CMF by Nothing Phone 1: The smartphone industry has been relatively stagnant when it comes to personalization and user-driven customization, but CMF by Nothing has shattered this monotony with their debut device, the CMF Phone 1. Launched on July 8, 2024, this ground breaking smartphone represents a paradigm shift in how budget devices can offer premium experiences while maintaining affordability and introducing genuine innovation.
Modular Magic That Actually Works
The most compelling aspect of the CMF Phone 1 lies in its revolutionary modular design approach. Unlike previous attempts at modular smartphones that focused on complex electronic attachments, CMF has taken a refreshingly simple yet effective route. The device features a completely removable back panel secured by just four screws, allowing users to swap between different materials and colors effortlessly.
This isn’t just about aesthetics—the modular system serves multiple practical purposes. Users can choose between matte plastic finishes in black and light green, or opt for premium vegan leather textures in blue and orange variants. The removable back panel also makes repairs significantly easier, addressing one of the most common frustrations with modern sealed smartphones.
The real innovation comes with the Accessory Point—a unique circular attachment mechanism that transforms the phone’s functionality. This ingenious system allows users to attach practical accessories like fold-out stands, lanyards, cardholders, and magnetic attachments. The simplicity of this approach, combined with CMF’s decision to release 3D CAD files for community creators, opens up endless possibilities for custom accessories.
Display Excellence That Defies Budget Constraints
The CMF Phone 1 sports a stunning 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display that delivers premium viewing experiences typically reserved for much more expensive devices. With a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the screen provides vibrant colors and fluid interactions that make everyday usage feel remarkably premium.
The display supports HDR10+ content and can reach peak brightness levels of over 2000 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. The implementation of over one billion color reproduction creates an immersive viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.
Despite being a budget device, CMF hasn’t compromised on display quality. The screen offers excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and responsive touch sensitivity that rivals devices costing significantly more. The inclusion of an always-on display feature and customizable refresh rate options demonstrates thoughtful software optimization.
Performance That Punches Above Its Weight
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 chipset, built on a 4nm process that delivers impressive performance while maintaining energy efficiency. The octa-core processor handles everyday tasks with remarkable smoothness, and surprisingly, even demanding applications run without the stuttering typically associated with budget devices.
The device comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which can be virtually expanded to 16GB through RAM Booster technology. This intelligent memory management ensures consistent performance during multitasking scenarios. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, both utilizing UFS 2.2 technology for faster app loading and file transfers.
Gaming performance proves particularly impressive, with the device delivering stable frame rates in popular titles. The Mali-G615 MC2 GPU handles graphics-intensive applications competently, though users may need to adjust settings for the most demanding games. The cooling system prevents thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Camera Capabilities That Capture Life’s Moments
The CMF Phone 1 features a dual-camera setup that prioritizes quality over quantity. The primary 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor captures detailed images with good color reproduction and sharpness. While the device lacks optical image stabilization, the electronic image stabilization with Action Mode helps reduce motion blur in video recording.
The secondary 2MP depth sensor enhances portrait photography by creating natural-looking background blur effects. The camera system performs admirably in well-lit conditions, producing social media-worthy images with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Low-light performance, while not exceptional, remains usable for casual photography needs.
The 16MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls effectively, with various AI-enhanced features for skin smoothing and background effects. The camera app interface remains clean and intuitive, making it easy for users to access different shooting modes and settings.
Software Experience That Respects Users
Running Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14, the CMF Phone 1 offers a clean, bloatware-free experience that stands in stark contrast to heavily customized skins found on other budget devices. The interface maintains Android’s core functionality while adding subtle Nothing-specific enhancements that improve usability without overwhelming users.
The software includes thoughtful customization options, including Nothing’s signature widgets and interface elements that complement the hardware design. The system feels responsive and fluid, with smooth animations and transitions that enhance the overall user experience.
Software update commitment includes two major Android updates and three years of security patches—reasonable for a budget device, though not class-leading. The clean software experience means users spend less time dealing with unnecessary apps and more time enjoying their device.
Battery Life That Keeps Up With Modern Demands
The 5000mAh battery provides reliable all-day performance for most users, with the device easily lasting through heavy usage scenarios. The efficient Dimensity 7300 chipset and optimized software contribute to excellent battery management, with users reporting up to two days of moderate usage.
The 33W fast charging capability means the device can reach 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, though the complete charging cycle takes just over an hour. While wireless charging is absent, the 5W reverse wired charging feature allows the phone to charge other devices—a thoughtful addition for a budget device.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Market Impact and Future Implications
Priced at approximately ₹14,988 ($199) for the base configuration, the CMF Phone 1 represents exceptional value in the budget smartphone segment. The device demonstrates that innovation doesn’t require premium pricing, and thoughtful design can create compelling user experiences without breaking the bank.
The modular approach could inspire other manufacturers to reconsider their design philosophies, potentially leading to a renaissance in smartphone customization. By open-sourcing the back panel design, CMF has created a sustainable ecosystem that could outlast the device itself.
The CMF Phone 1 proves that budget smartphones can offer more than just basic functionality—they can provide personality, innovation, and premium experiences that make technology truly accessible to everyone. This device isn’t just about specifications; it’s about reimagining what smartphones can be when creativity meets practical engineering.