The CMF Phone 1, from Nothing’s sub-brand CMF (Colour Material Finish), has made its debut in the Indian smartphone market. Targeting budget-conscious buyers, this handset is designed to stand out with its unique aesthetics and customizable features. But does it deliver more than just good looks? This comprehensive CMF Phone 1 review will cover all aspects of the phone, including its design, performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The CMF Phone 1 embraces a design-first approach, evident in its interchangeable back panels. These panels, available in Orange, Light Green, and Blue, are securely attached with screws and a rotating wheel screw, allowing users to customize the phone’s appearance and functionality. The Blue and Orange panels feature a vegan leather finish, adding a touch of luxury and thickness to the phone.
Despite the stylish design, the phone’s IP52 rating only provides protection against minor splashes, and the plastic build may not offer robust screen protection. However, the device feels solid and well-constructed, weighing 197 grams (202g for the vegan leather variant). The flat edges and matte finish give it a sleek appearance, making it comfortable to hold and use.
Display
The CMF Phone 1 boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nits peak brightness, and FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). This 8-bit color panel provides vibrant colors, high contrast, and deep blacks. The centered punch-hole houses a 16MP selfie camera, contributing to the phone’s modern look.
Outdoor visibility is decent, though not outstanding, which may affect media consumption in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth navigation and interaction with supported apps. However, the phone’s bezels are slightly thicker compared to competitors, and the mono bottom-firing speaker, while loud, lacks the clarity of a stereo setup.
Performance
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, featuring a 4nm manufacturing process and octa-core CPU clocked at up to 2.5GHz. This is paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD card. The phone’s performance is solid, handling everyday tasks and light gaming without issues.
In benchmark tests, the CMF Phone 1 delivers respectable scores, although it falls short of the Dimensity 7200-powered iQOO Z9 in some areas. The handset experiences minor throttling under intense loads, but it remains reliable for general use. The device runs on Nothing OS 2.6, based on Android 14, offering a clean and bloat-free user experience.
Camera
The CMF Phone 1 features a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP portrait sensor. The 16MP front camera is housed in the punch-hole display. In well-lit environments, the primary camera captures images with true-to-life colors and good shadow detail, although it lags slightly in sharpness compared to rivals like the Realme P1.
Portrait shots show impressive facial details and skin tones, though none of the cameras in this price range excel at separating the foreground from the background perfectly. Selfies from the CMF Phone 1 are bright with warmer skin tones but lack detailed sharpness. In low light, the camera struggles, even with night mode, failing to produce highly detailed images with minimal noise.
Battery Life and Charging
The CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, optimized to last a full day on a single charge. In testing, it consumed only 3% of its battery life during a 30-minute YouTube video streaming session. The handset scored 15 hours and 11 minutes on the PCMark battery test, outperforming some competitors.
The phone supports 33W fast charging, taking a little over an hour to charge from 20% to 100%. The charger, sold separately for Rs 799, is an added cost to consider. Overall, the battery performance is reliable, offering sufficient power for both regular use and gaming.
Software and Features
Running on Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14, the CMF Phone 1 offers a clean and user-friendly interface. The custom skin includes minimal pre-installed apps and allows users to choose between Android’s Material UI and NothingOS themes. The latter transforms the UI into a black-and-white aesthetic, providing a unique visual experience.
The phone promises two years of major software updates and three years of security updates, aligning with industry standards. The in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock features work efficiently, ensuring quick and secure access to the device.
Price and Value
Priced at Rs 15,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, and Rs 17,999 for the 8GB RAM model, the CMF Phone 1 offers good value for money. Competing with devices like the Realme P1 and Redmi Note 13, the CMF Phone 1 stands out with its customizable design and solid performance. While it lacks some features like stereo speakers and ultra-fast charging, its innovative design and clean software experience make it a compelling choice in the budget segment.
Verdict
The CMF Phone 1 is a stylish, customizable smartphone that delivers reliable performance at an affordable price. While its camera and charging speeds may not match those of some competitors, the phone’s unique design, good battery life, and clean user interface make it a strong contender in its category.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique and customizable design
- Good performance for everyday use and light gaming
- Clean and bloat-free software experience
- Solid battery life with decent optimization
Cons:
- Camera performance could be better, especially in low light
- No stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience
Image Credits :The images used in this review are sourced from the official CMF Website https://in.cmf.tech/ . All rights reserved to their respective owners.
FAQs
How does the CMF Phone 1 perform in everyday use?
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the CMF Phone 1 handles everyday tasks and light gaming smoothly. It offers a reliable performance for its price range.
What is the battery life like on the CMF Phone 1?
The CMF Phone 1 comes with a 5,000mAh battery, optimized to last a full day with regular use. It supports 33W fast charging, taking just over an hour to fully charge.
Is the CMF Phone 1 worth buying?
If you prioritize a unique design and clean software experience over top-notch camera performance and ultra-fast charging, the CMF Phone 1 is a great choice in the budget segment.
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