5MP photos, which enhances image quality in various lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is a 16MP sensor with Ultra XDR and AI Vivid Mode, capable of capturing detailed selfies.
The phone supports 4K video recording from the main camera, delivering impressive video quality for a device in this price range.
Battery Life
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, supporting up to 23 hours of video playback. In various battery tests, the phone demonstrated commendable endurance, lasting 15 hours and 11 minutes in the PCMark battery test and consuming less battery during video playback compared to competitors. The phone supports 33W fast charging, taking a little over an hour to reach full charge.
Software and Updates
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, which is based on Android 14. The software experience is designed to be clean and user-friendly, with minimal bloatware. Nothing promises two years of feature updates and three years of security patches for the CMF Phone 1, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date with the latest software enhancements and security measures.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including 5G on 14 bands, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. However, it lacks NFC, which might be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payments. The phone also features an in-display fingerprint reader for secure and convenient biometric authentication.
Pricing and Availability
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is aggressively priced to appeal to budget-conscious consumers. The base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at approximately $199, while the higher-end model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs around $259. The phone is available globally, with specific pricing and availability varying by region.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other budget smartphones like the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 holds its ground with a better display, comparable performance, and a more customizable design. While the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite offers a larger battery and faster charging, the CMF Phone 1’s overall package, including its unique design and competitive pricing, makes it a compelling choice in the sub-$200 segment.
Conclusion
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money. Its unique design, robust performance, impressive display, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. While it has some shortcomings, such as the lack of NFC and a single speaker, the overall package is hard to beat in its price range. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a touch of customization and solid performance, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth considering.
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