Nothing’s CMF Phone 1: A stylish $200 Android smartphone

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A few years back, Nothing, a London-based company, made its mark by introducing an average-budget Android smartphone with a focus on software and design.

Needless to say, the strategy worked, as both customers and critics lauded the latest offerings from Nothing – the Nothing Phone (2) and the Nothing Phone (2a).

Building on this success, Nothing expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, and unveiled its first smartphone, the CMF Phone 1. This device continues the company’s emphasis on software and design but at a more affordable price point.

While the CMF Phone 1 may seem like just another $200 Android smartphone in terms of specifications, it distinguishes itself through its unique software features and intriguing design elements.

Let’s start with the CMF Phone 1 design 

At first glance, it may look like any other budget Android smartphone. What stands out are a knob at the bottom right and metal screws on the back.

Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “why?” The CMF Phone 1 has a fully removable and replaceable back panel in different colors like black, orange, blue, and a light blue with a green hue. This feature lets you make the phone your own.

Overall, it’s a pretty exciting feature on a budget device. Additionally, it’s the first time we’ve seen a phone with a budget smartphone with a detachable back cover.

The dial doesn’t really do anything other than provide a mounting point for three accessories launched alongside the CMF Phone 1: a kickstand, a wall card holder, and a Lanyard.

CMF Phone 1 specs 

The CMF Phone 1 has typical features you’d find in a budget phone. What makes it interesting is that it runs the same software as the company’s more expensive models.

Key Features

• Screen: The phone has a big 6.7-inch screen that looks great with its high brightness and smooth display.
• Speed: With 6/8GB of RAM, you can expect good performance for everyday use.
• Storage: You have options for 128GB or 256GB of storage to keep all your stuff.

By sharing the same software as the pricier models, the CMF Phone 1 offers a similar experience at a lower price, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users.

Specs	CMF Phone 1
Display	6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak brightness
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 7300
RAM & Storage	6/8GB & 128/256GB – combinations vary depending on region.
Cameras	50MP primary + 2MP depth sensor 16MP selfie
Battery & Charging	5,000 mAh & 33W wired
IP Rating	IP52

The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset. It has a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 33W wired charging only.

CMF by Nothing made a few compromises in the camera department. On the back, you will find a 50MP primary camera accompanied by an undisclosed depth sensor. 

On the front side, you will find a 16MP selfie camera. 

CMF Phone 1 also comes with a questionable update policy, offering only two major OS updates and three years of security patches. 

CMF Phone 1 price 

If you are interested, the 8GB/128GB variant of the CMF Phone 1 is available in the US through the beta program for $199. 

The device costs £209 in other regions and €239 in the UK and Europe.

The company is also selling a few accessories. The list includes Black, Blue, Light Green, and Orange cases, which cost $35. However, the kickstand, lanyard, and the card case cost $25 each.

CMF Phone 1 arrives with the CMF Watch Pro 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2

Alongside the new smartphone, the company also brings the second iteration of the CMF Watch Pro, the CMF Watch Pro 2, and the second-generation CMF Buds Pro, the CMF Buds Pro 2. 

The CMF Watch Pro 2 has a circular design with a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen, an aluminum body, a crown for controlling the device, and an IP68 rating.

The watch has interchangeable bands; you can also swap out the bezel for a different design. 

Otherwise, nothing has changed from the previous generation. There’s still no Wear OS.

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is available for $69 in the US. European and UK consumers will be required to pay £69 and €69, respectively.

Lastly, we have the CMF Buds Pro 2 earbuds. The charging case is pretty simple but stands out due to the smart dial, which enables you to control volume and playback. You can also press the dial to control noise cancellation, smart assistants, and more.

Regarding the battery life, the company advertises six hours of playback with ANC disabled and 4.8 hours with ANC enabled. 

Depending on the ANC, the charging case delivers an additional 25 or 18.6 hours. 

The CMF Buds Pro 2 will cost $59 / £59 / €59 in the US, UK, and Europe, respectively.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• Smartphones might soon get X-ray vision thanks to new discovery
• Nothing Phone (2a) could be the cheapest phone from Nothing yet
• Apple will now let you tap other iPhones to send and collect cash

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.