CMF by Nothing has launched its latest CMF Phone 1 smartphone in India, which is priced reasonably at approximately Rs 20,000. Despite a lot of options in this price range, the CMF Phone 1 stands out with its promising software experience and performance-focused design. Here is my 15-day review of the CMF Phone 1.
But before we jump right in, let’s quickly run through the key specs:
6.7-inch AMOLED LTPS display
Mediatek Dimensity 7300
50MP Sony IMX882 Camera
Up to 8GB+8GB RAM Booster
33W Fast Charging
5000mAh Massive Battery
Customizable Design
Unboxing and design:
The CMF Phone 1 comes packaged with the device itself, some paperwork, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, and an orange SIM ejection tool. CMF/Nothing devices do not come with a charger, but a supported 33W fast charger is available for purchase for ₹1,299.
The back has a pill-shaped camera cut-out, followed by pale CMF branding, four screws, and a knob. The CMF Phone 1’s biggest feature is its customizing capabilities; all four screws can be released to change the color of the back cover, and the knob can be unlocked to attach accessories such as a cardholder, lanyard cord, and phone stand.
Display
The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED LTPS display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and an FHD+ (1,080 x 2,400p) resolution. It is an 8-bit color display with a central punch-hole configuration for the selfie camera. The display quality is typical for the pricing range. The 120Hz refresh rate works nicely with the UI and supporting apps, and the device is Widevine L1 certified, which ensures FHD streaming from Netflix and other OTT services. The Phone 1’s bezels, although small, are somewhat thicker than its competitors.
Performance
The CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor. It is a new mid-range chipset built on a 4nm technology and featuring octa-cores clocked up to 2.5GHz. This comes along with 6GB RAM + 128GB UFS 2.2 storage and 8GB RAM + 128GB UFS 2.2 storage options. The RAM is essentially expandable up to 16GB, while storage may be expanded up to 2TB with a suitable microSD card. The variant we are reviewing has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The handset performs well in simulated benchmark testing, although it falls short of the Dimensity 7200’s AnTuTu and Geekbench single-core test results on the iQOO Z9.
Camera
The CMF Phone 1 features a dual-camera setup at the rear, highlighted by a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor. There is no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) available in the camera sensor which shows a lack of better images in night mode and the phone has up to 2X zoom in portrait mode. While lacking an ultrawide lens, the primary camera compensates with its 26mm focal length and features like 4K video recording, HDR, and Night Mode.
Up front, you’ve got a 16-megapixel F2/0 selfie camera as well. The phone is powered by truelens engine 2.0 which provides Advanced computational photography algorithms that bring to life intricate details in every shot.
The Sony IMX882 camera is capable of clicking some surprisingly stunning photos in daylight, While struggles to capture in low light mode due to the lack of OIS.
Battery.
The CMF Phone 1 comes with a large 5,000 mAh battery which lasts a full day while casual usage. CMF Phone 1 can last up to two days on a single charge. It also supports 33W Fast Charging, delivering 50% of power in just 26 minutes.
While the battery life of the CMF Phone 1 surpasses that of competitors like the Realme P1, it may fall short compared to devices like the Moto G85 in terms of longevity. Nevertheless, I got a screen-on time of nearly 6-7 hours in my 15 days of testing, making it suitable for various activities including photography, social media browsing, and light gaming.
Also Read: CMF Phone 1 vs Motorola G85: Finding the best software experience under 20000
Software Experience.
The CMF Phone 1 runs Nothing OS 2.6, which is based on Android 14, and includes two years of software updates and three years of security patches. Nothing OS delivers the most Android innovation without bloatware. Nothing OS is built around functionality, with customization options that make sense to you. Turn down the distractions with a monochrome theme and concealed app labels, or explore the versatile Nothing Widget collection. Small windows into your most frequently used apps and functionalities for a faster, more intuitive smartphone experience.
In these 15 days of usage I received three software updates which improved the overall experience and improved the camera too, I enjoyed using Nothing Os and am happy enough to suggest it to other users based on my experience with the device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CMF Phone 1 smartphone is a strong option in the mid-range market thanks to its impressive design, performance, and photographic capabilities. It’s important to note that we bought this gadget ourselves, and our verdicts are based on actual use. Keep checking GizmoGeek Hub for more in-depth reviews like this one to learn more about the device’s gaming capabilities and other Nothing OS features. The CMF Phone 1 is well-positioned to attract customers looking for a smartphone that offers good value for money thanks to its affordable price and extensive feature set.
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