CMF Phone 1 First Impressions

CMF by Nothing has finally launched its first smartphone in India with the launch of the CMF Phone 1. The latest smartphone from CMF is priced at Rs 15,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage option, while the 8GB RAM + 128GB model is priced at Rs 17,999. We already know that Nothing aims to offer a unique perspective in smartphone design, and the CMF Phone 1 takes that tradition a step further with the help of a replaceable back panel.

The phone also comes with some interesting features and specifications, including the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, up to 8GB of RAM, a 50MP rear camera, a 5000mAh battery, and more. The phone is a new contender in India’s top-selling segment. Check out our first impressions to know more about what makes it stand out.

The CMF Phone 1 is available in black, light green, blue and orange.

Design-wise, the CMF Phone 1 might look like a regular smartphone in the sub-Rs 18,000 price segment with a polycarbonate back panel and a matte finish. The front panel has thin bezels and a cutout for the selfie camera at the top.

However, the moment you turn it over, you’ll notice four screws on each corner and a knob at the base. You might wonder if the screws are part of the design aesthetic. But they do have a purpose! You unscrew them to replace the entire back panel. Yes, the CMF Phone 1 has a modular design that allows you to replace the entire back panel, something that was quite visible in the early days of smartphones with removable batteries and housings.

The back panel of the CMF Phone 1 can be removed and replaced with a new one.

The whole process is relatively simple. Just unscrew the screws using the tool that came with the case, remove it, add a new one, and screw them back in. However, it is recommended to remove the SIM card tray before removing the case.

The smartphone comes in four colour options: black, light green, orange and an India-exclusive blue. The black and light green variants offer a subtle texture, while the blue and orange have a layer of vegan leather for a premium finish. The cases are priced at Rs 1,499. The whole experience of changing the panel certainly takes you back in time, but it also means you have to be careful with the tiny screws as they tend to snap (if you know, you know).

The smartphone is equipped with a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display

The CMF Phone 1 also has a good display in this price segment. The phone comes with a 6.67-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display that offers 2000 nits of peak brightness, making it appear bright in outdoor conditions. The handset also has a 120Hz adaptive screen refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. The display offers good viewing angles and contrast, providing a pleasant viewing experience.

The first smartphone from CMF Phone 1 also packs some interesting hardware. You get an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, which is known for its good performance. Additionally, the phone comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2TB via a hybrid microSD card slot, meaning you can have two SIM cards at once, or one SIM and a microSD card. We haven’t tested the full capabilities of the CMF Phone 1 yet, so stay tuned for a detailed review.

The CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC

The user interface is something that Nothing is particularly proud of. Nothing OS offers a good level of customization, like a monochrome theme that mutes colors for a minimal experience. I liked the AI ​​Wallpaper Generator tool that helps create personalized backgrounds, a feature I would like to see on all smartphones.

When it comes to the camera, the CMF Phone 1 also seems capable. The company has added a dual camera setup on the rear panel. The device has a 50-megapixel Sony primary sensor and a portrait lens with an f/1.8 aperture. The phone also has a 16-megapixel camera. Both the cameras are equipped with the TrueLens Engine with Ultra XDR and AI Vivid Mode. I will talk about the cameras in the upcoming review, so stay tuned.

The CMF Phone 1 supports 33W fast charging.

The battery also seems to be decent. The phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging, which is standard in this price segment.

With a starting price of Rs 15,999, the CMF Phone 1 is an interesting package with the right balance of features. However, I am yet to test it out to see if it can compete with the competition. Currently, if you look at the market dynamics, this segment offers stiff competition with products like the Infinix Note 40 ( Review ), Realme P1 5G ( Review ), OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite ( Review ) and others. So, stay tuned for a detailed review of the CMF Phone 1!