Is it possible for a budget phone to feel premium without breaking the bank? Can you really have a stunning display, solid performance, and a unique design for under $200? Enter the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing, a device that dares to challenge the norms of affordable smartphones set by top dogs like Samsung and Xiaomi. In a market flooded with compromised smartphones, this phone promises to deliver more for less. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into our CMF Phone 1 Review and find out if this new contender is truly a game-changer or just another budget-friendly pretender.
Specifications
Here is a detailed list of this phone’s specs. For our CMF Phone 1 review, we will also break these specs down.
| Specs | CMF Phone 1 |
| Display | 6.67 Inch AMOLED Display; 120 Hz
1080 x 2400 Pixels, 20:9 ratio; 395 ppi Density 2000 Peak Brightness |
| Body | 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) 197 g or 202 g (depending on the Model) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) |
| Memory and Storage | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 2.6 |
| Rare Camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Front Camera | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
5.3, A2DP, BLE GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Price | Starts at ₹14,630 or $172 |
Design and Build:
The first thing that stands out in our CMF Phone 1 review is the phone’s industrial design and customisable back covers, allowing users to personalise their devices. The inclusion of an Accessory Point enables attachments, which enhances its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Despite its budget-friendly price, the phone does have a premium feel, with a solid build quality that justifies its cost.
Performance:
The next thing to discuss in this CMF Phone 1 review is the performance. Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, built on a 4nm structure, and 8 GB of RAM, the CMF Phone 1 delivers impressive performance for its class. Users report a smooth and responsive experience, with the device handling multitasking and demanding applications efficiently. The integration of Nothing OS, which is very close to stock Android, ensures a clean and intuitive user interface, contributing to the overall fluidity of the device.
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Display:
One thing to consider in this CMF Phone 1 review is that the display it offers is also unlike its segment, premium. The 6.67-inch Full HD AMOLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant colours and sharp visuals. With a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, the screen provides smooth scrolling and an enhanced viewing experience, which is particularly beneficial for media consumption and gaming. The peak brightness of 2000 nits ensures readability even under direct sunlight, a feature not commonly found in this price segment.
Camera:
The CMF Phone 1 features a 50 MP rear camera that captures detailed and vibrant images. While it lacks additional lenses like ultra-wide or macro, the primary sensor performs admirably in various lighting conditions. The 16 MP front camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls. Moreover, it has many camera modes to play with. The camera performance is far better than its competitors in the same price range, like the Samsung Galaxy A 16 or A 15.
Battery Life:
One of the most important things we want to emphasise in this CMF Phone 1 review is its battery. A 5,000 mAh battery powers the CMF Phone 1, offering impressive longevity. Users report up to two days of moderate use on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for daily activities.
Software and Updates:
This is perhaps the best thing about this phone, and our CMF Phone 1 review explains why. The interface is clean, with thoughtful additions like customisable widgets and icon packs that align with Nothing’s design philosophy. CMF has committed to two Android upgrades and three years of security updates, ensuring the device remains relevant to evolving software standards.
Truly A Budget ‘SmartPhone’
The CMF Phone 1 sets a new benchmark for budget smartphones, delivering performance, design, and features typically reserved for higher-priced devices. Its standout display, solid performance, and thoughtful design choices make it a compelling option for those seeking value without compromise. While it has minor limitations, such as the absence of NFC, the overall package is impressive, offering exceptional value at its price point. We hope you liked our CMF Phone 1 review. For more such reviews
