Imagine taking apart a new gadget to uncover its hidden potential. This sense of discovery and playfulness is what Nothing's CMF Phone 1 promises for its users. Priced at a jaw-dropping $199, this phone ventures to make 'budget' synonymous with 'fun' again.
Unlike most smartphones in its price range, the CMF Phone 1 arrives with a twist. You can replace its back panel effortlessly, revealing the modular approach to customizations that allows you to tailor the phone's look and feel to your liking. But why would you want to do that? Because it's simply enjoyable.
CMF's Phone 1, which shares its name and operating system with Nothing’s first proprietary phone, offers user-friendly customizations. Why settle for just a protective case when you could swap out the entire back panel of your phone? Each replacement panel comes equipped with necessary tools including a screwdriver, screws, and a color-coordinated SIM tray.
The back panel is not just about aesthetics. There’s a round accessory port cover on it, resembling the control dial on CMF’s neckband earbuds, although it serves no functional use beyond protecting the port. At launch, CMF offers three accessories: a lanyard, a wallet, and a kickstand, each priced at $25 and available in a striking orange color.
The phone itself is commendable for its price point. It sports a 6.7-inch OLED display, a 50-megapixel rear camera, and a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset paired with a robust 5,000mAh battery. It comes with a black panel installed, but users can also choose from orange, light green, and blue options.
Removing the back panel might take a bit of effort and perhaps a broken fingernail or two, but the process itself highlights the phone's ingenuity. It's almost uncanny to see a modern phone all exposed. With the panel off, users get a closer look at the phone's internals — something that feels almost nostalgic in today’s sleek, sealed smartphones.
After replacing the back panel, users can further customize their phones with accessories. The wallet, for instance, consists of a plastic panel with a magnetic ring that attaches to the phone’s back, offering a MagSafe-like experience sans wireless charging. This makes it possible to use other accessories simultaneously.
The included lanyard and kickstand come in the same vibrant orange color and offer practical utility. The lanyard, made of woven fabric, may appeal to those younger and more fashion-forward, while the kickstand provides sturdy support, though it doesn’t sit flush against the phone when not in use.
Even with all its appealing features, the CMF Phone 1 does have some limitations. It lacks NFC capability, is only splash-resistant, and carrier support in the US is somewhat restricted. It works best on T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G networks but only supports Verizon and AT&T’s 4G bands. Nonetheless, at $199, the appeal lies in the combination of modularity and affordability.
Few devices blend functionality and affordability as seamlessly as the CMF Phone 1. The company’s foray into modular designs offers users something truly unique — the ability to make their gadgets feel personally tailored while remaining cost-effective.
CMF has also launched the Watch Pro 2 and the Buds Pro 2. Users can swap out the bezel of the new watch or choose between multiple band types, seamlessly transitioning between styles. The watch supports both iPhone and Android devices and promises impressive battery life.
The Buds Pro 2 come packed with features. They sport a giant control dial on the case for easy volume adjustment and support various controls through the Nothing X app. Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and up to 25 hours of battery life with the charging case make these earbuds a steal at $59.
Julian Chokkattu of WIRED detailed his first impressions of the devices, describing them as intriguing both in design and functionality. He noted that the CMF Phone 1, in particular, felt almost like a prototype, adding to its charm. Chokkattu pointed out that while the removable panel system is a bit cumbersome, it’s a fun feature that stands out in the budget phone market.
The modular design extends beyond just the phone. The accessory point on the back panel allows users to attach various add-ons like a lanyard, kickstand, or wallet, combining practicality with personal flair. For those interested in DIY repairs or custom modifications, this feature is a breath of fresh air in an era where most devices are sealed shut.
CMF's approach raises questions about the future of customizable technology. Could this be a trend that catches on among other budget phone makers? Or will it remain a niche appeal for the tech-savvy and adventurous? Only time will tell.
What’s clear is that CMF has positioned itself as a brand to watch. By making affordable technology exciting again, they might just have paved the way for the next evolution in budget gadgets. It remains to be seen how other brands will respond, but for now, the CMF Phone 1 stands out as a daring leap into a realm where cheap doesn’t have to mean boring.
