The smartphone market has long been dominated by high-end devices with hefty price tags. However, the newly launched CMF Phone One is set to disrupt this trend, offering premium features at a fraction of the cost. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore how this $250 smartphone from Nothing’s sub-brand CMF is revolutionizing the budget phone segment.
What is CMF and the Phone One?
CMF (Colors, Materials, Finish) is a new budget sub-brand of Nothing, the innovative tech company founded by Carl Pei. The CMF Phone One is their debut product, designed to offer high-end features and design at an affordable price point of £200 or $250.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the CMF Phone One is its unique design philosophy:
- Modular back plates: Users can easily swap out the back cover using the included tool, allowing for customization and easy repairs.
- Ecosystem of accessories: The phone features a circular screw mechanism that enables various attachments like stands, lanyards, and card wallets.
- Premium feel: Despite its budget price, the phone and accessories exhibit thoughtful design and a sophisticated aesthetic.
Display
The CMF Phone One boasts an impressive display for its price range:
- 120 Hz adaptive AMOLED Full HD+ screen
- HDR 10+ support
- Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness (700 nits typical, 1,000 nits in bright environments)
- Pre-installed screen protector
Performance and Battery Life
While not the fastest on the market, the CMF Phone One offers respectable performance:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset
- 6GB RAM (base model)
- 128GB storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSD)
- 5,000 mAh battery with excellent longevity
- 33W wired charging (charger not included)
Software Experience
The device runs on Nothing OS 2.6, based on Android 14:
- Clean, minimalist interface
- Thoughtful customizations for aesthetics and reduced distractions
- AI-powered wallpaper generator
- 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security updates promised
Camera System
The CMF Phone One features a dual-camera setup:
- Main camera with portrait mode capabilities
- Decent 4K video recording at 30fps
- Surprisingly good image quality for the price range
- Some limitations in color science, portrait mode, and zoom capabilities
Comparison with Competitors
To truly appreciate the CMF Phone One’s value proposition, let’s compare it to some popular budget smartphones:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2023)
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- OnePlus Nord N300 5G
| Feature | CMF Phone One | Motorola Moto G Power (2023) | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | OnePlus Nord N300 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $200 | $200 | $230 |
| Display | 6.55″ AMOLED, 120Hz, Full HD+ | 6.5″ IPS LCD, 90Hz, HD+ | 6.6″ PLS LCD, 90Hz, Full HD+ | 6.56″ IPS LCD, 90Hz, HD+ |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 | MediaTek Helio G37 | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | MediaTek Dimensity 810 |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable) | 64GB (expandable) | 64GB (expandable) | 64GB (expandable) |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP | 50MP | 48MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired | 15W wired | 15W wired | 33W wired |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| OS | Android 14 (Nothing OS 2.6) | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Unique Features | Modular design, accessory ecosystem | Long battery life | Samsung Knox security | OxygenOS experience |
This comparison table highlights some key differences:
- Display: The CMF Phone One offers the best display with a 120Hz AMOLED panel, while competitors use LCD screens with lower refresh rates.
- Processor: The CMF Phone One’s Dimensity 7300 is generally more powerful than the chips in competing devices.
- RAM: CMF Phone One leads with 6GB, while others offer 4GB.
- Charging: CMF Phone One and OnePlus Nord N300 5G offer faster 33W charging compared to the 15W on Motorola and Samsung models.
- OS: CMF Phone One runs the latest Android 14, while others are on older versions.
- Unique Features: The CMF Phone One stands out with its modular design and accessory ecosystem.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Unique modular design and accessory ecosystem
- High-quality display
- Solid battery life
- Clean software experience
Cons:
- Average performance for demanding tasks
- No wireless charging
- Limited camera versatility (no ultra-wide lens)
- Mono speaker
Who Should Buy the CMF Phone One?
The CMF Phone One is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious consumers who want premium features
- Users who prioritize customization and repairability
- Those looking for a reliable daily driver with great battery life
- Fans of clean, minimal software experiences
Conclusion: A New Standard for Budget Smartphones
The CMF Phone One represents a significant leap forward in the budget smartphone category. By offering a unique blend of thoughtful design, premium features, and an affordable price point, it sets a new benchmark for what consumers can expect from a $250 device.
While it may not compete with flagships in every aspect, the CMF Phone One delivers an experience that punches well above its weight class. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, devices like this prove that innovation and value can coexist at lower price points.
