Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review: Bold Design Meets Budget-Friendly Power

CMF Phone 1: A Breath of Fresh Air in the Budget Segment

In a sea of generic smartphones, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 stands out with its unique design and impressive features. As someone who values both style and substance, I was eager to test this phone. After spending some time with it, I’m convinced it’s a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Design & Build: Bold and Eye-Catching

The CMF Phone 1 immediately catches your eye with its distinctive design. The transparent back panel reveals a glimpse of the phone’s inner workings, adding a touch of tech-inspired flair. While the back is plastic, it feels surprisingly sturdy and has a nice texture. The orange and black color options are vibrant and youthful.

Display: A Vibrant AMOLED Feast

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. While the 2000 nits peak brightness ensures excellent visibility outdoors, the display’s fingerprint magnet nature is a slight drawback.

Performance: Smooth Sailing for Everyday Tasks

The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip and 8GB of RAM handle everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming with ease. I haven’t experienced any noticeable lag or slowdown. While demanding games might require lowering graphics settings, the overall performance is impressive for a phone in this price range.

Camera: Captures the Moment with Style

The 50MP main camera captures detailed and colorful photos in good lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens adds versatility, and the portrait mode delivers pleasing bokeh effects. Low-light performance is decent, thanks to the Night Mode, but don’t expect miracles.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use. The 33W fast charging is a welcome addition, topping up the phone quickly when needed. However, the lack of wireless charging is a bit disappointing.

Software & User Experience: Clean and Minimalist

The CMF Phone 1 runs on Android 13 with a clean and minimalist interface. There’s no bloatware, and the software experience feels smooth and responsive. Nothing promises two years of OS updates and three years of security patches, which is commendable for a budget phone.

Connectivity & Extras: 5G Ready and Future-Proof

The phone supports 13 5G bands, making it future-proof for faster mobile data speeds. It also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity. However, there’s no headphone jack or expandable storage, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Who Should Buy the CMF Phone 1?

• Budget-Minded Users: If you’re looking for a stylish and powerful phone without spending a fortune, the CMF Phone 1 is a great option.
• Style-Conscious Consumers: The unique design and vibrant colors make this phone stand out from the crowd.
• Everyday Users: The phone handles everyday tasks with ease and offers a decent camera experience.

Pros:

• Eye-catching design
• Vibrant AMOLED display
• Smooth performance
• Good battery life
• Affordable price

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• No headphone jack
• Camera struggles in low light

Overall: A Compelling Budget Choice

The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a breath of fresh air in the budget smartphone market. It offers a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability. While it’s not perfect, the CMF Phone 1 is a compelling choice for those who want a stylish and capable phone without breaking the bank.