CMF Phone 1 Review: Stylish Design, Solid Performance Under Rs 20,000

The CMF Phone 1 enters the market as a noteworthy contender, boasting a unique design and solid performance, all at an attractive price point. For Rs 15,999, and even less with certain bank discounts, this phone presents a compelling value proposition. Here, we delve into what makes the CMF Phone 1 a strong choice in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment.

Eye-Catching Design with Practical Features

The CMF Phone 1 showcases a design that reflects the innovative spirit of its parent company, Nothing. It ditches the semi-transparent aesthetic seen in previous models for a sleek, plain black panel adorned with minimalistic branding. This shift is not merely cosmetic; the design is highly functional too.
One standout feature is the removable back panel. Equipped with a small screwdriver, users can swap out the back panel for different colours and finishes, such as blue, orange, light green, and black, available in both matte and vegan leather. Each option costs Rs 799 and offers a good grip while resisting fingerprints. This customizable aspect is a refreshing throwback to older phone models, adding a personal touch to modern technology.
The most intriguing design element, the “wheel,” has dual purposes: it can either attach a lanyard for easy carrying or a stand for hands-free content viewing. While these accessories need to be purchased separately, they add versatility to the device. The stand, though functional and comfortable to hold, requires careful handling to avoid damage. Users must be cautious with the wheel, as losing it could detract from the phone’s appearance and necessitate purchasing a new cover. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the CMF Phone 1 also boasts practical durability. The device is IP52-rated, meaning it can withstand water splashes and won't be damaged during the rainy season. This adds a layer of protection that is often overlooked in budget-friendly smartphones, making it a reliable companion in various environments.

Vibrant and Expansive Display

The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a typical brightness of up to 700 nits and peak brightness reaching 2000 nits for HDR content. This ensures clear visibility even under direct sunlight. The display’s punchy colours and warmer tones enhance visual content, and users can adjust the colour temperature in settings if needed. The dynamic 120Hz refresh rate contributes to smooth animations and scrolling, although it rarely drops to 60Hz, which might impact battery life.
Despite its broad form factor, which enhances the viewing experience for binge-watching and gaming, the large size might feel cumbersome for users with smaller hands. Nonetheless, the phone remains lightweight and easy to carry. The screen’s Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection is another noteworthy feature, providing an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor impacts.
The display's high refresh rate and vibrant colours make it an excellent choice for media consumption. Whether you are watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web, the CMF Phone 1's screen delivers a satisfying experience. The ability to fine-tune the display settings allows users to customize their viewing experience to their preference, ensuring that the content always looks its best.

Reliable Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, the CMF Phone 1 outperforms many of its competitors in the under-Rs 20,000 category. This is evident from its impressive scores in Antutu and Geekbench tests, where it surpasses models like the iQOO Z9 and Poco X6.
In practical terms, the phone handles demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty smoothly at default settings, though it does warm up slightly after extended play. Multitasking and general use are fluid, with no noticeable lag. The camera app occasionally slows down in extreme heat, but this might be resolved with a future software update.
The CMF Phone 1’s performance is further enhanced by its well-optimized software. Nothing OS, which the phone runs, is clean and minimalistic, providing a bloatware-free experience. Users have the option to switch between Nothing OS and stock Android, catering to different preferences. Essential features like App locker and Cloned apps are included, adding to the overall functionality of the device.

Decent Audio and User Interface

The CMF Phone 1 features a mono speaker, which, while loud and clear, does not match the richness of stereo speakers. The biometrics are quick, although not the fastest available. The phone promises two years of Android OS upgrades, ensuring it stays current with future versions.
Nothing OS is clean, minimalistic, and free of bloatware, offering users the option to experience stock Android. Essential features like App Locker and Cloned apps are included, and the settings are straightforward, enhancing overall usability. The lack of unnecessary native apps keeps the interface uncluttered, allowing users to navigate the phone easily.
The inclusion of useful features like the App locker, which helps keep personal information secure, and Cloned apps, which allow users to run multiple instances of the same app, adds to the overall value of the CMF Phone 1. These features, combined with the clean and intuitive user interface, make the phone a pleasure to use daily.

Long-Lasting Battery

With a 5,000mAh battery and 33W fast charging support, the CMF Phone 1 offers impressive battery life. The minimalist UI and absence of unnecessary animations contribute to its longevity. The phone can easily last a day on a single charge, even with moderate use of apps like Instagram and WhatsApp. However, it does not include a fast charger in the box, which might necessitate an additional purchase.
The battery performance is commendable, thanks to the phone’s efficient software optimization. Even after intensive use, the battery drains at a slower rate compared to other devices in its category. This ensures that users can rely on the CMF Phone 1 throughout the day without constantly worrying about recharging.

Competent Camera

The CMF Phone 1’s dual rear camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor that excels in daylight conditions, capturing natural and rich colours with a balanced dynamic range. The portrait mode is effective, providing a pleasing depth of field and vibrant colours. Low-light performance is less stellar but still manages to produce decent images in well-lit areas. Selfies are similarly detailed and well-rendered.
The camera’s ability to capture detailed and vibrant images in various lighting conditions makes it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts. Whether you are taking portraits, landscapes, or close-ups, the CMF Phone 1’s camera delivers satisfactory results. The minor differences in detail between the 12MP and 50MP modes are expected given the phone’s budget-friendly price, but it still manages to offer impressive photo quality for its segment.

Conclusion

The CMF Phone 1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly device with solid performance and a distinctive design. Priced at Rs 15,999, and effectively available for Rs 14,999 with discounts, it offers great value. The unique design, vibrant display, reliable performance, and decent battery life make it a well-rounded package. While the mono speaker and lack of an included charger are minor drawbacks, the overall experience the CMF Phone 1 delivers under Rs 20,000 is highly commendable.
This phone manages to stand out in a crowded market by combining innovative design features with practical functionality. It’s a device that doesn’t just perform well but also looks good and feels good to use. For anyone looking for a comprehensive smartphone experience without breaking the bank, the CMF Phone 1 is worth considering.

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