CMF Phone 1 Review

The CMF Phone 1 stays true to Nothing’s signature style—clean design, minimal software clutter, and a focus on user experience. As the brand’s first budget smartphone (priced at ₹19,999), it runs Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14 , offering a smooth, bloat-free interface that works seamlessly with other Nothing devices.

While Nothing promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches , this support timeline only meets average standards for modern budget phones. Competitors like Samsung and Google offer longer updates, but the CMF Phone 1 still beats many rivals in this segment.

So, does this phone deliver enough innovation to justify its price? Let’s dive into its modular design , AMOLED display , and MediaTek Dimensity 7300 power to see if it lives up to the hype.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The CMF Phone 1 arrives in a minimalist cardboard box adorned with Nothing’s signature monochrome branding. Inside, you’ll find:

• CMF Phone 1 (Black, Light Green, Blue, or Vegan Leather Orange variant).
• USB-C to USB-C cable (no charger included).
• Orange SIM ejector tool .
• Quick-start guide and warranty card .

No charger in the box — a growing trend among budget brands. A 33W CMF-branded charger is sold separately for ₹1,299, which may frustrate buyers expecting a bundled adapter.

Upon first glance, the phone’s modular design grabs attention. Available in Black, Blue, Light Green, and a striking Orange vegan leather, the back panel can be removed and replaced using four visible screws. Accessories like a lanyard, cardholder, or kickstand can also be attached using the accessory point knob. This makes the phone stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter designs.

My view: The modular approach feels fresh and adds a DIY charm that’s rare in this segment. However, the novelty slightly wears off once you realize the accessories are only available from Nothing, limiting options.

Design and Build Quality

The CMF Phone 1 is built entirely out of plastic, measuring 164 x 77 x 8mm and weighing around 197g. Despite the plastic build, the device feels sturdy and premium, especially the vegan leather variant.

Key Design Pros:

• Swappable back covers
• Customizable accessory port
• Vegan leather for added grip
• Matte finishes for reduced smudges

Design Cons:

• Sharp edges make it uncomfortable for long use
• Camera lens scratches easily
• DIY back panel removal requires SIM tray removal

My view: While the concept is cool, the execution needs refinement. A slightly rounded design would help with comfort, and a better camera lens material is essential.

Connectivity and Audio

The phone supports 10 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual 4G VoLTE. It also includes a USB Type-C port and IP52 dust/splash resistance.

Audio-wise, it features a single bottom-firing speaker, which is loud but lacks bass. An audio booster claims to increase volume by 400%, but the quality deteriorates at higher volumes.

My view: While connectivity is solid, the audio setup is underwhelming, especially with no stereo speaker. If you stream a lot of media, this could be a drawback.

Display: AMOLED Beauty at a Budget

The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2100 nits. It supports HDR10+, offers 240Hz touch sampling, and includes an Extra Dim mode for nighttime reading.

Display Pros:

• Excellent contrast and deep blacks
• Super bright, even in direct sunlight
• Smooth 120Hz scrolling
• Minimal ghosting or lag

Display Cons:

• Noticeable bezels, especially the bottom chin
• Only one speaker, which affects media experience

My view: Easily one of the best displays in this segment. It’s perfect for YouTube, Netflix, or social scrolling. However, the lack of stereo sound dampens the full multimedia experience.

Software: Nothing OS 2.6

Running on Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14, the CMF Phone 1 offers a clean and intuitive UI. It promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches.

Software Highlights:

• Zero bloatware or spammy notifications
• Clean widgets (screen time, recorder, weather)
• AI wallpaper generator
• Monochrome UI aesthetics
• Experimental Apple AirPods pairing

My view: One of the best software experiences I’ve had in this price range. Everything feels clean, fast, and thoughtfully designed.

Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 7300

Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) chipset, paired with up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.

Real-World Performance:

• Smooth app launches and multitasking
• Browsing and social media: flawless
• Thermals: Managed well, with little to no overheating

Gaming Performance:

• Call of Duty Mobile: Very High Graphics + Max Frame Rate
• BGMI: HDR Graphics + Ultra Frame Rate

Benchmarks:

• AnTuTu: 651,291
• Geekbench 6: 1037 (single), 2932 (multi)
• 3DMark Wild Life: 851, with 99.8% stability

My view: The phone punches above its weight in terms of performance. It’s not a gaming phone per se, but handles casual and mid-tier gaming with ease.

Compare With Similar Phones

• iQOO Z10x Review – Larger battery, stronger camera
• Vivo T4x 5G Review – Similar chipset, vegan leather design
• Realme P3x 5G Review – Modular design alternative

Camera: A Mixed Bag

The phone houses a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor and a 2MP portrait sensor. The front camera is 16MP.

Daylight Performance:

• Good details
• Colors sometimes over-processed
• Sharpness decent but not consistent

Low-Light Performance:

• Struggles with light flaring
• Details get mushy

Selfie Camera:

• Natural tones but an orange tint bug
• Dynamic range is limited

My view: The camera system is the weakest link. It’s good enough for casual social media photos but not for enthusiasts. A future software update could improve image processing.

For better low-light performance, consider the iQOO Z10x , which offers a more refined 50MP camera setup. While neither phone excels in night photography, the iQOO’s software tuning delivers sharper details and reduced grain.

Battery Life and Charging

The CMF Phone 1 packs a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

Charging Stats:

• 15 minutes: 28%
• 30 minutes: 50%
• Full charge: ~1 hour 15 minutes (with compatible charger)

Battery Life:

• Easily lasts 25+ hours on a full charge
• Moderate users: 1.5 days of usage
• Heavy users: Full day with 10-15% left

My view: Battery life is excellent, though charging speed could be faster. Including a charger in the box would’ve been a better choice.

📊 Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 1 is a refreshing take in the saturated budget market. With its modular design, beautiful AMOLED display, smooth UI, and solid day-to-day performance, it offers a lot for its price tag.

Best For:

• Users who want a customizable and modular phone
• Clean software lovers
• People focused on display and general usability

Not Ideal For:

• Hardcore photographers
• Audiophiles and media binge-watchers
• Users expecting fast charging out of the box

My closing thought: The CMF Phone 1 is one of the most unique offerings under ₹17,000. If you value design, display, and software over camera or stereo sound, this phone is definitely worth considering.