In today’s review by Jong-cheol Lee, we present a product that has not yet been officially released, which might pique your interest: the CMF Trilogy Part 3, specifically the CMF Phone 1.
The brand Nothing, under its sub-brand CMF, emphasizes design strongly, as its name indicates: color, material, and finish. In our previous discussion, we showcased CMF’s design through their earphones and watches.
First and foremost, when you look at the back of the CMF Phone 1, the design language markedly differs from that of the Nothing Phone. Both the Nothing Phone 1 and 2 focused heavily on a transparent design, featuring an appealing light strip that indicates device status.
In contrast, the CMF Phone 1 showcases a very industrial aesthetic. Typically, screws are concealed for a clean look. Nowadays, adhesives are commonly used to ensure screws remain hidden. However, the CMF Phone proudly displays its screws, highlighting both its design and functionality.
Unfortunately, I did not receive a dedicated driver when I borrowed this phone, which is disappointing. Nonetheless, you can remove a part of the phone and replace it with another color. Below this part is a dial that acts as a symbol for CMF. While it doesn’t control the volume, you can turn and detach it. After removing it, you can attach accessories like a lanyard or a kickstand. If you assemble it with the back case, you can also attach a card holder similar to MagSafe. It feels as though the phone has a bit of a modular aspect. However, I did not get these accessories, which is unfortunate. For those considering a purchase, know that it will likely be a fun device once more compatible accessories are released.
The overall texture of the rear case resembles rough paper, despite being made of plastic. It provides a good grip and doesn’t appear prone to scratches.
Now, let’s flip the phone over. Upon powering it on, the front looks just like the Nothing Phone. It operates with Nothing OS 2.6, employing Nothing’s black-and-white interface. The widgets displayed are standard offerings from Nothing, making it aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, the phone includes apps exclusive to Nothing OS, such as a calculator and a recorder, just like the Nothing Phone.
The screen bezel is slightly thicker compared to the Nothing Phone. This is expected in a mid-to-low-end device, but it’s still not unpleasant. Overall, it performs admirably.
Importantly, the screen quality does not feel inferior. Though it employs LTPS technology, it uses AMOLED. The screen resolution is 6.67 inches at Full HD+, which may not be exceptional, but it suffices. Notably, the refresh rate is an impressive 120Hz, which is excellent for a budget device. Thus, when interacting with the phone, it feels incredibly smooth and responsive. I even jokingly told my friends that the phone costs around 600,000 won, and they believed me.
However, upon initial setup, the screen appears a bit dim. Although it has an automatic brightness feature, it doesn’t respond very swiftly, so I recommend adjusting it to a brighter setting. The peak brightness can reach up to 2000 nits, making it viewable outdoors.
Now, onto performance, which was my main concern. Due to its price point, it does not include a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and instead uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 AP. My research indicated that it provides decent performance among budget devices, exceeding that of the Snapdragon 6 series and somewhat comparable to the 700 series.
The phone boasts 8GB of RAM, as well as an additional 8GB of RAM Boost that utilizes part of the storage as RAM. This is quite adequate. The storage can go up to 256GB, and surprisingly, it supports microSD expansion of up to 2TB. Therefore, you should not worry about storage capacity. Moreover, the microSD slot can also accommodate a SIM card, enabling dual SIM functionality.
Given some lingering doubts about performance, I launched a game and measured the frame rate, which remained constant at 59fps. Both Genshin Impact and PUBG maintained 59fps without fluctuations. I was genuinely surprised, as it performed significantly better than I had expected.
The phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, ample to last a full day. It also supports 33W fast charging; however, it lacks wireless charging capabilities.
The camera and audio quality are somewhat underwhelming. The camera specifications are reasonable, featuring a 16-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel rear camera. Nevertheless, the photo quality could be improved. While Ultra XDR can be applied, I didn’t find the results particularly impressive. In particular, the portrait photos tend to have almost exaggerated effects.
The audio quality is somewhat lacking. Although it’s not a significant issue for me as I usually don’t use my phone speakers for music, it’s still disappointing. It appears that the stereo isn’t functioning properly; only the bottom speaker projects sound significantly, while the top speaker seems barely operational.
As this product has not passed radio wave certification, it likely will not be officially released in Korea. For those considering a direct purchase, please be aware of this. If you buy the device directly, remember that it cannot be resold for one year. Exercise caution.
The pricing is remarkable. You can find it on Amazon. The 128GB version is listed at $199, though it’s currently available for $259 including tax, approximately 350,000 won. That’s incredible. I’d love to get one of these as a third phone.
So, should you buy this product?
If you seek the most well-rounded phone within the 300,000 won range, definitely purchase it. It offers an outstanding price-to-performance ratio.
If you desire official repairs and support, it’s best to refrain from buying it, as it is not officially released.
If you’re interested in experimenting with various accessories, hold off on the purchase for now. There aren’t many accessories available yet; keep an eye on upcoming accessory trends before buying.
Next time, I will be presenting the King of Gasimbi products. Until then, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and turn on notifications.
Video production by Byline Network
Filmed and edited by the Byline Network Video Team (byline@byline.network)
Script by jude@byline.network
Comprehensive Review of the CMF Phone 1: Design, Performance, and Value
In this article, we dive into the details of the CMF Phone 1, the innovative mid-range smartphone from Nothing’s CMF sub-brand. Aimed at enthusiasts who prioritize design and functionality, this device has sparked interest with its unconventional features.
Design: A Bold Departure
The CMF Phone 1 boasts a distinct design compared to its predecessors, the Nothing Phone 1 and 2. Unlike its transparent aesthetic, the CMF Phone 1 embraces an industrial look with exposed screws, showcasing a commitment to functional design. Here are some notable design elements:
- Industrial Aesthetic: The phone features visible screws that contrast with the seamless designs typically seen in smartphones.
- Unique Dial: It includes a removable dial allowing for accessory attachments like a lanyard or a kickstand.
- Durable Build: The rear case has a textured feel akin to rough paper, providing a solid grip and resistance to scratches.
Display Quality
Turning the device over reveals a vibrant display powered by a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen. While its bezels are slightly thicker—due to its mid-range positioning—this device doesn’t compromise on quality:
- Brightness: Features peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it easy to use outdoors.
- Refresh Rate: Smooth performance with a 120Hz refresh rate enhances user experience.
- Adaptive Brightness: Users may need to manually adjust initial brightness settings for optimal visibility.
Performance: Surprising Power in a Budget Device
The CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, a notable choice for a budget device. Below are the key specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 |
| RAM | 8GB + 8GB RAM Boost |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB (Expandable up to 2TB) |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
The performance has impressed gamers as well, as tests showed consistent frame rates of 59fps on demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG. This indicates a well-optimized experience for a mid-range device.
Camera Capabilities
While the camera specs are decent with a 50MP rear camera and a 16MP front camera, the actual performance may not satisfy photography enthusiasts:
- Camera Specs: 50MP main camera with Ultra XDR support.
- Performance: Results can sometimes be underwhelming, especially in portrait mode.
- Viewing Experience: While the camera gathers good detail, colors may appear exaggerated.
Sound Quality
While the audio experience via the phone’s speakers leaves something to be desired, here’s a breakdown:
- Speaker Quality: The sound output feels light, and the effectiveness of stereo speakers is questionable.
- General Use: Average for casual listening but may disappoint audiophiles.
Price and Availability
Available on Amazon, the pricing for the CMF Phone 1 is noteworthy:
| Storage Option | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| 128GB | $199 (approximately 350,000 won) |
| 256GB | $259 (including tax) |
This high value for money comes with caveats. Due to the lack of official release in certain regions, users should be cautious about long-term support and warranty issues.
Pros and Cons of CMF Phone 1
To help prospective buyers, here’s a quick summary of the strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Innovative industrial design
- High refresh rate and good display brightness
- Powerful performance for the price
- Expandable storage options
Cons:
- Camera performance below expectations
- Audio quality not competitive
- Limited global availability and warranty issues
Who Should Consider the CMF Phone 1?
This device is perfectly suited for:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Excellent price-to-performance ratio for those wanting a reliable smartphone.
- Design Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize unique aesthetics will appreciate its industrial look.
- Casual Gamers: With solid performance capabilities, it’s ideal for gaming at a budget.
Final Note on Purchase Decision
Before making a purchase, consider your priorities:
- If you demand full support and official repairs, you may wish to look elsewhere.
- If accessories intrigue you, keep an eye on upcoming compatibility for enhanced functionality.
- For the best value in a mid-range phone that delivers exceptional performance, CMF Phone 1 is a worthwhile choice.
For more reviews and insights, stay tuned as we continue to explore the latest in tech innovations!
Video production by Byline Network, filmed and edited by the Byline Network Video Team.
