When it comes to budget smartphones, the CMF Phone 1 stands out as a promising contender. With a price tag under ₹16,000, this device offers an array of features that could easily satisfy a wide range of users. In this review, we’ll delve into the design, display, software, performance, camera, battery, and connectivity of the CMF Phone 1 to help you decide if this is the right phone for you.
Nothing CMF Phone 1: Design
The CMF Phone 1 features a plastic design that, while not premium, remains quite acceptable for its price. The camera module sits neatly in the corner, maintaining a smooth look. One noticeable feature is the smaller power button, which some users might find slightly inconvenient. However, the IP52 rating offers some level of dust and water resistance, though the absence of a headphone jack might be a drawback for some.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the CMF Phone 1 is its customizable back panel. By removing a few screws, users can swap the back panel with ones made from different materials and colors, each costing around ₹1500. Additionally, CMF offers extra accessories like a magnetic card holder and lanyard, priced at ₹799 each. This feature adds a touch of personalization that is rare in budget smartphones.
Display of CMF Phone 1
The phone sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 10-bit color depth, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The screen performs well under direct sunlight with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, although the high brightness mode is capped at 700 nits. AGC Dragon Trail Pro protects the display, ensuring its durability.
While the bezels are not as symmetrical as those on higher-end phones, they are acceptable given the price. The in-display fingerprint scanner works reliably, providing a seamless unlocking experience. One downside is the absence of dual stereo speakers, which are often found in other phones within this price range. The haptics are decent, but a bit more integration into the UI would have enhanced the experience.
Software: Smooth and Bloatware-Free
Running on NothingOS 2.6, the CMF Phone 1 offers a clean, bloatware-free software experience. With two years of major updates and three years of security patches promised, users can expect ongoing support and improvements. The UI includes all the features of NothingOS, including home screen widgets and smooth, optimized animations for app opening and closing. For a phone priced under ₹20,000, this software experience is among the best.
Performance: Efficient and Reliable
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the CMF Phone 1 provides a reliable performance. It comes in two variants: 6GB and 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM, with both offering 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. While the Dimensity 7300 is not as powerful as the Dimensity 7200, it handles everyday tasks efficiently and supports casual gaming at 60fps.
The gaming mode enhances the experience, making it smooth for non-intensive gaming sessions. Overall, it’s one of the best-performing phones in its price range.
Camera: Decent for the Price
The CMF Phone 1 is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX 882 main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera features a 16MP sensor for selfies. While the main camera lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS),
It still delivers decent photos with good post-processing. Daytime shots capture details well, though some details might be missing. Night photos have less noise but can be inconsistent.
Selfies and portraits are satisfactory, providing good quality for social media. The main camera can also record 4K videos at 30fps, which is impressive for a budget phone.
Battery Life of CMF Phone 1
With a 5000mAh battery, the Phone 1 offers solid battery life. It supports 33W fast charging, but you must purchase the charger separately for around ₹800 since the box does not include it. The phone provides around 6 hours of screen-on time, and overnight battery drain is minimal at about 2%. This makes it a reliable companion for daily use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity: Modern Features with Some Misses
The Phone 1 supports 9 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and has a hybrid SIM slot. While it lacks NFC and a headphone jack, the overall connectivity options are robust, ensuring good call quality and fast data speeds.
Verdict: A Worthy Budget Contender
At around ₹16,800 (including the charger), the CMF Phone 1 offers a compelling package. If you prioritize a clean software experience, a vibrant display, and good battery life, this phone is a great choice. The performance is commendable for its price range, and the camera, while not exceptional, is decent. However, the absence of OIS in the main camera, dual stereo speakers, and the additional cost of accessories might be drawbacks for some.
Overall, the CMF Phone 1 stands out as a strong contender in the budget smartphone market, offering features and performance that are hard to beat at this price point
