CMF Phone 1 by Nothing review

The competition

Let's go through some prices really quickly. As mentioned, the CMF Phone 1 comes in three memory variants. The base variant of the CMF Phone 1 comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It seems to be an India exclusive and costs INR 15,999 (GBP 199). Then we have an 8GB/128GB version for GBP 209/€239/$199. Finally, there is the highest-tier 8GB/256GB model for GBP 239/€269, which currently doesn't seem to be offered in India.

A replacement shell for the CMF Phone 1, which is officially called a case, will set you back GBP 29. The stand, lanyard and card case are all priced at GBP 19.

There are plenty of interesting alternatives to the CMF Phone 1 to consider in the same price range. Over in the Samsung camp, there is the excellent Galaxy A35. Its highlight features include IP67 ingress protection, Gorilla Glass Victus+ and stereo speakers, a versatile rear camera setup with a 50MP main cam, and an ultrawide and a macro. The Exynos 1380 chipset has stereo speakers, a 5,000 mAh battery, and 25W charging. The Galaxy A35 does have a big 6.6-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, but one that lacks HDR support.

Xiaomi has plenty of viable competitors, like the ever-popular Redmi Note 13 Pro. Like the CMF Phone 1, the Redmi Note 13 Pro has a large, bright 120Hz display with Dolby Vision HDR support. The Redmi also has rather basic IP54 ingress protection but has a stereo speaker setup. With it, you get a versatile camera setup with a 200MP primary shooter and an 8MP ultrawide. Also, a large 5,000 mAh battery with 67W charging.

Samsung Galaxy A35 • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro • Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro • Nothing Phone (2a)

The Poco X6 Pro is also worth considering. It also has a large 6.67-inch, 120Hz, Dolby Vision certified, bright AMOLED display and just like the Redmi, it is just IP54 certified. Once again, you get a stereo speaker setup, though. The Dimensity 8300 Ultra is a much more powerful chip than the Dimensity 7300 inside the CMF Phone 1. The main camera isn't quite as fancy since it is from the older wave of 64MP snappers, but you do still get OIS on it, plus an 8MP ultrawide. The battery is 5,000 mAh yet again, with Xiaomi's 67W charging.

Last but not least, why not consider the Nothing Phone (2a). It has an eye-catching and unique aesthetic of its own, though nothing similar to the CMF Phone 1. Still, for a bit more money, you will get a slightly more powerful phone all around, complete with stereo speakers, OIS on its 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultrawide and 45W charging. Plus, you still get to enjoy NothingOS if that is your personal preference.

Currently, a base 8GB/128GB Nothing Phone (2a) will set you back around €300, so the CMF Phone 1 is definitely the most affordable option in the broader Nothing ecosystem.

Our verdict

The way we see it, aesthetics are kind of at the core of the CMF Phone 1. It is not the best value offer for the hardware it offers, nor does it shine in another particular manner, like with cameras. It is a well-rounded device that gets the job done without overachieving in any area (okay, it does offer excellent battery life). The display is also pretty great all-around, and the chipset offers solid performance for the class. On a less positive note, you get very minimal ingress protection, a singular, rather unimpressive speaker, no NFC and no charger in the box. However, the design is where this phone really stands out. In this respect, there is nothing else quite like the CMF Phone 1 out there. The extra customizability and repairability also hold a certain appeal.

We have no doubt that the CMF Phone 1 will find its fanbase.

Pros

• Unique, standout design with a focus on customizability, repairability and sustainability.
• Bright OLED with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate.
• Great battery life.
• Good chipset performance for the class.
• Solid camera image quality.

Cons

• No charger in the box.
• Very minimal IP52 ingress protection.
• Pretty unimpressive single loudspeaker.
• No NFC.
• No camera OIS.