CMF Phone 1 Review: Most Exciting Budget Phone of the Year at ₹14,999

When it comes to smartphones, the market is saturated with models that often blend into one another. However, some phones stand out for their unique features and design elements. Enter the CMF Phone 1 – a device that promises to break the mold with its replaceable back panel, Dimensity 7300 processor, and a host of intriguing accessories. In this in-depth review, we examine what makes this phone a potential trendsetter in the mid-range market.

CMF Phone 1 Unboxing Experience

Unboxing a new smartphone is always an exciting experience, but the CMF Phone 1 takes it to another level. The packaging itself is a testament to the thought and creativity that has gone into this device. Alongside the phone, you’ll find a plethora of accessories, making this unboxing feel like you’re getting more than just a phone.

Included in the Box:

• CMF Phone 1 Box: The box is well-designed, with CMF branding prominently displayed. Inside, you find not just the phone, but multiple smaller boxes containing various accessories. This presentation sets the tone for a premium experience right from the start.
• Replaceable Back Panel: One of the standout features of this phone is its replaceable back panel. This isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; it also adds functionality with a built-in stand and a multifunctional button. The replaceable back panel allows users to customize the phone’s appearance and functionality, something rarely seen in this price range.
• Accessories: Along with the phone, you get a lanyard, a card case, a 33W power adapter (sold separately), a Watch Pro 2 bezel and strap set, and Buds Pro 2. These accessories enhance the overall user experience, providing more value for money.

CMF Phone 1 Design and Build Quality

The design of the CMF Phone 1 is where it truly shines. The collaboration between D-Nage Engineering, CMF, and Nothing has resulted in a phone that looks and feels premium despite its mid-range pricing.

• Innovative Back Panel: The back panel is not just replaceable but also comes in different colors, allowing users to customize the look of their phone. The panel includes screws and a multifunctional button that adds to its utility. This feature is particularly appealing to users who enjoy personalizing their devices.
• Build Quality: Although the back panel is plastic, it has a metallic finish that gives it a sturdy feel. The camera housing and buttons are made of metal, enhancing the overall build quality. This mix of materials ensures the phone feels solid and well-built in hand.
• Weight and In-hand Feel: The phone weighs around 200 grams, and while the corners are sharp, the overall in-hand feel is substantial and robust. The weight distribution is balanced, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

CMF Phone 1 Display

The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a brightness of up to 2000 nits. The LTPS display allows for smooth transitions between 60Hz and 120Hz, providing an excellent viewing experience.

• Bezel Uniformity: The bezels are uniformly sized, which enhances the visual appeal of the display. The uniform bezels give the phone a modern look, and the screen-to-body ratio is impressive for this price range.
• Brightness and Clarity: The high brightness level ensures that the display is easily viewable even under direct sunlight. This is a significant advantage for users who spend a lot of time outdoors.

CMF Phone 1 Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the CMF Phone 1 is the Dimensity 7300 processor, a 4nm chipset that offers decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

• Processor: The Dimensity 7300 might not be the most powerful processor in its class, but it provides a good balance between performance and power efficiency. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from casual to moderately heavy users.
• RAM and Storage: The phone comes in two variants: 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128 GB. The LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage ensure smooth performance and quick data access. These specifications are competitive for the price, offering enough power and storage for most users’ needs.
• AnTuTu Benchmark: Nothing CMF Phone 1 Antutu Benchmark Score -650944
• Battery: The 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, though the charger is sold separately. This large battery capacity ensures the phone can easily last a full day of heavy use, while the fast charging capability means you can quickly top it up when needed.

CMF Phone 1 Camera

The camera setup on the CMF Phone 1 is a mixed bag. While it features a 50MP primary sensor, it lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which affects the overall camera performance.

• Primary Camera: The 50MP camera performs adequately in well-lit conditions but struggles in low light. The absence of OIS is a notable drawback, as it means photos can be less sharp and more prone to blur in low-light situations.
• Video Recording: The phone supports 4K video recording at 30FPS and offers 2X lossless zoom. These features are beneficial for users who enjoy recording high-quality videos.
• Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera provides decent selfies and includes standard features like portrait mode and beauty enhancements. This camera is sufficient for video calls and social media posts.

CMF Phone 1 Software and User Experience

One of the major highlights of the CMF Phone 1 is its software. Running on a clean, bloatware-free UI, the phone offers a refreshing user experience.

• Clean UI: The phone comes with minimal pre-installed apps, and most of them can be uninstalled. This clean approach ensures that users are not bogged down by unnecessary apps, which can slow down the phone and take up storage space.
• Updates: CMF promises two years of major updates and three years of security updates, ensuring the phone remains relevant and secure for a significant period. This commitment to updates is a major selling point, especially in the mid-range segment.
• Unique Features: The Nothing UI includes unique widgets and a dotted font that adds to the phone’s distinctive look. These small touches make the user experience more enjoyable and visually appealing.

CMF Phone 1 Connectivity and Sensors

The CMF Phone 1 offers comprehensive connectivity options and includes all the necessary sensors for a modern smartphone.

• 5G Support: The phone supports 9 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of networks. This makes the phone future-proof, as 5G networks become more widespread.
• Other Connectivity Options: It includes Bluetooth 5.4, VAO NR, and a USB Type-C port. These options ensure fast and reliable connections for peripherals and accessories.
• Sensors: The phone features an in-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and all the standard sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity sensor. These sensors enhance the overall functionality and user experience.

CMF Phone 1 Gaming and Multimedia

While the CMF Phone 1 isn’t marketed as a gaming phone, it holds up well for casual gaming.

• Gaming Performance: The Dimensity 7300 allows for 40FPS gaming on HDR settings and 60FPS on lower settings. This should be sufficient for most casual gamers, providing smooth and enjoyable gameplay.
• Multimedia: The phone features mono speakers, which, while not providing the immersive experience of stereo speakers, are adequate for casual media consumption. The high-quality display enhances the video viewing experience, making it a good choice for streaming content.

CMF Phone 1 Pricing and Value for Money

Priced at ₹14,999 for the base model, the CMF Phone 1 offers good value for money, especially considering its unique design and features.

• Variants and Pricing: The 6GB/128GB variant is priced at ₹14,999, while the 8GB/128GB variant costs ₹17,999. These prices are competitive, offering a lot of value for the features provided.
• Accessories: The phone’s accessories, like the replaceable back panel (₹1500) and the 33W power adapter (₹750), are sold separately. While this adds to the overall cost, the ability to customize and enhance the phone’s functionality is a significant advantage.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique Design: The replaceable back panel and customizable options make the phone stand out.
• Clean UI: Minimal bloatware and a promise of regular updates enhance the user experience.
• Decent Display: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers a great visual experience.
• 5G Connectivity: Comprehensive support for 5G bands ensures future-proof connectivity.

Cons

• Average Camera Performance: The lack of OIS and average low-light performance are notable drawbacks.
• Mono Speakers: The absence of stereo speakers affects the multimedia experience.
• Separate Charger Purchase: The 33W charger is not included in the box, adding to the overall cost.

CMF 1 After 1 Month Usage Review

The CMF 1, after a month of usage, has demonstrated commendable performance, offering a solid experience for its users. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Performance and Responsiveness: The CMF 1 performs well for everyday tasks, handling activities such as browsing, streaming, and moderate gaming with ease. While it may not match the Moto G85 in terms of high-end performance, the CMF 1 is well-suited for users who prioritize reliability over raw power. The device is capable of managing typical use cases effectively, though users engaged in more demanding multitasking might experience occasional stutters or delays. Overall, the CMF 1 provides a satisfactory performance for users who do not require the highest level of processing power.
2. Battery Life: Battery performance on the CMF 1 is impressive, with the device managing to last through a full day of standard usage. This includes activities such as social media browsing, streaming video, and light gaming. For users with more intensive usage patterns, the battery may require recharging by the end of the day, but it generally holds up well throughout typical daily activities. The CMF 1’s battery life is sufficient for users who do not heavily rely on their device for extended periods.
3. Heat Management: The CMF 1 maintains effective heat management, even during extended periods of use. Users have reported minimal heating issues, and the device remains comfortable to hold, even during longer gaming sessions or when running demanding apps. This effective heat management helps prevent performance throttling and ensures a consistent user experience without significant thermal discomfort.
4. Connectivity: Connectivity performance on the CMF 1 has been reliable, with stable Wi-Fi and cellular signal reception. Users experience consistent internet speeds and clear call quality, contributing to a seamless connectivity experience. The phone handles typical connectivity demands efficiently, ensuring that users stay connected with minimal interruptions or signal dropouts.
5. Overall Experience: The CMF 1 offers a smooth and user-friendly experience with its straightforward interface and responsive performance. The device’s hardware and software integration provide a cohesive experience for daily tasks, making it a reliable choice for users who prioritize practicality. The CMF 1’s overall performance meets the needs of users looking for a dependable phone without requiring high-end features.

Final Verdict

The CMF Phone 1 is a bold attempt by CMF and Nothing to carve out a niche in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. With its unique design, customizable features, and clean user interface, it offers a refreshing alternative to conventional smartphones. However, its average camera performance and the need to purchase some accessories separately might be a turn-off for some users.

Overall, the CMF Phone 1 is ideal for those who prioritize design and software experience over raw performance. It’s a great choice for tech enthusiasts who appreciate innovation and are looking for a phone that stands out from the crowd.

In conclusion, the CMF Phone 1 is a trendsetting smartphone that offers a lot for its price. It’s not perfect, but its unique features and design make it a compelling choice in the mid-range segment. If you’re looking for a phone that breaks away from the norm and offers a clean, customizable user experience, the CMF Phone 1 might just be the perfect fit.