CMF by Nothing Phone 1 : In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, a new contender has emerged to challenge the status quo of budget devices.
The CMF by Nothing Phone 1, with its 6GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration, is making waves in the industry, offering a compelling mix of performance, design, and affordability.
This article delves deep into what makes this device stand out in a crowded market and why it might just be the budget phone to beat in 2024.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 The Birth of CMF by Nothing
Before we dive into the specifics of the Phone 1, it’s essential to understand the brand behind it. CMF is a sub-brand of Nothing, the tech company founded by Carl Pei, co-founder of OnePlus.
The ethos behind CMF (which stands for Color, Material, and Finish) is to bring Nothing’s design philosophy and tech prowess to a more accessible price point.
The Phone 1 is their inaugural smartphone offering, and it’s clear that they’ve poured their heart and soul into creating a device that punches well above its weight class.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Design: Minimalism Meets Functionality
One glance at the CMF Phone 1, and you’ll notice it’s not your typical budget smartphone.
The device boasts a sleek, minimalist design that’s reminiscent of its more expensive Nothing counterparts.
The phone features a unique transparent back, allowing you to peek at some of the internal components – a design choice that’s both aesthetically pleasing and a conversation starter.
The frame is made of recycled aluminum, giving it a premium feel while also nodding to environmental consciousness.
Available in three colors – Dark Gray, Light Gray, and Green – the Phone 1 offers a refreshing departure from the usual black and white options dominating the budget segment.
Perhaps the most intriguing design element is the “Glyph Interface” – a series of LED strips on the back of the phone that can light up for notifications, charging status, and even act as a fill light for the camera.
It’s a feature that’s both functional and adds a futuristic flair to the device.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Display: Punching Above Its Weight
The CMF Phone 1 sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. What sets it apart from many budget offerings is its 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and an overall fluid user experience.
The display also boasts HDR10+ support, bringing vivid colors and deep contrasts to your content consumption.
With a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, the screen remains legible even under direct sunlight – a feature often reserved for more expensive devices.
The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back adds a layer of durability that’s appreciated at this price point.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Performance: 6GB RAM Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the CMF Phone 1 lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, paired with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM.
This combination delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and can handle moderate gaming without breaking a sweat.
The 6GB of RAM might seem modest compared to some flagships, but CMF has optimized the software to make the most of this configuration.
In real-world usage, the Phone 1 handles multitasking with ease. Apps stay in memory longer, and switching between them is snappy.
Even when pushing the device with multiple apps and browser tabs open, there’s rarely any noticeable lag or stutter.
For those concerned about future-proofing, CMF has included a virtual RAM expansion feature, allowing users to allocate up to 5GB of storage as additional RAM when needed.
This clever software trick helps in maintaining performance over time, especially as apps become more demanding.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Storage: 128GB of Ample Space
The 128GB UFS 2.2 storage in the Phone 1 strikes a good balance between capacity and cost.
While it’s not the fastest storage standard available, it provides quick app launches and decent file transfer speeds. For most users, 128GB should be more than enough for apps, photos, videos, and other media.
It’s worth noting that the Phone 1 doesn’t support expandable storage via microSD card.
However, CMF has included features like cloud backup integration and easy file management tools to help users make the most of the available space.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Camera System: Capturing Moments with Clarity
In the camera department, the CMF Phone 1 impresses with a dual-lens setup:
Main Camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS
Ultra-wide Camera: 50MP Samsung JN1 sensor
The primary 50MP camera delivers sharp, detailed images in various lighting conditions.
The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) is a standout feature at this price point, helping to reduce blur in low-light situations and providing smoother video recording.
The ultra-wide camera offers a 114-degree field of view, perfect for landscape shots or group photos.
While it may not match the main sensor in terms of detail, it still produces respectable images that are more than social media-ready.
On the front, a 32MP selfie camera handles self-portraits and video calls with aplomb.
The camera app comes with a variety of modes and features, including Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and even a Pro mode for those who want more control over their shots.
Video capabilities are solid, with 4K recording at 30fps from the main camera and 1080p at 60fps from the front camera.
Electronic image stabilization (EIS) helps in capturing steady footage, making the Phone 1 a capable device for vloggers and content creators on a budget.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power
Powering the CMF Phone 1 is a 4,500mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use.
The efficient chipset and software optimizations contribute to impressive standby times, often stretching to two days with lighter usage.
When it comes to charging, the Phone 1 supports 33W fast charging, which can juice up the device from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.
While not the fastest charging speed on the market, it’s more than adequate for most users.
The phone also supports 15W wireless charging – a feature rarely seen in this price segment – and 5W reverse wireless charging for topping up accessories like earbuds.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Software: Clean, Customizable, and Current
One of the standout features of the CMF Phone 1 is its software experience. Running on Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13, the phone offers a clean, near-stock Android interface with thoughtful customizations.
The UI is free from bloatware, providing a refreshing user experience that’s both intuitive and efficient.
CMF has committed to three years of Android version updates and four years of bi-monthly security patches for the Phone 1.
This level of software support is commendable and ensures that the device will stay current and secure for years to come.
The Glyph Interface mentioned earlier is deeply integrated into the software, allowing users to customize LED patterns for different notifications and functions. It’s a unique feature that adds both practicality and personality to the device.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Connectivity and Extra Features
Despite its budget-friendly price, the CMF Phone 1 doesn’t skimp on connectivity options. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for contactless payments. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock provides convenient and secure unlocking options.
The phone also features stereo speakers that deliver surprisingly good audio quality for its class.
While there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, the Phone 1 supports high-quality audio codecs over Bluetooth for wireless audio enthusiasts.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Value Proposition and Market Position
Priced competitively in the mid-range segment, the CMF Phone 1 with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage offers exceptional value for money.
It brings features typically found in more expensive devices – like wireless charging, an AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, and a capable camera system – to a more accessible price point.
When compared to competitors in its price range, the Phone 1 stands out with its unique design, clean software experience, and the backing of a brand that’s quickly gaining recognition for innovation.
While it may not have the raw processing power of some gaming-focused devices in this segment, it offers a more balanced and refined overall package.
CMF by Nothing Phone 1 Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Budget Phones
The CMF by Nothing Phone 1, particularly in its 6GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration, represents a significant step forward in what we can expect from budget smartphones.
It successfully combines attractive design, solid performance, and thoughtful features into a package that feels premium without the premium price tag.
For users who prioritize a clean software experience, regular updates, and a device that stands out from the crowd, the Phone 1 is an compelling option.
It proves that you don’t need to break the bank to get a smartphone that looks good, performs well, and offers features typically reserved for more expensive devices.
As CMF continues to refine its offerings and potentially expand its product line, the Phone 1 serves as a strong foundation. It sets a new benchmark for what a budget smartphone can be and challenges other manufacturers to step up their game.
In a market often dominated by compromises, the CMF Phone 1 shows that with the right approach, it’s possible to create a device that feels anything but budget.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast on a budget, a student looking for a capable device, or simply someone who appreciates good design and functionality, the CMF by Nothing Phone 1 deserves your attention. It’s not just a good phone for its price – it’s a good phone, period.