• Nothing CMF Phone 1

    Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review

    Daven Klarsen Posted on

    Nothing, the innovative tech company known for its distinctive designs and high-quality devices, has ventured into the mid-range market with its first CMF-branded phone, the aptly named CMF Phone 1. CMF is Nothing’s brand name for a lineup of accessories, and the CMF Phone 1 is designed to integrate seamlessly with these accessories. I’m Daven, writing for Superfashion.us, and today we’ll take an in-depth look at this intriguing new device. Let’s dive into our full review.

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    Design and Build Quality

    Much like its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2A, the CMF Phone 1 aims to offer a solid mid-range experience with an emphasis on value. One of the most notable aspects of the CMF Phone 1 is its modular design. The back of the phone features visible screws that can be undone, allowing users to swap out the entire back panel. Nothing offers a variety of backings for the CMF Phone 1, all of which are flat and made of plastic, although some are covered with vegan leather for a more premium feel. This approach to design is what Nothing refers to as an “engineer’s aesthetic.”

    The idea behind this modularity is to give users more control over the look and feel of their phone, allowing them to customize it to their liking. It’s a refreshing take in an industry where most smartphones are sealed units. This modular design not only appeals to those who like to personalize their devices but also potentially makes repairs easier, which could extend the phone’s lifespan.

    It’s important to note that while the back is removable, Nothing does not recommend swapping out the battery, even though it should be easier to replace than on a typical smartphone. Despite the removable back, the CMF Phone 1 still boasts an IP52 rating for protection against dust and light splashes of water, ensuring a level of durability that is appreciated in a mid-range device.

    Accessories

    In line with its accessory-focused brand, Nothing offers a range of CMF-branded accessories for the CMF Phone 1. These accessories attach via a circular element on the back of the phone called an Accessory Point. Available accessories include a card case, a lanyard, and a stand, all designed to enhance the functionality and convenience of the device.

    The card case is particularly useful for those who prefer a minimalist approach, allowing you to carry a couple of essential cards without needing a wallet. The lanyard is great for added security, especially when you’re on the move, and the stand is perfect for watching videos or video calls. This thoughtful range of accessories complements the modular design ethos, providing users with practical and stylish add-ons.

    Display Quality

    The CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is impressively bright, with a maximum manual brightness of over 700 nits, which can boost to over 1250 nits in auto mode when needed. This ensures that the display remains easily readable even in bright sunlight. The high refresh rate makes swiping and scrolling smooth and responsive, and it can dial down to 60Hz to conserve energy when the screen is not in use.

    In terms of overall performance, the display is sharp and offers excellent contrast. The colors are vibrant, and blacks are deep, thanks to the OLED technology. However, it does lack official HDR support, which might be a drawback for users who consume a lot of HDR content. This omission means that while watching HDR videos, you might not get the enhanced brightness and color range that HDR content can provide.

    Additionally, the CMF Phone 1 does not feature stereo speakers, instead opting for a single bottom-firing speaker. While the loudness is decent, the sound quality is just okay, with clear mids and highs but a noticeable lack of bass. This can be a bit disappointing for media consumption and gaming, where immersive audio can significantly enhance the experience.

    Under Display Fingerprint Scanner and Storage Options

    The CMF Phone 1 comes with an under-display fingerprint reader for biometric security, which we found to be both fast and accurate. The scanner is well-placed and unlocks the phone quickly, adding a layer of convenience and security. This is a feature typically found in higher-end devices, so its inclusion in a mid-range phone is a welcome addition.

    In terms of storage, the phone is available in two configurations: 128GB or 256GB, though the availability may vary depending on the market. The storage is UFS 3.1, which ensures faster read and write speeds compared to older standards, enhancing overall performance. Additionally, the storage is expandable via a microSD card slot, allowing users to increase their storage capacity as needed. This flexibility is great for those who store a lot of media or apps on their devices.

    Software and User Interface

    The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, based on Android 14. The software experience is close to stock Android but with heavily customized aesthetics. Nothing’s signature dot matrix font and overall design language permeate the user interface, providing a unique visual experience. The minimalistic and clean UI is refreshing and easy to navigate.

    Users have the option to turn the entire interface monochrome, adding to the customizable nature of the phone. This feature can be particularly useful for reducing eye strain or simply for aesthetic preference. The attention to detail in the UI design is evident, making the CMF Phone 1 a pleasure to use.

    Interconnectivity and support for Nothing’s range of earbuds are facilitated through the Nothing X app. The app provides seamless integration and control over your audio experience, allowing you to tweak settings and updates for your earbuds. The CMF Phone 1 is also promised to receive two years of software updates and three years of security patches, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date and secure. This level of software support is commendable in the mid-range segment and adds value to the overall package.

    Performance

    Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, known for its great power efficiency. In benchmark tests, the CMF Phone 1 performs decently, aligning with other phones in its price bracket. It is not designed for heavy gaming, but it handles everyday tasks smoothly and can run light to moderate games without issues.

    Apps open quickly, and multitasking is handled efficiently, thanks to the 8GB of RAM. Whether you’re browsing the web, checking social media, or watching videos, the CMF Phone 1 provides a fluid experience. The Dimensity 7300 chipset strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

    Thermal management on the CMF Phone 1 is impressive, with the phone remaining cool even during prolonged stress tests. This is a testament to the efficiency of the Dimensity 7300 chipset and the overall design of the device. Even under heavy use, the phone does not throttle, maintaining consistent performance.

    Battery Life and Charging

    The CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. In our tests, the phone achieved a total active use score of 16 hours and 13 minutes, making it one of the best in its class for battery performance. This means you can comfortably get through a full day of use without worrying about running out of power.

    The phone supports 33W charging, although it does not come with a charger in the box. This trend of not including a charger is becoming more common, but it’s something to keep in mind when purchasing the device. Using a compatible charger, we were able to bring the phone from 0% to 50% in just half an hour, with a full charge taking around an hour and 21 minutes. This fast charging capability ensures that even if you do run low on battery, you won’t be without your phone for long.

    Camera Setup

    The camera setup on the CMF Phone 1 is relatively simple, featuring a 50MP main camera and a depth sensor. The main camera produces 12.5MP photos through pixel binning, which helps capture more light and detail in each shot. Daytime photos are solid, with natural colors, good contrast, and dynamic range. However, they could benefit from a bit more sharpness upon closer inspection. The level of detail is generally good, but not exceptional.

    Portrait shots are decent, with the camera handling human subjects well and producing pleasing skin tones, although the subject detection and separation can sometimes be inaccurate. The depth sensor aids in creating a natural bokeh effect, which helps the subject stand out from the background. However, as with many mid-range phones, the results can be hit or miss.

    For zoom, the CMF Phone 1 relies on digital zoom, which is no substitute for a proper telephoto lens. Photos taken with digital zoom are soft and lack detail, especially at higher zoom levels. This is one area where the camera setup could see improvement in future iterations.

    In low light, the main camera performs well, capturing plenty of detail with low noise and natural-looking colors. However, sharpness is again a bit lacking, although contrast is good, and both darker areas and highlights are well-developed. The phone’s night mode helps brighten up scenes and reduce noise, but it doesn’t quite match the performance of higher-end devices.

    Video recording on the CMF Phone 1 is capable of up to 4K resolution. The footage looks good, with natural colors and a wide dynamic range, but it could use more fine detail. Stabilization is a weak point, as the main camera lacks optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic stabilization when recording in 4K. An action mode is available in 1080p, but it suffers from focus hunting and is not particularly smooth. This makes the CMF Phone 1 less ideal for those who frequently record video, particularly in dynamic environments.

    Selfies taken with the 16MP front-facing camera are just okay. They are not very sharp, and the dynamic range is limited, but facial features and colors are rendered nicely. The front camera does a decent job for video calls and social media posts, but don’t expect it to compete with the best selfie cameras on the market.

     

    Additional Features

    The CMF Phone 1 includes several additional features that enhance the overall user experience. One such feature is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired headphones or have high-quality audio gear that they wish to use with their phone.

    Another notable feature is the presence of a USB Type-C port, which supports fast data transfer and charging. The USB-C port is versatile and ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories and peripherals, making it easier to integrate the CMF Phone 1 into your existing tech ecosystem.

    The phone also supports dual SIM functionality, which is useful for those who need to manage two phone numbers, such as separating work and personal calls. The dual SIM feature is increasingly common and adds to the versatility of the CMF Phone 1, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers or business users.

    Connectivity

    In terms of connectivity, the CMF Phone 1 covers all the basics. It supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 is particularly noteworthy, as it offers faster speeds and better performance in crowded areas compared to older Wi-Fi standards. This ensures that the CMF Phone 1 can take full advantage of modern wireless networks.

    However, it’s worth mentioning that the CMF Phone 1 does not support NFC (Near Field Communication). This means that you won’t be able to use the phone for contactless payments or other NFC-based features, which might be a drawback for some users. NFC has become a standard feature in many smartphones, so its absence is a bit surprising.

    User Experience

    The overall user experience of the CMF Phone 1 is positive. The clean and minimalistic interface, combined with the responsive performance and solid build quality, makes it a joy to use. The customization options, both in terms of software and hardware, allow users to make the phone truly their own.

    The modular design is a standout feature, providing a level of personalization and repairability that is rare in modern smartphones. The accessory ecosystem further enhances this experience, offering practical and stylish options to complement the phone.

    Price and Value

    One of the most compelling aspects of the CMF Phone 1 is its price. At around $200, it offers excellent value for money. You get a well-rounded mid-range phone with a unique design, solid performance, and good battery life. The customizable back panels and accessory support add to the overall value, making the CMF Phone 1 a standout option in its price range.

    While it does have some shortcomings, such as the lack of NFC and stereo speakers, these are minor trade-offs considering the overall package. If these features are not deal-breakers for you, the CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth considering.

    Alternatives

    For those looking for alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro are worth checking out. Both of these phones offer competitive features in the same price range and might appeal to users with different preferences or priorities.

    The Samsung Galaxy A35, for example, offers a more traditional smartphone experience with a focus on reliability and brand reputation. It features a solid build, good performance, and Samsung’s One UI, which is known for its rich features and customization options.

    The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, on the other hand, is known for its impressive specifications and value for money. It often includes higher-end features, such as a more advanced camera setup and faster charging speeds, making it an attractive option for those looking for a bit more power and versatility in a mid-range phone.

    Conclusion

    The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a compelling mid-range smartphone that offers a unique blend of design, performance, and customization. For around $200, it provides excellent value with its modular design, good battery life, and clean user interface. While it does have some limitations, such as the lack of NFC and stereo speakers, these are minor drawbacks considering the overall package.

    The CMF Phone 1 stands out in a crowded market with its distinctive approach to design and user experience. If you’re looking for a mid-range phone that offers something different and allows for a high level of personalization, the CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth checking out.

     

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    Daven Klarsen
    Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.
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