Article illustration 1

The budget smartphone arena is often a graveyard of compromised experiences—underpowered chips, dim displays, and bloated software. Yet, the CMF Phone 1, a year after its debut, defies convention. Priced at just $209, this device from Nothing's sub-brand delivers a masterclass in prioritizing what matters for developers and practical users alike.

Industrial Design That Sparks Innovation

The CMF (Color, Materials, Finish) ethos shines through immediately. Unlike disposable peers, the Phone 1 features a replaceable back cover secured by four screws and a thumbscrew—enabling customizations like textured leather-like panels or functional add-ons (e.g., lanyards or kickstands). This modularity isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a nod to repairability and personalization in an era of sealed devices. Practical touches abound: separated power/volume buttons for tactile clarity, symmetrical bezels, and a default dark mode that conserves battery. As Kerry Wan notes in the ZDNET review, "These elements create a hardware/software package that feels more premium than it should."

Display and Performance: Efficiency Over Gimmicks

At its core, the 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display is a revelation for the price, boasting 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and 2,000-nit peak brightness. This combination ensures smooth scrolling and visibility even in harsh sunlight—ideal for developers debugging code outdoors. Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset prioritizes efficiency over raw power. While app loads occasionally lag, the processor excels in sustained performance, avoiding the throttling pitfalls of rivals like the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. Paired with Nothing OS (offering a choice between stock Android and custom interfaces), bloatware-free software extends battery life to two full days—a critical advantage for professionals on the move.

Compromises and Considerations

Cameras adhere to budget realities: the 50MP main sensor delivers passable shots in ample light but struggles with motion or low-light scenarios. More critically, the two-year software update policy falls short for security-conscious users, ending support with Android 16. The absence of NFC and wireless charging also stings. Carrier compatibility is another hurdle; while T-Mobile users enjoy full 5G, Verizon lacks LTE support, and AT&T misses key bands. As Wan advises, "Scan supported bands before buying."

Why This Matters Beyond the Price Tag

The CMF Phone 1 isn’t just a cheap alternative—it’s a blueprint for thoughtful tech. Its modular design challenges industry norms around device longevity, while the focus on core user needs (battery, display, clean software) over spec-sheet bravado resonates in a market saturated with gimmicks. For developers, it underscores how optimized software can elevate mid-tier hardware. And at $209, it forces giants like Samsung and Motorola to rethink their budget strategies. In Wan’s words: "It’s one of the few phones that gives you more value for the money."

Source: ZDNET, 'Why I still recommend this $200 Android phone in 2025' by Kerry Wan.