Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review: Features, Price, and Performance
Nothing CMF Phone 1:
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is Nothing Tech's ambitious project in the budget smartphone segment. Part of the Nothing CMF (Color, Material, Finish) sub-brand, the phone brings the brand's innovative design philosophy closer to home. The phone aims to bring the distinctive design elements and software experience of the flagship Nothing Phone (2) to a wider audience, offering a competitive feature set at a lower price point.
Design and Finish :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 retains some of the core design elements that made the brand's flagship devices stand out, but at a more affordable price point. While it doesn't feature the LED-lit transparent back (Glyph interface) that characterizes its premium models, the Phone 1 embodies the idea of minimalism and clean lines. The back of the device is made from high-quality polycarbonate, giving it a robust, premium feel while keeping costs down. A smooth matte finish gives it a sleek texture, and the compact form factor means the phone can be held comfortably in one hand.
The overall design is simple yet elegant, featuring a flat display and rounded edges. This minimalist design gives the phone a modern, if not flashy, look that will appeal to a wide range of consumers. On the front, the phone sports a 6.5-inch LCD display, which is a bit smaller than other mid-range devices, but still provides a great viewing experience. The phone comes in several attractive colors, including classic black and white, to suit different user preferences.
Screen :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen that supports Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). The choice of an LCD panel over an OLED panel may disappoint some, but it keeps the device affordable without sacrificing too much color fidelity and clarity. The screen offers good brightness levels, good contrast, accurate color reproduction, and is suitable for general everyday use, including browsing, watching videos, and gaming.
The phone's display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which is a significant improvement over the traditional 60Hz screens on lower-cost devices. This results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, providing a smoother experience, especially for users who enjoy consuming content or playing light games.
While the display may not be the most advanced in its category (as seen in flagship OLED screens), it still offers great value for money, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a solid screen without paying a premium for high-end technology.
Performance :
When it comes to performance, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, which is a capable mid-range processor that offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency. Paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, the Phone 1 can handle most of your everyday tasks, including browsing, social media, and light gaming, without any noticeable lag or stuttering. The Dimensity 810 is a 5G-ready chipset, future-proofing the device in areas where 5G networks are available. It also brings significant efficiency improvements, ensuring the device's battery doesn't drain as quickly. In terms of gaming, the Phone 1 performs well in casual titles and moderately intensive apps, but may struggle with more graphically intensive games.
The phone's internal storage is UFS 2.2, which delivers decent read and write speeds for faster app launches and file transfers. However, this storage is not expandable, which may be a limitation for users who need additional storage for media and apps.
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 features a dual camera on the back consisting of a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. The main camera uses a large sensor that allows for detailed and bright shots in bright conditions, making it suitable for everyday photography needs such as portraits, landscapes, and close-ups. The camera also comes with features such as HDR, AI scene detection, and night mode that improve image quality in different situations.
The 50MP sensor is paired with an f/1.8 aperture, which helps with low-light shooting, but it doesn't match the performance of high-end smartphones with advanced sensors. However, considering the price of the device, the camera offers above-average results for its category, producing vibrant colors and good details in daytime shots. Low light performance is good, but noise may be noticeable in very dark situations.
The secondary 2MP depth sensor is primarily used to capture portraits with bokeh effect and to simulate shallow depth of field. The depth sensor is not state-of-the-art, but it is good enough for basic portrait photography. However, the results may not be as sharp or accurate as those on flagship phones.
On the front, Nothing CMF Phone 1 features an 8MP selfie camera housed in a notch at the top of the display. The front camera can take decent selfies with decent skin tones and details in bright lighting, but can struggle in low light.
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, a clean, minimalist version of Android. The operating system is designed to provide a bloatware-free experience and closely resembles the standard Android UI with subtle redesigns and customizations that match Nothing's signature aesthetic. The operating system offers a user-friendly interface with smooth animations, intuitive navigation, and easy access to Google services and apps.
Nothing OS focuses on simplicity while offering a host of sophisticated features, including customizable widgets, a smooth notification system, and a streamlined app drawer. The software also comes with light and dark themes, as well as a host of pre-installed apps that won't weigh down your device. The software is fast and responsive, and doesn't require extensive customization, as is common with other budget smartphones.
The phone is scheduled to receive two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches, providing a reasonable level of software support for users who plan to keep the device for several years.
Battery and Charging :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a 5,000mAh battery, which is a strong offering in the budget category. With moderate usage such as browsing, social media, and light gaming, the battery will last for more than a full day. Depending on your usage habits, it could last even longer, especially with the power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset. The phone supports 18W fast charging, which is reasonable for a device in this price range. The charging speed is not as fast as higher-end devices that support higher charging speeds, but you can still charge the phone to 50% in about 30 minutes. There is no support for wireless charging, but this is a common compromise at this price range.
Conclusion :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a great package for users looking for a functional, affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise on design or performance. It brings the Nothing brand's minimalist philosophy to a wider audience, while offering a well-balanced feature set that includes a solid display, reliable performance, and a clean software experience. While it doesn't have the fancy Glyph interface of the flagship models, its design, display, and value for money make it a strong contender in the affordable smartphone market. For those looking for a sleek and efficient device that stands out from the usual budget offerings, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a worthy choice.
Network Technology
- Supported Technologies: GSM, HSPA, LTE, 5G
Launch
- Announced: July 8, 2024
- Status: Available, Released July 9, 2024
Body
- Dimensions: 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)
- Weight: 197 g or 202 g (6.95 oz)
- Build: Glass front, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
- SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
- Other: User-replaceable back cover, dust and splash resistant
Display
- Type: AMOLED, 120Hz, 500 nits (typical), 2000 nits (peak)
- Size: 6.67 inches (~107.4 cm²), ~85.1% screen-to-body ratio
- Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
- Other Features: Always-on display
Platform
- Operating System: Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
- GPU: Mali-G615 MC2
Memory
- Card Slot: microSDXC
- Internal Storage and RAM:
- 128GB 6GB RAM
- 128GB 8GB RAM
- 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
- Dual Camera:
- 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF
- 2 MP, f/2.4 (depth)
- Features: LED flash, panorama, HDR
- Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie Camera
- Single Camera: 16 MP, f/2.0 (wide)
- Video: 1080p@30fps
Sound
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: No
Communications
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
- Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, BLE
- Positioning: GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
- NFC: No
- Radio: No
- USB: USB Type-C
Features
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
- Type: 5000 mAh
- Charging: 33W wired, 5W reverse wired
Miscellaneous
- Colors: Black, Orange, Light Green
- Price: ₹14,800 / $289.00 / £169.54 / €198.43
Performance Tests
- AnTuTu: 536089 (v9), 646635 (v10)
- GeekBench: 2801 (v5), 2920 (v6)
- 3DMark: 851 (Wild Life Extreme)
Display
- Max Brightness: 1259 nits (measured)
Loudspeaker
- Loudness: -28.0 LUFS (Good)
Battery (New)
- Active Use Score: 16:13h
Design and Finish :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 retains some of the core design elements that made the brand's flagship devices stand out, but at a more affordable price point. While it doesn't feature the LED-lit transparent back (Glyph interface) that characterizes its premium models, the Phone 1 embodies the idea of minimalism and clean lines. The back of the device is made from high-quality polycarbonate, giving it a robust, premium feel while keeping costs down. A smooth matte finish gives it a sleek texture, and the compact form factor means the phone can be held comfortably in one hand.
The overall design is simple yet elegant, featuring a flat display and rounded edges. This minimalist design gives the phone a modern, if not flashy, look that will appeal to a wide range of consumers. On the front, the phone sports a 6.5-inch LCD display, which is a bit smaller than other mid-range devices, but still provides a great viewing experience. The phone comes in several attractive colors, including classic black and white, to suit different user preferences.
Screen :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen that supports Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). The choice of an LCD panel over an OLED panel may disappoint some, but it keeps the device affordable without sacrificing too much color fidelity and clarity. The screen offers good brightness levels, good contrast, accurate color reproduction, and is suitable for general everyday use, including browsing, watching videos, and gaming.
The phone's display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which is a significant improvement over the traditional 60Hz screens on lower-cost devices. This results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, providing a smoother experience, especially for users who enjoy consuming content or playing light games.
While the display may not be the most advanced in its category (as seen in flagship OLED screens), it still offers great value for money, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a solid screen without paying a premium for high-end technology.
Performance :
When it comes to performance, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, which is a capable mid-range processor that offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency. Paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, the Phone 1 can handle most of your everyday tasks, including browsing, social media, and light gaming, without any noticeable lag or stuttering. The Dimensity 810 is a 5G-ready chipset, future-proofing the device in areas where 5G networks are available. It also brings significant efficiency improvements, ensuring the device's battery doesn't drain as quickly. In terms of gaming, the Phone 1 performs well in casual titles and moderately intensive apps, but may struggle with more graphically intensive games.
The phone's internal storage is UFS 2.2, which delivers decent read and write speeds for faster app launches and file transfers. However, this storage is not expandable, which may be a limitation for users who need additional storage for media and apps.
Camera System :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 features a dual camera on the back consisting of a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. The main camera uses a large sensor that allows for detailed and bright shots in bright conditions, making it suitable for everyday photography needs such as portraits, landscapes, and close-ups. The camera also comes with features such as HDR, AI scene detection, and night mode that improve image quality in different situations.
The 50MP sensor is paired with an f/1.8 aperture, which helps with low-light shooting, but it doesn't match the performance of high-end smartphones with advanced sensors. However, considering the price of the device, the camera offers above-average results for its category, producing vibrant colors and good details in daytime shots. Low light performance is good, but noise may be noticeable in very dark situations.
The secondary 2MP depth sensor is primarily used to capture portraits with bokeh effect and to simulate shallow depth of field. The depth sensor is not state-of-the-art, but it is good enough for basic portrait photography. However, the results may not be as sharp or accurate as those on flagship phones.
On the front, Nothing CMF Phone 1 features an 8MP selfie camera housed in a notch at the top of the display. The front camera can take decent selfies with decent skin tones and details in bright lighting, but can struggle in low light.
Software and User Experience :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, a clean, minimalist version of Android. The operating system is designed to provide a bloatware-free experience and closely resembles the standard Android UI with subtle redesigns and customizations that match Nothing's signature aesthetic. The operating system offers a user-friendly interface with smooth animations, intuitive navigation, and easy access to Google services and apps.
Nothing OS focuses on simplicity while offering a host of sophisticated features, including customizable widgets, a smooth notification system, and a streamlined app drawer. The software also comes with light and dark themes, as well as a host of pre-installed apps that won't weigh down your device. The software is fast and responsive, and doesn't require extensive customization, as is common with other budget smartphones.
The phone is scheduled to receive two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches, providing a reasonable level of software support for users who plan to keep the device for several years.
Battery and Charging :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 has a 5,000mAh battery, which is a strong offering in the budget category. With moderate usage such as browsing, social media, and light gaming, the battery will last for more than a full day. Depending on your usage habits, it could last even longer, especially with the power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset. The phone supports 18W fast charging, which is reasonable for a device in this price range. The charging speed is not as fast as higher-end devices that support higher charging speeds, but you can still charge the phone to 50% in about 30 minutes. There is no support for wireless charging, but this is a common compromise at this price range.
Conclusion :
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a great package for users looking for a functional, affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise on design or performance. It brings the Nothing brand's minimalist philosophy to a wider audience, while offering a well-balanced feature set that includes a solid display, reliable performance, and a clean software experience. While it doesn't have the fancy Glyph interface of the flagship models, its design, display, and value for money make it a strong contender in the affordable smartphone market. For those looking for a sleek and efficient device that stands out from the usual budget offerings, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a worthy choice.
