Is the Nothing CMF Phone 1 Worth Your Attention?

The Nothing CMF Phone 1, released in July 2024, brings an interesting mix of features to the mid-range smartphone market. With a weight of 197g or 202g depending on the variant, this phone is sleek, stylish, and bold in its design. The dual SIM support, user-replaceable back cover, and dust and splash resistance give the Nothing CMF Phone 1 a durable edge. But how does it hold up in performance and usability? Let’s dive deeper.

Display: Bright and Smooth Visuals

One of the standout features of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate, users are in for a smooth and fluid experience, especially when scrolling through apps or gaming. The display also shines in terms of brightness, offering 500 nits for typical usage and a peak of 2000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use. Plus, the Always-on display feature is a handy addition, allowing you to check notifications at a glance without unlocking the phone.

The 1080×2400 pixel resolution ensures sharp visuals, with a decent 395 ppi density. This means that whether you’re watching videos or browsing the web, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 delivers crisp images.

Performance: Efficient and Reliable

Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is designed for efficiency and performance. Whether you’re multitasking or running heavier apps, the octa-core CPU (with 4 Cortex-A78 cores and 4 Cortex-A55 cores) ensures a balanced performance. Coupled with the Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, the phone handles gaming well enough for most users.

The phone comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, giving flexibility depending on your usage needs. If you’re someone who uses multiple apps at once or enjoys mobile gaming, the higher RAM option will serve you better. The microSDXC card slot for expandable storage is a useful addition for those who need more space.

Camera: Decent Shots but Not Groundbreaking

The camera on the Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers a dual-lens setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main sensor, with an f/1.8 aperture, provides decent performance in good lighting, producing sharp and clear images. However, the 2MP depth sensor feels underwhelming, adding little to the overall camera experience.

Video capabilities are better, with 4K at 30fps and gyro-EIS to keep videos steady. The 16MP front camera does a solid job for selfies, although low-light performance could be improved. While the Nothing CMF Phone 1 won’t replace a dedicated camera, it offers decent performance for day-to-day photography.

Battery Life: Long-lasting with Fast Charging

A key feature of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is its 5000mAh battery. This battery capacity is fairly standard for smartphones in this category, offering enough power to last a full day with moderate use. For heavy users, the 33W wired charging means you won’t have to wait long to get your phone powered up. Additionally, the 5W reverse wired charging allows you to charge other devices, which can be a lifesaver in certain situations.

While the phone doesn’t offer the fastest charging speeds compared to some competitors, 33W is more than sufficient for most users. You can expect a good balance between battery life and charging convenience with the Nothing CMF Phone 1.

Software: Clean and Modern

The Nothing CMF Phone 1 runs on Android 14 out of the box and promises up to 2 major Android upgrades. This means the phone will remain up-to-date for at least a couple of years, ensuring you have access to the latest features and security updates. The clean UI, along with the latest version of Android, makes the user experience smooth and intuitive.

For those who value software longevity, the commitment to updates is reassuring. However, it’s worth noting that some competitors offer longer support periods.

Design: Bold and Customizable

The design of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is where the brand really stands out. With a glass front and either a plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco-leather), the phone feels premium in hand. The user-replaceable back cover is a rare feature in modern smartphones, adding a layer of customizability and repairability.

The black, orange, and light green color options give users a chance to express their personality, and the phone’s sleek 8.2mm thickness adds to its appeal. It’s worth mentioning that the phone’s weight, ranging from 197g to 202g, may feel slightly heavy for some users.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Nothing CMF Phone 1 offers solid connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The inclusion of GPS, GALILEO, and other positioning systems makes navigation reliable. However, the lack of NFC and radio might be a drawback for some users.

The phone’s fingerprint sensor, located under the display, is fast and accurate, adding to the overall convenience.

Final Thoughts: Is the Nothing CMF Phone 1 for You?

The Nothing CMF Phone 1 brings a lot to the table in terms of design, display, and battery life. It’s perfect for users who value style and smooth visuals, with its 120Hz AMOLED display being a key highlight. While the camera could be better, the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset and 5000mAh battery make it a solid performer for everyday tasks.

However, with some missing features like NFC and a 3.5mm headphone jack, it may not cater to all. If you can live without those, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is worth considering as a reliable and stylish mid-range option.