The smartphone market has seen it all—foldable devices, flexible screens, and even phones with detachable cameras. Just when we thought we had seen it all, the CMF Phone 1 arrived, a new sub-brand from Nothing, offering a refreshing (though not highly innovative) twist with its modular design, allowing for easy customization via screws, a price tag of just $200, and a promise of a completely different experience. After disassembling and reassembling CMF's first device, provided for review by official importer Bug, here's our full review—does it turn out to be a passing gimmick or a real revolution?
Screwed-On Modular DesignThe design of the CMF Phone 1 certainly catches the eye. It has a "DIY" vibe, with screws protruding from the back. But don't be fooled; it's not just for show—these screws are functional. With a small screwdriver included in the package, you can remove the back and replace it with another color. Additionally, it features an "Accessory Wheel" (which also holds the back panel in place) that allows for connecting various accessories (sold separately), such as a carrying strap, stand, or even a wallet.
The screwing process is quite simple and quick, and in the replacement back package, you'll find new silver screws, an accessory wheel in the same color, and a matching SIM drawer. The plastic feels a bit delicate, but the overall feel of the device in hand is cool and unique. In theory, with all the customization options, there's almost no need for a case—if the rear plastic cracks from a fall, simply replace it. It sounds like a good idea in theory; let's see how it performs in practice.
A few more dry details: at the bottom, you'll find a standard USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a speaker grille, and a SIM drawer. The power/lock button is on the left side, and the volume buttons are on the right—an intuitive and convenient placement.
Hardware and Performance - The Trade-offs to NoteThe technical specifications here are quite impressive for the price: Mediatek Dimensity 7300 processor, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, an AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a massive 5,000mAh battery with fast charging support.
Honestly, I didn't expect much from the CMF Phone 1. At $199, I thought I'd get mediocre performance at best. In reality, this device is surprisingly quick. Whether scrolling through Instagram, editing short videos, or watching Netflix, everything runs smoothly. However, don't expect a performance powerhouse capable of running graphically intensive games. Still, it's important to note that such performance is hard to find in this price range. And of course, the real test will be over the long term, and only time will tell.
Additionally, the user experience is significantly enhanced by the Nothing OS 2.6.0 operating system, based on Android 14. The dedicated and clean interface, free of unnecessary apps, features simple and clear icons based on basic geometric shapes, or alternatively, allows you to choose a clean and traditional Android design.
Now, let's discuss some trade-offs you should be aware of. First, there is no NFC support. This means if you're used to paying with Google Pay or Apple Pay, you'll need to go back to using your wallet and credit cards. Also, public transport enthusiasts take note—this device cannot load a Rav-Kav (Israeli public transport card). It's not the end of the world, but it's something to consider, especially if you travel frequently by bus or train. Another small point—there's no eSIM support. This may not affect most people, but if you’re someone who likes to travel with a virtual SIM, it’s worth knowing.
DisplayThe screen here is a 6.67-inch AMOLED with a sharp FHD+ resolution and a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Although the refresh rate is adaptive, it only ranges between 60Hz and 120Hz, so don’t expect battery savings like those from advanced LTPO screens. Nonetheless, for the price, this screen is a real bargain.
Another detail worth noting: the CMF reaches an impressive brightness of 2,000 nits—more than the Galaxy S23 (Samsung's flagship from last year). For those unfamiliar, a nit is a unit of measurement for screen brightness, and the higher the number, the brighter the screen and easier it is to see in direct sunlight. In short, this screen is perfect for outdoor use.
The thick bezel around the screen, especially at the bottom, is the only reminder that this is a budget device. However, the difference in bezels is minimal, and I hardly noticed it during daily use. The optical fingerprint reader, located under the display, works smoothly.
BatteryAs mentioned, the CMF Phone 1 has a 5,000mAh battery, similar to much more expensive models. In practice, I finished the day with about 40% battery remaining, and if you’re lighter users than me, you might even get a day and a half between charges. Additionally, there's also 33W fast charging available—20 minutes of charging usually got me to 50%, which is a significant improvement over other phones in the same category. However, like other Nothing phones, the charger is not included in the package.
CameraThe CMF Phone 1 features a "dual" rear camera setup, but don’t let that fool you. One of them is a 2-megapixel depth sensor primarily intended to improve edge detection in portrait shots. In practice, it's more of a marketing gimmick than a significant addition to the device’s camera capabilities.
The main camera, a 50-megapixel Sony sensor, offers good performance in daylight. Photos look natural and smooth, without excessive sharpening or over-saturation. However, it struggles a bit in low-light conditions, and night shots tend to be blurry. Still, the built-in night mode manages to produce reasonable results in darkness.
Optical zoom is, of course, absent here. On the other hand, CMF has included a 2x digital zoom, but the quality drops significantly compared to the original image, so it’s better to either physically get closer to the subject or stick with the original shot.
Bottom LineThe CMF Phone 1, sold by Bug for ₪1,050, shatters the dull reputation of budget smartphones. Its unique modular design, polished software, and excellent user experience make it a standout in its category. The superb screen, massive battery, and fast charging add to this impressive package, offering exceptional value.
However, it's important to remember there are several trade-offs. The camera performance is only decent, there's no eSIM support, no NFC chip, and gaming performance isn't particularly high. Despite these drawbacks, the CMF Phone 1 is still an excellent choice for those seeking a well-designed, quality smartphone, especially at an affordable price, even for kids, with the option to swap the back and possibly go without a case (at your own risk, of course).