Nothing CMF Phone 1: A Fun Nostalgia Trip for the Modern Age
During the pandemic, I found myself opening up old gadgets and fixing them. While success was sporadic, the satisfaction was immense. It reminded me of my childhood when devices were colorful, easily repairable, and had more character. Nowadays, most gadgets look the same and lack personality. But Nothing Inc., a company known for its quirky designs, is changing that with their new CMF Phone 1. After testing this smartphone for a week, here’s what I think.
A Unique Design
The CMF Phone 1 rejects the traditional bland design of modern smartphones for a semi-modular look. The exterior is crafted from matte plastic, which, although reminiscent of the iPhone 5c, feels more like a playful toy than a piece of technology. The device is lightweight, sturdy, and most importantly, comfortable to hold despite its large screen size.
One standout feature is its vibrant orange casing, not to mention the phone’s ability to swap out the rear cover. In just five minutes with a screwdriver, you can change the back cover, adding a touch of personalization. Nothing also offers a range of accessories like funky lanyards, stands, and card cases that attach via a physical rotary dial situated at the bottom right of the phone.
Display and Sound
The phone’s display is a Samsung-made AMOLED panel at 6.67 inches with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It supports up to 120Hz refresh rates, making it impressive for a budget device. Watching videos and scrolling through photos is a delightful experience on such a large screen, something smaller devices might not offer.
The stereo speakers are loud and clear. As someone who prefers speaker output for podcasts and videos, I found the audio quality commendable. No need for headphones during evening walks!
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, the CMF Phone 1 isn’t exactly high-end, but it’s more than sufficient for average users. Web browsing, YouTube, music streaming, and even light gaming are handled smoothly. Although not as fast as flagship devices, you also won’t be paying flagship prices.
The 5000mAh battery is impressive, easily lasting a full day of regular use. It supports 33W fast charging, though it lacks wireless charging. A point of note is its IPX2 rating, which implies it’s somewhat resistant to moisture, but probably best not to test it too much.
Software and User Interface
The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6.0, which is based on Android 14. The user interface is visually unique, featuring dot-matrix art and monochrome icons. It may take some getting used to, but it adds a refreshing twist. However, the phone’s software support lasts for only two years with regular security updates for three years, which might be a point to consider if longevity is a priority.
Camera Capabilities
The phone’s camera setup includes two rear cameras—a 50 MP main sensor and a portrait sensor. There’s also a 16 MP front camera for selfies. Under good lighting conditions, the main camera delivers sharp and vibrant photos, though it struggles in low light scenarios. The front camera is reliable for selfies and video calls.
Final Thoughts
The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing stands out in its price category, starting at just Rs 15,999. Its unique design, modular capabilities, and decent specs make it an attractive choice for those looking for something different. While it’s not designed to compete with flagship smartphones, it offers plenty of fun and functionality for everyday use.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that breaks away from the cookie-cutter mold, the CMF Phone 1 might just be the gadget you’ve been waiting for. It’s clear that Nothing has something special here, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in a market saturated with similar-looking devices.