At a lookKnowledgeable’s Ranking
Execs
- Distinctive and trendy design
- Bloat-free working system
- Strong efficiency
- Enjoyable equipment
- Glorious worth
Cons
- No NFC
- Solely IP52 rated
- Easy digital camera setup
Our Verdict
The CMF Telephone 1 is probably the most trendy and attention-grabbing design to hit the price range market in years. It’s not good, however if you need one thing completely different, and don’t wish to spend the massive bucks, it’s actually the best way to go.
Worth When Reviewed
€239
Once I first bought phrase that Nothing was going to launch a price range cellphone beneath its CMF sub-brand, I used to be slightly confused. In spite of everything, we simply noticed the Nothing Telephone (2a), which solely prices £349, how low cost can a cellphone get earlier than it loses that signature Nothing attraction?
Now, the CMF Telephone 1 has landed, and it’s each bit as cool and distinctive as its pricier siblings – a powerful feat given the £209/$199 MSRP. This cellphone has a modular design with a detachable again and a choice of enjoyable equipment that may be screwed into place.
It’s a design not like anything in the marketplace and is the injection of curiosity that the cookie-cutter price range smartphone market wanted.
It’s not simply fashion that this cellphone brings to the desk, both. The CMF Telephone 1 has a vivid and speedy OLED show, a big battery, a stable mid-range chip and a 50Mp most important shooter – most of the identical specs because the pricier Telephone (2a). I used to be excited to search out out what it’s prefer to stay with.
In case you’re on the lookout for a trendy price range cellphone with nice software program and clean efficiency, the CMF Telephone 1 is tough to beat.
Design & Construct
- Interchangeable plastic again
- Device-free Accent Level
- 197g, IP52 rated
The CMF Telephone 1 has a boxy, iPhone-like design with a totally flat show, squared-off edges and a flat rear panel. The amount rocker and lock button are on reverse sides of the machine (additionally like an iPhone), and as an Android person, that took some getting used to.
Luke Baker
Luke Baker
Luke Baker
I’m testing the black model, which has a plastic rear casing with a uniform matte end. I really like the texture of this materials, it jogs my memory of the PBT keycaps that you just’d discover on a high-end mechanical keyboard. It’s utterly resistant to fingerprint smudges, too, which isn’t typically the case with matte black designs.
The cellphone can also be obtainable in orange and light-weight inexperienced choices (darkish blue is unique to India), and each are rather more eye-catching than the refined black variant. In case you select the signature orange colourway, you’ll get a vegan leather-based rear panel, whereas the sunshine inexperienced mannequin has the identical matte plastic end.
With this cellphone, although, it doesn’t actually matter which color you select, as a result of the again could be swapped in a matter of minutes. You don’t get the glyph lights of the Nothing telephones, in fact.
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
For a value of £29/£35, you will get a brand-new rear casing in both orange, blue or gentle inexperienced. Then, with the assistance of a flathead screwdriver (included), and some minutes of your time, you may utterly change the look of your cellphone. It’s a novel characteristic lately, harking back to the basic telephones of outdated just like the Nokia 3210.
with the assistance of a flathead screwdriver, and some minutes of your time, you may utterly change the look of your cellphone
The uncovered screws that allow this characteristic give the cellphone a kind of industrial, rugged vibe, and it’s not like anything in the marketplace. I’m used to price range telephones taking part in it protected within the design division, manufacturers usually wish to attraction to as many purchasers as potential, and their telephones find yourself wanting nameless and boring. CMF, nonetheless, dives within the precise other way.
On the decrease proper of the rear panel, there’s a big knurled knob that protrudes from the rear panel by a millimetre or so. When the design of this cellphone was first teased, I anticipated it to behave as quantity management or one thing alongside these strains, nevertheless it’s not fairly that subtle.
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
This knob is definitely what CMF calls an Accent Level, and that’s a elaborate method of describing a screw with a tool-free design. This knob could be eliminated and changed with both a lanyard, a kickstand or a card pockets – all of that are elective purchases that retail for £19/$25 every.
When it comes to precise utility, I don’t really feel just like the Accent Level provides a lot. You may at all times purchase a daily cellphone case with a kickstand, card holder or lanyard, in any case. However it’s enjoyable and distinctive, and that’s precisely what the price range market has been lacking.
A small word is that the equipment presently solely are available in orange. Which will change going ahead and naturally, CMF could launch further equipment, plus we may additionally see third-party ones too.
The rear cameras are surrounded by a flat aluminium panel with a matte end and barely glossier sides. This protrudes by the identical quantity because the Accent Level, and signifies that the cellphone doesn’t rock about an excessive amount of when it’s positioned screen-up on a desk. It’s one other considerate contact.
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
The CMF Telephone 1 has an IP52 ranking for mud and water resistance. It’s higher than nothing, however that detachable rear panel clearly isn’t doing the cellphone any favours in terms of water resistance. There’s no point out of the kind of glass that’s used on the entrance, and the rear panel looks as if it’d scratch fairly simply. On the plus aspect, you may simply swap it out if it begins wanting tatty.
The haptic motors are fairly weak, and so they’re not going to impress should you’ve used any current flagship telephones. Given this cellphone’s value level, although, I believe they’re acceptable sufficient.
Display & Audio system
- 120Hz 6.67-inch OLED show
- 2000 nits, 1080 x 2400 decision
- Mono speaker
The CMF Telephone 1 has a big 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED show with a speedy 120Hz refresh charge. This refresh charge is adaptive, too, and it’ll change right down to 60Hz to preserve battery life relying on what you’re viewing.
The highlights are dazzlingly vivid and the darkish areas are deep and detailed
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Luke Baker
It’s additionally a really vivid panel, and it may enhance as much as 2000 nits at peak brightness. I had no bother seeing it, even when the British summer time sunshine sometimes poked its head by the clouds. No matter glass has been used right here is certainly a bit extra smudge-prone than a typical flagship, nevertheless it’s par for the course on this value vary.
It’s a completely flat display screen with pretty chunky bezels on either side. The chin is barely bigger than the opposite sides of the bezel, nevertheless it’s minimal, and you actually should be trying to discover it. Usually, I really feel like chunky bezels make a cellphone look low cost, however oddly sufficient, it type of suits with the utilitarian design of the CMF Telephone 1, and it didn’t hassle me as a lot as regular.
One factor I didn’t like as a lot is that there’s a really slight raised lip on the fringe of the show. It’s tiny, and you may barely see it with the bare eye, however you’re feeling it each time you swipe from the sting of the show, and also you do this rather a lot with gesture controls. Switching to the CMF Telephone 1 from a curved-edge show was particularly jarring.
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
This show doesn’t have any of the favored HDR certifications, however it may show HDR content material, and it really works properly with YouTube HDR, on the very least. It appears nice doing so, too. The highlights are dazzlingly vivid and the darkish areas are deep and detailed.
There’s an optical under-display fingerprint reader in direction of the underside of the panel, and I discovered that it really works simply as reliably as optical readers from competing manufacturers. It’s barely decrease than I’d like, nevertheless it’s not to this point down that it turns into uncomfortable to succeed in.
There’s solely a single speaker on the CMF Telephone 1, which implies it may’t create any type of stereo impact. It produces a superb stage of element and vocals come by clear and clear, nevertheless it’s slightly tinny sounding, and will positively use a lift within the decrease frequencies.
On the plus aspect, it may get very loud, and it’s well-positioned, so that you’ll very not often muffle it together with your palm.
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Specs & Efficiency
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB / 256GB storage
The CMF Telephone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, and it’s paired with 8GB of RAM and both 128- or 256GB of storage. There’s additionally a model with 6GB of RAM, however that’s solely obtainable in India.
That is successfully the identical chip that we examined within the Oppo Reno 12 Professional not too long ago, and provided that this cellphone retails for lower than half the worth, it’s spectacular to see it getting used right here.
Regular day-to-day duties are clean and lag-free, however there are few giveaways that this can be a lower-end chip. For instance, utilizing the search within the settings menu leaves me ready longer than I’m used to. Nonetheless, it’s simple to stay with and positively doesn’t really feel underpowered.
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Luke Baker
In the case of gaming, it will get the job accomplished, however you’ll want to stay to decrease settings to get the most effective expertise. With my regular check title, Genshin Influence, it ran very easily on the bottom preset at 30fps, and it may nearly deal with 60fps mode on the identical preset. Going any larger launched numerous stutter and slowdowns.
It’s an honest displaying at this value level, and the truth that the cellphone remained cool beneath strain is one other plus level. Even after half an hour of Genshin, the cellphone was barely heat to the contact.
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
There’s a recreation overlay constructed into Nothing OS, nevertheless it’s probably the most primary that I’ve come throughout to this point.
It lets you toggle on Efficiency Mode, block calls and notifications, lock your brightness or begin a display screen recording. It’s a really restricted choice, however they’re all helpful, and it’s good that you could entry every thing with a fast swipe.
CMF Telephone 1 benchmarks
Cameras
- 50Mp most important sensor
- 16Mp selfie digital camera
- As much as 4K 30fps video recording
The CMF Telephone 1 may seem like it has two rear cameras, nevertheless it really solely has one usable lens. The opposite lens is a 2Mp depth sensor, designed to enhance the accuracy of portrait mode cutouts.
You may need observed that the majority trendy flagships lack a depth sensor, and that’s since you don’t really want one. My suspicion is that it’s primarily right here to extend the digital camera rely and the look, and certainly, the cellphone seems extra trendy than it will with a single lens on the again.
this most important digital camera can produce some very nice-looking photographs, particularly within the daylight
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Luke Baker
The one rear digital camera has a 50Mp decision and a comparatively small 1/1.95-inch sensor. The lens is a 26mm equal with an f/1.8 aperture and it lacks OIS (optical picture stabilisation), relying solely on digital picture stabilisation as an alternative.
On paper, these specs aren’t too spectacular, however this most important digital camera can produce some very nice-looking photographs, particularly within the daylight. The publicity is well-balanced, the sharpening and distinction aren’t overbearing, and the HDR results are fairly good. The minimal focus distance is impressively small, too.
The cellphone lets you choose between Vivid and Pure color profiles just like the Xiaomi 14 sequence, so you may determine should you’d favor a vibrant poppy picture, or one thing extra reasonable.
There’s additionally a 2x toggle that crops in to the primary sensor for nearer framing. Sadly, doing so leads to a noticeable drop in sharpness and definition, so that you’ll get higher outcomes should you bodily transfer nearer.
The CMF Telephone 1 is able to taking some respectable nighttime photographs, however that lack of OIS means it’s very liable to movement blur. Some photos come out wanting slightly grainy because of the comparatively small sensor, too. Aided by evening mode, although, you will get some usable snaps at the hours of darkness.
The selfie digital camera has a 16Mp decision, an f/2.0 aperture and a 24mm equal focal size. You too can punch in barely to a 29mm equal discipline of view should you favor tighter framing.
It takes respectable snaps, however don’t count on it to wow you an excessive amount of. In fact, daylight photographs look the most effective nevertheless it’s not too dangerous when the sunshine will get low. The picture will get slightly noisy in such circumstances, however movement blur isn’t too prevalent.
Regardless of having a devoted depth sensor, the topic detection isn’t probably the most dependable in portrait mode. It’s not terrible, however I observed errors in fairly a number of of my photographs, it was particularly dangerous with photographs of animals. On the plus aspect, the bokeh results look fairly genuine, and you will get some nice outcomes when the detection hits excellent.
Battery Life & Charging
- 5000mAh battery
- 33W wired charging
- No charger included
The CMF Telephone 1 has a large 5000mAh battery pack, similar to you’ll discover in most 2024 telephones. With this cellphone, it’s paired with a lower-end energy-efficient chip, and which means it’ll last more than most.
It doesn’t matter what I used to be doing, the cellphone by no means did not see me by the day. As a rule I’d go to mattress with 40% or extra battery left within the tank. In case you’re a light-weight person, two days on a cost is certainly potential, however a day and a half is a extra reasonable prospect for most individuals.
In case you’re a light-weight person, two days on a cost is certainly potential
As with all different Nothing telephones, there’s no charger included within the field, however the cellphone helps as much as 33W wired charging with a appropriate wall adapter. In case you like your gear to match, then CMF’s 65W GaN charger could be a pleasant pairing.
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
Utilizing my Ugreen Nexode multi-charger, the CMF Telephone 1 was capable of cost as much as 30% in quarter-hour. It’s nothing too spectacular, nevertheless it’s not too sluggish, both. You possibly can count on a full cost from flat to take round an hour.
You may assume with a detachable rear cowl that the battery can also be simply detachable. It’s not nevertheless it ought to no less than be rather a lot simpler to exchange than most telephones.
There’s no wi-fi charging help, however that’s not shocking on a price range handset like this. You possibly can, no less than, use the cellphone to cost different units with a wire, and it’ll output 5W from its USB-C port should you select to take action.
Software program & Apps
- Nothing OS 2.6, primarily based on Android 14
- Closely stylised interface
- No bloatware
The CMF Telephone 1 runs the identical software program as the opposite telephones in Nothing’s lineup, Nothing OS 2.6, and it’s my first time utilizing it for an prolonged interval.
it’s the closest factor to a Google Pixel that I’ve discovered in terms of a clear set up
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Luke Baker
Luke Baker
The very first thing that struck me was the styling. Nothing has a really sturdy model id with a minimalist, edgy, low-fi aptitude, and also you’ll discover that woven all through the working system.
By default, Nothing’s icon pack is utilized, and your apps will show as monochrome round bubbles. It’s very completely different to some other pores and skin, and personally, I believe it appears good.
The styling extends to Nothing’s widgets, too, all of which show within the model’s signature dot matrix styling. You possibly can have panels displaying the climate, world clock, digital camera shortcuts, step rely and extra.
I used to be additionally happy to see that there’s basically no bloatware by any means. The one extras you’ll discover are a few Nothing apps, it’s the closest factor to a Google Pixel that I’ve discovered in terms of a clear set up.
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Luke Baker
Except for the styling and some widgets, Nothing OS doesn’t stray too removed from the inventory Android expertise, and for probably the most half, I believe that’s a superb factor. Nonetheless, in comparison with different manufacturers, there are a number of creature comforts lacking.
The one which annoyed me probably the most was the dearth of an possibility transfer or organise apps in bulk. Importing my knowledge from one other cellphone dumped all my apps on the house display screen, and when that occurs, I often prefer to bulk take away every thing and begin contemporary.
With Nothing OS, there’s no such possibility. I’d have to long-press every app individually to maneuver it. With as many apps as I’ve put in, that’d be a mammoth enterprise. So after organising the primary web page, I simply left the cluttered mess on the opposite pages, it’s removed from perfect.
Worth & Availability
The CMF Telephone 1 is accessible to buy now within the UK from Nothing’s website and Amazon. The 128GB mannequin is presently obtainable for an introductory value of simply £179, the conventional MSRP is £209. In case you want extra storage, the 256GB mannequin retails for £239.
Within the US, the Telephone 1 is $199 with simply the 128GB mannequin obtainable.
On the time of writing, we haven’t seen any contract offers, so that you’ll have to buy the cellphone outright if you wish to get your arms on one. In case you do, make sure you take a look at our information to the most effective SIM-only offers.
The cellphone can also be obtainable to buy in most European markets. These areas additionally get an introductory value of €199.99 and can ultimately improve to €239.
Do you have to purchase the CMF Telephone 1?
The CMF Telephone 1 is probably the most spectacular and distinctive price range cellphone that I’ve tried in years. It’s no simple feat to make one thing thrilling and interesting at such a low value level, however Nothing has accomplished so with finesse.
This cellphone appears and feels prefer it ought to be twice the worth, and regardless of a number of niggles, it’s simply the most effective software program expertise in its class. The efficiency is nice, as long as you’re not anticipating a top-tier gaming machine and the funky design, pretty show and distinctive modular equipment sweeten the deal, too.
In fact, there are compromises at this value level. There’s no NFC, which implies no Google Pay, and that could possibly be a dealbreaker for some. The cameras are fantastic, nevertheless it’s not arduous to search out comparable high quality and extra lenses, at the same value.
It’s vital to think about the competitors, too. The Redmi Word 13 5G could be discovered at the same value and packs a 108Mp most important digital camera and an ultrawide lens, there’s additionally the Poco X6, which is a much better alternative for gaming on a price range. Neither are as cool because the CMF providing, although, and Xiaomi’s software program isn’t for everybody.
In case you’re on the lookout for a trendy price range cellphone with nice software program and clean efficiency, the CMF Telephone 1 is tough to beat. It’s a really thrilling design, and within the price range market, that’s not one thing you discover fairly often.
Specs
- Nothing OS 2.6, primarily based on Android 14
- 6.67-inch, 2400×1080, OLED, 120Hz
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB / 256GB storage
- Cameras:
- 50Mp most important sensor
- 16Mp selfie digital camera
- As much as 4K @ 30fps rear video
- Mono speaker
- Twin-SIM
- MicroSD card slot
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 5000mAh battery
- 33W charging
- 164 x 77 x 8 mm
- IP52 licensed
- 197g
- Colors: Black, Mild Inexperienced, Orange
