The CMF Phone 1 has interesting features and specifications that make it stand out. The swappable rear panels are a unique thing that you will find in this price segment nowadays. The phone also has an IP65 rating, good enough for minor spills. The handset also delivers decent performance in this price segment. The gaming is handled reasonably, and so does everyday tasks. Moreover, the phone brings a custom user interface that gives a unique look and feel. The phone also brings good camera performance in different lighting conditions. However, there is no support for a wide-angle lens or telephoto lens. The battery life is solid for this one, and the charging speed is good enough.

The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing is a budget-friendly smartphone that has garnered attention for its unique design, smooth performance, and competitive pricing. Here's a breakdown of what reviews highlight:

Key Positives:

• Design and Build: The phone features a distinctive modular design with a user-replaceable back cover, allowing for customization with different colors and materials. The plastic build doesn't feel cheap, and the overall aesthetic, including the visible screws, gives it a unique identity. It's also noted for being surprisingly lightweight for its size.
• Display: It boasts a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED display that is bright, crisp, and offers good sharpness. It's considered better than many rivals in its price range that still use LCD screens. The display reaches decent outdoor brightness and has HDR support.
• Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset and paired with ample RAM (6GB or 8GB), the phone delivers a surprisingly smooth performance for its price. It handles daily tasks without major hiccups and even performs well in gaming, outperforming some more expensive competitors in certain tests.
• Battery Life and Charging: The 5000mAh battery offers solid battery life, often lasting a day and a half with moderate usage. It supports 33W fast charging, which can charge the phone to 50% in around 20 minutes.
• Software: It runs on Nothing OS, based on Android 14, which is praised for being clean, slick, and well-optimized. It offers unique UI improvements and a distinct design language. The phone is promised two years of OS updates and three years of security updates.
• Value for Money: Many reviewers emphasize the excellent price-to-value ratio, considering it one of the best phones in its price range.

Key Negatives:

• Camera: The camera system, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, is often cited as a weak point. It lacks an ultrawide or telephoto lens, and image quality can suffer, especially in dynamic range and zoomed shots. Low-light performance and noise levels are also areas for improvement.
• No Charger in the Box: Like many modern phones, the CMF Phone 1 does not include a charger in the box, requiring an additional purchase to take advantage of the fast charging capabilities.
• No NFC: The absence of NFC (Near-Field Communication) is a significant drawback for contactless payments and other NFC-related functionalities, especially in regions where it is commonly used.
• Speakers: The single speaker is considered a letdown, lacking bass and treble compared to phones with stereo speakers.
• Biometrics: While the in-screen fingerprint reader works, some reviewers note that it's not perfectly accurate and can have a slight lag.
• Limited Software Updates: The promise of two OS updates and three years of security patches is considered decent but not as long as some competitors offer.
• Minor Issues: Some users have reported the CMF logo on the back rubbing off easily and the lack of a dedicated gallery app (it uses Google Photos).

Specifications:

• Display: 6.67-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1080 x 2400 resolution, up to 2000 nits peak brightness.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G (4nm).
• RAM: 6GB or 8GB with an additional 8GB RAM Booster feature.
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB, expandable up to 2TB via microSD card.
• Rear Camera: 50MP main (f/1.8) with a Sony sensor, 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4). Supports 4K video recording at 30fps.
• Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0).
• Battery: 5000mAh with 33W fast wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging (no wireless charging).
• Connectivity: Dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, USB Type-C. No NFC or 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Operating System: Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6.
• Water and Dust Resistance: IP52 rating.
• Other Features: In-display fingerprint sensor, user-replaceable back cover, Accessory Point for attaching accessories.

Price:

The price of the CMF Phone 1 varies depending on the region and configuration. In Pakistan (as of late April 2025), the non-PTA approved versions are priced around:

• 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Approximately PKR 71,990 - PKR 74,999.
• 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Approximately PKR 87,990 - PKR 89,999.

In the US, the 8GB + 256GB unlocked version is listed around $289. Prices may vary across different retailers and over time.

In Conclusion:

The CMF Phone 1 is a compelling option in the budget smartphone market, offering a unique design, smooth performance, and a good display at an attractive price. While its camera and lack of NFC might be drawbacks for some, its strengths in other areas make it a strong contender, especially for users who prioritize design and a clean software experience without breaking the bank.