The CMF Phone 1 is an upcoming smartphone from Nothing‘s sub-brand, CMF. Scheduled to launch on July 8, 2024, this budget-friendly option will compete with the Realme 12 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite. But is it worth the wait, or are the existing options already good enough? Let’s discuss this.
1. Confirmed Specifications
CMF has taken an unconventional approach to the launch of their upcoming Phone 1, revealing specifications a few components at a time over a nine-day period leading up to the official release on July 8.
So far, the company has confirmed that the phone will feature a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 2000 nits peak brightness. The display will also house a fingerprint scanner for biometrics.
The device will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, which the company claims will deliver a best-in-class user experience within its segment. CMF has also posted AnTuTu benchmark scores of 673,000, showing it performs better than the Snapdragon 782G, Dimensity 7050, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, and Snapdragon 695, which are common processors in this price range.
The phone will come with 8GB of RAM in the base variant and will be pre-installed with Nothing OS. Unlike many budget smartphones that often come with pre-installed bloatware, Nothing OS offers a clean, near-stock Android experience, providing a user-friendly and bloatware-free interface.
As for the battery, the CMF Phone 1 will be powered by a 5000mAh cell, which the company claims can last up to 2 days of use or 22 hours of non-stop YouTube. Charging details are still under wraps.
2. Expected Specifications
Crucially, the company has not confirmed the camera details of the phone at the time of writing this article. However, leaks suggest a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, though there isn’t much information on the other sensors. The front-facing camera is expected to be 16MP.
Another mystery about the CMF Phone 1 is its design. The company has teased a few intriguing design elements. For instance, there appears to be a knob on the back of the phone, but it’s unclear whether it is functional or merely a design element.
Additionally, a short video clip shared by the company shows the phone’s back featuring a screw that can be opened and closed. While its functionality remains unknown as well, rumors suggest the screw might be part of a modular system called “Nothing Lock,” which could allow users to attach accessories to the device and even switch out the back panel with different ones.
Although there’s no official confirmation, the CMF Phone 1 is likely to have a polycarbonate build, as it is a budget phone. This material might feel less premium compared to glass backs but could result in a lighter phone. Color options are rumored to be black, white, and orange.
3. Who Should Wait for the CMF Phone 1?
While the company is mum on the pricing of the device, leaks suggest that the CMF Phone 1 will be priced under Rs 20,000 in India. If you prioritize affordability and a clean software experience, the CMF Phone 1 could be worth the wait.
The phone is confirmed to have the best SoC in its segment, feature-rich Nothing OS, and an OLED display with HDR10+ certification. Additionally, those who appreciate unique phone designs should keep an eye on what the CMF Phone 1 has to offer.
However, while waiting for the CMF Phone 1’s launch, it’s wise to consider the established players in the budget segment. Brands like Xiaomi, Motorola, and Realme offer various options with competitive features and price points. Comparing specifications and user reviews can help you make an informed decision.
