CMF Phone 1: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
The CMF Phone 1, unveiled on July 8th, 2024, marks the debut of a new sub-brand from Nothing – CMF. This phone is positioned in the budget-friendly mid-range segment, aiming to deliver impressive specs at an attractive price point. Let’s delve deeper into everything the CMF Phone 1 offers.
CMF Phone 1
Design and Build:
While details on materials are scarce, early impressions suggest a plastic construction with a clean aesthetic. The phone boasts a large, bezel-less 6.67-inch display with a centred punch-hole cutout for the front camera. This display dominates the front, offering a sleek and modern look.
Display:
One of the highlights of the CMF Phone 1 is its display. It utilizes an AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. This is impressive for a phone in this price range, as many competitors settle for a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the display boasts a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making content viewing enjoyable even outdoors in bright sunlight. However, some reviewers noted that the typical brightness might be closer to 500-700 nits, which is still respectable.
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Performance:
The CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset built on a 4nm process. This processor offers decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Users shouldn’t expect top-of-the-line performance, but for most daily activities, the CMF Phone 1 should handle them smoothly.
The phone comes in three memory configurations:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage (mainly available in India)
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
The higher RAM options will provide better multitasking capabilities and smoother performance with demanding applications.
Software:
The CMF Phone 1 runs on stock Android 14, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience. This translates to a user interface that is familiar and easy to navigate. Stock Android also promises timely software updates, ensuring your phone stays secure and benefits from the latest features.
Cameras:
The camera system on the CMF Phone 1 is a bit of a mystery. Specific details about the sensors haven’t been widely disclosed yet. However, early reports suggest a single rear camera setup, likely with a primary wide sensor. We don’t have information on the presence of additional lenses like ultrawide or telephoto options. The front-facing camera is housed in the punch-hole cutout and is expected to handle basic selfies and video calls.
Battery Life and Charging:
The CMF Phone 1 packs a sizeable 5000mAh battery, which should provide enough juice to last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. Unfortunately, fast charging capabilities are limited to 33W, which isn’t the fastest in the market but still allows for a decent recharge time.
Connectivity:
Connectivity options include standard features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. It’s unclear whether the phone supports NFC for contactless payments.
Price and Availability:
The CMF Phone 1’s pricing makes it a compelling option in the budget segment. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices for each configuration:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: INR 15,999 (approximately GBP 199) – Primarily available in India
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: GBP 209/€239/$199
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: GBP 239/€269
Availability details are limited at present. The base variant seems to be exclusive to India, while the higher RAM configurations might have a wider release.
Competition:
The CMF Phone 1 faces stiff competition in the crowded budget-friendly market. Some notable competitors include:
- Samsung Galaxy A35: This phone offers an IP rating for dust and water resistance, a more versatile triple-camera setup, and slightly faster 25W charging. However, it lacks the CMF Phone 1’s high refresh rate display.
- Motorola Moto G83: Similar in price, the Moto G83 boasts a slightly faster processor and a triple-camera setup. However, its display refresh rate is limited to 90Hz.
CMF Phone 1: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Large and bright 120Hz AMOLED display
- Clean and bloatware-free Stock Android 14
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Long battery life with 5000mAh capacity
- Attractive price point
Cons:
- Limited camera details – possibly a single rear sensor
- No mention of an ultra-wide or telephoto lens
- No information on an always-on display feature
- Lacks stereo speakers (only has a single mono speaker)
- No mention of water or dust resistance rating
- Relatively slow 33W fast charging compared to some competitors
- Unclear availability details for all configurations
Who is the CMF Phone 1 For?
The CMF Phone 1 is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a clean software experience, a smooth display, and long battery life. If you primarily use your phone for daily tasks, social media, and casual gaming, the CMF Phone 1 should handle them well. However, those who prioritize camera capabilities, water resistance, or the fastest charging speeds might want to consider other options in this price range.
Is the CMF Phone 1 Right for You?
Here are some questions to consider before deciding if the CMF Phone 1 is the right choice for you:
- Do you prioritise a clean and bloatware-free software experience? (Stock Android)
- Is a smooth 120Hz display important to you?
- Are you a casual smartphone user who doesn’t need top-of-the-line performance?
- Do you value long battery life?
- Are you on a tight budget?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then the CMF Phone 1 could be a great option for you. However, if you need a versatile camera system, fast charging speeds, or water resistance, you might want to explore other options in the market.
Conclusion:
The CMF Phone 1 offers a compelling package for budget-conscious users. It boasts a beautiful display, clean software, a long-lasting battery, and decent performance at an attractive price point. While the camera details are a bit of a question mark, and some features like stereo speakers and water resistance are missing, the phone delivers solid value for its asking price.
Additional Notes:
- It’s important to consider user reviews and comparisons with direct competitors before making a purchase decision.
- Official information about the camera system and other missing details might become available later.
