This is the new CMF Phone One, and I don’t say this very often, but I think this is a genius product. CMF is a new budget sub-brand of the company Nothing. We’re talking about a phone that costs £200 or $250, and it’s actually a little crazy what these guys have pulled off for that price.
Beyond a Single Product: The CMF Ecosystem
The first thing you notice is that this doesn’t feel like just a single product launch—it’s an entire ecosystem. Let’s get the phone out first. There’s a lanyard, one case, two cases—no, three cases—a card wallet, a stand, the Buds Pro 2, and the Watch Pro 2. It’s fascinating to see such a budget accessory ecosystem designed specifically around the budget phone as the centerpiece.
Design and Feel: Budget Yet Thoughtful
Everything in the ecosystem has a slightly cheap, thin, plasticky feel, but it’s tastefully designed. These products feel like they’ve had high-end thought and care put into them, even if the materials are more basic. For example, the CMF Buds 2 Pro are lightweight but still feel sophisticated and intentional.
The Watch Pro 2: Clean and Practical Design
The Watch Pro 2 is slick and clean. It’s not overly designed, which makes it versatile for any outfit. The level of simplicity feels appropriate, especially in a budget ecosystem.
Exploring the Phone: Unboxing and Features
The packaging is thin, and the device is on top. Below that, you find a generic white USB-C cable and an orange SIM ejector tool. Right off the bat, it’s clear this phone isn’t ordinary.
Customizable Back Plates
The phone comes with removable back plates, allowing for easy repairs and customization. For £29, you get the tools to swap the back plate. Options like the orange vegan leather finish add grip and durability.
Functionality Meets Innovation: Circle Spinny Thing
The “circle spinny thing” is a unique feature that allows for modular add-ons like a phone stand, lanyard, or wallet enclosure. It’s an inventive approach that adds functionality while maintaining affordability.
The Display: Stunning for the Price
This phone boasts a 120Hz adaptive AMOLED full HD+ display. The screen is smooth, sharp, and supports HDR10+ content. It’s bright enough for outdoor use, though the bottom bezel is slightly thicker than the others.
Battery Life: A Daily Driver That Lasts
The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery with efficient software and hardware. It easily lasts a full day, with 10 hours of screen-on time achievable. However, charging is limited to 33W wired, with no wireless charging support.
Software Experience: Light and Aesthetic
Running Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14, the software is clean, light, and aesthetically pleasing. It includes thoughtful features like an AI wallpaper generator and supports two years of major updates.
Performance: Decent for a Budget Chipset
The phone features the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset with 6GB RAM and expandable storage up to 2TB. While not the fastest, it handles most tasks well with occasional jitters. Gaming is possible but requires compromises on settings.
Camera Capabilities: Surprising for the Price
The phone’s dual-camera system performs surprisingly well. It delivers sharp, detailed photos and decent 4K video. However, it lacks features like optical image stabilization and ultra-wide or zoom cameras.
Conclusion: A Budget Phone Done Right
For $250, the CMF Phone One offers incredible value. With a well-thought-out ecosystem, customizable design, strong battery life, and a high-quality display, it outshines many phones in its price range. While there are compromises, they’re minor considering the overall package. Follow for more updates on Tech Education.
