CMF Phone 1 review: Not a budget-friendly smartphone with a unique twist

Coming from a world of top-end smartphones with all the bells and whistles, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when I decided to test the waters with Nothing’s CMF phone. I’ve been following Nothing’s innovative journey closely since their early days on Crowdcube in 2022, so my curiosity got the better of me. Could they really deliver a compelling smartphone experience for a fraction of the cost of flagship devices?

My journey began with a smart purchase on noon.com, where I got the CMF phone for just AED 640 (approximately $175) after factoring in cashback. This was a significant discount compared to the global retail price of $200 or the AED 749 price tag on noon itself. As a noon one member, I was even happier with the convenience of same-day delivery, which added an extra layer of satisfaction to my purchase.

The CMF phone arrived in minimalist packaging that reflected the brand’s sleek, modern aesthetic. The packaging itself was made from recycled cardboard, a subtle nod to Nothing’s commitment to sustainability. Upon opening the box, I was met with a compartment reserved solely for the CMF Phone 1 (in my case, the 128GB/8GB model). Underneath the phone was a neatly organized section that housed a USB-C charging cable and SIM eject tool. This uncluttered presentation reflected the phone’s focus on functionality over frills. It felt refreshing to receive a device that prioritized the essentials and avoided unnecessary packaging waste.

At the heart of the CMF phone is the MediaTek DIMENSITY 7300 5G chipset, an octa-core processor designed for buttery-smooth performance. This efficient chip utilises a 4+4 core layout, with four cores clocked at up to 2.5GHz to tackle demanding tasks and another four cores clocked at up to 2.0GHz to handle less demanding background activities. This intelligent allocation of resources ensures that the CMF phone can navigate seamlessly between everyday applications, social media, and even light gaming without breaking a sweat.

The MediaTek DIMENSITY 7300 5G’s power efficiency is further enhanced by TSMC’s advanced 4nm process. This innovative manufacturing process allows the chip to pack more transistors into a smaller space, resulting in lower power consumption and improved thermal performance. In layman’s terms, the CMF phone stays cooler for longer and uses less battery power to deliver the same level of performance when compared to processors built on older architectures. This translates to noticeably longer battery life, making the CMF phone a reliable companion all day long, even for power users.

The CMF phone’s 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display is a real highlight. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits peak brightness, the screen delivers vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and exceptional clarity. However, the intense brightness can be overwhelming in low-light environments, making the auto-brightness feature essential for comfortable viewing.

Gaming performance is surprisingly capable, thanks to the Mali-G615 GPU. While playing demanding games like Fortnite on high settings resulted in some occasional lag and stuttering, switching to medium or low settings provided a smooth and enjoyable experience, running at a consistent 30 FPS.

The CMF phone’s 5,000mAh battery is a marathon runner, easily lasting a full day of moderate usage. Even with my usual routine of browsing, messaging, and the occasional gaming, I consistently ended the day with around 70% battery left. This impressive longevity is a testament to both the large battery capacity and the efficient processor. The 33W fast charging is another bonus, allowing for a quick boost when needed.

While Nothing OS has developed a dedicated following, as a longtime iOS user I opted for the stock Android experience. Setup was a breeze, though I found myself wishing for more granular customization options during the initial setup, such as adjusting the number of app icons per row on the home screen and setting up personalized lock screen shortcuts.

As for future improvements, I would like to see regular software updates and a battery upgrade program. After all, as the battery health decreases over time, so does the overall performance of the phone.

The CMF phone embraces modern connectivity standards with affordable 5G support, including dual 5G capabilities on both SIM cards. However, since I am coming from an eSIM-only device, I needed a physical nano SIM for this phone. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, which ensures fast and stable wireless connections.

The in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition are useful security features, though the fingerprint sensor’s accuracy could be improved a bit. It recognized my fingerprint about 90% of the time, which is still respectable for a budget-oriented device.

The CMF phone’s primary camera, a 50MP sensor paired with a depth sensor for portrait mode, takes decent photos in most lighting conditions. The 12MP selfie camera is equally capable and produces satisfactory results. The phone offers a variety of shooting modes, but it’s important to remember that these are not a replacement for a dedicated camera.

The mono speaker delivers adequate sound quality for everyday use, but it gets easily blocked by my fingers when I hold the phone in landscape mode, especially during gaming sessions.

The CMF team deserves credit for incorporating unique design elements, like the removable back and quirky dial. The removable back not only adds a touch of personalization, but also opens up the possibility of 3D-printed, custom cases. The dial, while confusing at first, functions as a thumbscrew and serves as a versatile mounting point for accessories, much like Apple’s MagSafe system.

There is, however, a missed opportunity when it comes to repairability. While the removable back cover is a step in the right direction, the “do not remove” sticker on the battery feels like a missed opportunity to truly empower users to repair their own devices. Additionally, the lack of availability of modular accessories such as the orange lanyard, kickstand, wallet, and back cover replacements in the UAE market is a disappointment.

Despite initial skepticism due to the marketing hype, Nothing’s CMF phone pleasantly surprised me. It’s crucial to approach this phone with realistic expectations, bearing in mind its affordable AED 750 / $200 price tag. This isn’t a flagship killer, but it’s an excellent value proposition for those looking for a reliable and functional smartphone without breaking the bank. It’s a perfect choice for younger users who regularly upgrade their phones, or for anyone who prioritizes simplicity and affordability over high-end features.

In conclusion, the CMF phone offers solid performance, a vibrant display, good battery life, and a unique design with a dash of personality. While it has some shortcomings, such as limited accessory availability and a missed opportunity for improved repairability, its overall value and potential for future improvements make it an attractive option in the budget smartphone market.