Coming from a world of top-tier smartphones with all the bells and whistles, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when I decided to test the waters with the CMF phone by Nothing. Having closely followed Nothing’s innovative journey since their early days on Crowdcube back in 2022, curiosity got the better of me. Could they truly deliver a compelling smartphone experience at a fraction of the cost of flagship devices?

My adventure began with a savvy purchase on noon.com, where I snagged the CMF phone for a mere 640 AED (approximately $175) after factoring in cashback. This was a significant discount compared to the $200 global retail price or the 749 AED price tag on noon itself. As a noon one member, I was further delighted by the convenience of same-day delivery, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to my purchase.

Unboxing Simplicity: A No-Frills Affair

The CMF phone arrived in a minimalist package, echoing the brand’s clean and modern aesthetic. The packaging itself was constructed from recycled cardboard, a subtle nod to Nothing’s commitment to sustainability. Opening the box revealed a compartment dedicated solely to the CMF Phone 1 (in my case, the 128GB/8GB model). Nestled beneath the phone was a neatly compartmentalized section containing a USB-C charging cable and a SIM ejector tool. This uncluttered presentation reflected the phone’s focus on functionality over frills. It felt refreshing to receive a device that prioritized the essentials and avoided unnecessary packaging waste.

Under the Hood: A Closer Look at the Specs

The CMF phone’s beating heart is the MediaTek DIMENSITY 7300 5G chipset, an octa-core processor crafted for smooth performance. This efficient chip utilizes a 4+4 core layout, with four cores clocked at up to 2.5GHz for tackling demanding tasks and another four cores operating at up to 2.0GHz for handling less strenuous background activities. This intelligent allocation of resources ensures that the CMF phone can seamlessly navigate between everyday applications, social media, and even light gaming without breaking a sweat.

The power efficiency of the MediaTek DIMENSITY 7300 5G is further enhanced by the cutting-edge TSMC 4nm process. This innovative fabrication process allows the chip to pack more transistors into a smaller space, resulting in reduced power consumption and improved thermal performance. In layman’s terms, the CMF phone stays cooler for longer and utilizes less battery power to deliver the same level of performance compared to processors built on older architectures. This translates to a noticeably longer battery life, making the CMF phone a reliable companion throughout the day, even for heavy users.

Display, Gaming, and Performance: A Feast for the Eyes

The CMF phone’s 6.67″ Super AMOLED display is a true highlight. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the screen delivers vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and exceptional clarity. However, the intense brightness can be overwhelming in low-light environments, making the auto-brightness feature essential for comfortable viewing.

Gaming performance is surprisingly capable, thanks to the Mali-G615 GPU. While playing demanding games like Fortnite on high settings resulted in some occasional lag and stutter, switching to mid or low settings provided a smooth and enjoyable experience at a consistent 30 FPS.

Battery Life: A Marathon Runner

The CMF phone’s 5000 mAh battery is a marathon runner, easily lasting a full day of moderate usage. Even with my typical routine of browsing, messaging, and occasional gaming, I consistently ended the day with around 70% battery remaining. This impressive longevity is a testament to both the large battery capacity and the efficient processor. The 33-watt fast charging is another bonus, allowing for a quick boost when needed.

Software Experience: Tailored to Your Taste

While Nothing OS has gained a devoted following, as a long-time iOS user, I gravitated towards the stock Android experience. The setup process was a breeze, though I wished for more granular customization options during the initial setup, such as adjusting the number of app icons per row on the home screen and setting up personalized lock screen shortcuts.

In terms of future improvements, I’d love to see regular software updates and a battery upgrade program. After all, as the battery’s health naturally declines over time, so does the phone’s overall performance.

Connectivity and Security: Modern Conveniences

The CMF phone embraces modern connectivity standards with affordable 5G support, including dual 5G capabilities on both SIM cards. However, coming from an eSIM-only device, I found myself needing a physical nano SIM for this phone. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections.

The in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition are convenient security features, though the fingerprint sensor’s accuracy could be improved slightly. It successfully recognizes my fingerprint about 90% of the time, which is still respectable for a budget-oriented device.

Camera and Speaker: Meeting Everyday Needs

The CMF phone’s primary camera, a 50MP sensor paired with a depth sensor for portrait mode, captures decent photos in most lighting conditions. The 12MP selfie camera is equally capable, producing satisfactory results. The phone offers various shooting modes, but it’s important to remember that this isn’t a replacement for a dedicated camera.

The mono speaker delivers adequate sound quality for everyday use, but it’s easily obstructed by my fingers when holding the phone in landscape mode, especially during gaming sessions.

Unique Touches and Room for Improvement

The CMF team deserves credit for incorporating unique design elements, such as the removable back cover and the quirky dial knob. The removable back not only adds a touch of personalization but also opens up the possibility of 3D-printed custom cases. The dial knob, while initially perplexing, functions as a thumbscrew and serves as a versatile attachment point for accessories, much like Apple’s MagSafe system.

However, there’s a missed opportunity when it comes to repairability. While the removable back is a step in the right direction, the “do not remove” sticker on the battery feels like a missed chance to truly empower users to repair their own devices. Additionally, the lack of availability of modular accessories like the orange lanyard, kickstand, wallet, and rear cover replacements in the UAE market is a disappointment.

Final Verdict: A Budget Smartphone That Exceeds Expectations

Despite initial skepticism due to the marketing hype, the CMF phone by Nothing pleasantly surprised me. It’s crucial to approach this phone with realistic expectations, keeping its affordable 750 AED / $200 price tag in mind. This is not a flagship killer, but it is an excellent value proposition for those seeking a reliable and functional smartphone without breaking the bank. It’s a perfect choice for younger users who frequently upgrade their phones or for anyone who prioritizes simplicity and affordability over cutting-edge features.

In conclusion, the CMF phone offers solid performance, a vibrant display, good battery life, and a unique design with a touch of personality. While it has some shortcomings, such as the limited availability of accessories and the missed opportunity for enhanced repairability, its overall value and potential for future improvements make it a compelling option in the budget smartphone market.