CMF Phone 1 Hands On: A Mid Range Marvel with Modular Design

Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has made a splash with its inaugural device, the CMF Phone 1. This mid-range contender brings a fresh perspective to the market, combining innovative design elements with solid performance. Let’s dive into an in-depth hands-on review of this intriguing new entrant.

CMF Phone 1 Hands On: A Mid-Range Marvel with Modular Design

Key Takeaways:

  • The CMF Phone 1 features a unique, industrial-inspired design with customizable rear panels
  • It boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with impressive specs for its price range
  • Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, it offers reliable performance for everyday tasks
  • The camera system, while decent, has some limitations in portrait mode and lacks ultra-wide capabilities
  • Priced at RM1,099, it presents a compelling option in the competitive mid-range smartphone market

Design and Build: A Fresh Take on Smartphone Aesthetics

The CMF Phone 1 marks a departure from Nothing’s signature transparent design language, opting instead for an industrial-inspired minimalist aesthetic. This bold move sets it apart not only from its cousins in the Nothing lineup but also from many of its mid-range competitors.

Customizable Rear Panel

One of the most striking features of the CMF Phone 1 is its modular rear panel. Available in four colors:

  • Black
  • Orange
  • Blue
  • Green

Users can easily swap out the back cover to suit their style or mood. The process involves removing the rear screws using the included tools, allowing for a level of personalization rarely seen in modern smartphones.

Accessory Point: Expanding Functionality

At the bottom right corner of the device, you’ll find the innovative Accessory Point. This feature allows users to attach various first-party accessories by simply unscrewing the knob. Current offerings include:

  1. Lanyard
  2. Card holder
  3. Kickstand

Each accessory is priced at RM59, providing affordable ways to enhance the phone’s utility.

Build Quality and Durability

While the CMF Phone 1 sports a rugged appearance, it’s important to note that this is primarily an aesthetic choice. The device is surprisingly lightweight and carries an IPX2 splash resistance rating, offering minimal protection against water ingress.

Display: Punching Above Its Weight

The CMF Phone 1 impresses with its display specifications, especially considering its price point. Let’s break down the key features:

Spec Detail
Size 6.67 inches
Type Super AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Refresh Rate 120Hz (adaptive)
Touch Sampling 240Hz
Peak Brightness 2000 nits

The inclusion of an under-display optical fingerprint scanner is particularly noteworthy, as this feature is often reserved for more premium devices.

Performance: Reliable Mid-Range Power

At the heart of the CMF Phone 1 lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset. Initial impressions suggest that this processor handles everyday tasks with ease:

  • App Launching: Quick and responsive
  • Multitasking: Smooth transitions between applications
  • Gaming: Capable of running most games, though high-end titles may require reduced settings

It’s worth noting that the first boot-up process was reported to be somewhat slow, but this is not uncommon for new devices.

Software: Nothing OS Stripped Down

The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, the same platform found on the brand’s flagship devices. However, this version is tailored for the CMF experience:

  • Minimalist Design: Clean, intuitive interface
  • Customization Options: Allows users to personalize their experience
  • Bloatware-Free: Absence of unnecessary pre-installed apps

Notably, Glyph-specific applications are absent, given the lack of the signature lighting system on this model.

Camera System: Capable but with Limitations

The camera setup on the CMF Phone 1 is respectable for its class, though it does have some limitations:

Rear Camera:

  • 50MP main sensor
  • Depth sensor (for portrait mode)

Front Camera:

  • 16MP selfie shooter

Performance Impressions:

Pros:

  • Fast focusing
  • Sharp and vivid images in good lighting conditions

Cons:

  • High contrast in some scenarios
  • Portrait mode can produce artificial-looking bokeh
  • Lack of ultra-wide and telephoto lenses

Video Capabilities:

  • 4K recording at 30fps
  • 1080p recording at 60fps
  • Action Mode for improved stabilization (with some cropping)

Battery and Charging: All-Day Power

The CMF Phone 1 comes equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is standard for its class. While extensive testing is still needed, initial impressions suggest solid battery life. Charging features include:

  • 33W fast charging
  • 5W reverse wired charging via USB-C

Price and Availability

The CMF Phone 1 is set to hit the Malaysian market on July 15, 2024, with a competitive price tag of RM1,099. This positioning puts it in direct competition with other mid-range offerings, including Nothing’s own Phone (2a).

Conclusion: A Promising Mid-Range Contender

The CMF Phone 1 brings a fresh perspective to the mid-range smartphone market. Its standout features include:

  1. Unique, customizable design
  2. Impressive display specifications
  3. Solid performance for everyday tasks
  4. Clean, bloatware-free software experience

While it may lack some of the flashier elements of its Nothing cousins, such as the Glyph lighting system, the CMF Phone 1 compensates with its attractive design, fun personalization options, and notably lower price point.

For consumers seeking a mid-range device that stands out from the crowd without breaking the bank, the CMF Phone 1 presents a compelling option. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it’s refreshing to see brands like CMF pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in this competitive segment.

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