When one thinks of clean Android phone in terms of its interface, the Nothing brand would often come up. Known for their clean premium aesthetics and thoughtful phone design, the operating system is also well-received.
If you can't afford Nothing phones, you may want to consider CMF Phone 1 instead, now available in Malaysia.
CMF, which stands for Case Material Finish, is a sub-brand by Nothing. They are in a way, a budget option to accessing Nothing's approach in Android smartphones which are touted for its clean operating systems, all the while allowing rich and unique customisation options for Android users that values a streamlined Android experience, minus the bloatware.
Hearing all of these, we were definitely keen to explore the CMF Phone 1 and its accompanying earphones as well as smartwatch.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
Why Get the CMF Phone 1?
- Clean OS
- Good body material and feel that looks premium (no fingerprints too!)
- Doesn't feel hot when in battery-hungry mode (ex. when gaming in HD)
Should you want a not-so-minimalist budget phone that keeps it safe by giving you thoughtful designs and features, minus the hefty price tag, CMF Phone 1 is definitely a worthy consideration.
For RM1,099, the Phone 1 looks and feels premium, as well as handle day-to-day tasks without much issue. While the camera performance leaves more to desire, this is a phone that'll have people questioning their own higher-priced phones and their value. At least for us, we'd consider the Phone 1 a good secondary phone that exudes reliability without the fluff.
About CMF Phone 1
The CMF Phone 1, it's powered by Nothing Operating System 2.6. This OS is designed for a fast and smooth user experience with equally functional and personal customisation options. At the same time, the phone also has a unique phone case customisation approach, along with generous phone battery life and an up-to-date processing power as well as memory storage.
CMF Phone 1 Specifications:
- Display: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 7300
- Operating System: Android 14
- Rear Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
- Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
- Memory: 128GB + 6GB / 128GB + 8GB / 256GB + 8GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Dimensions: 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 197g (plastic back)
Design & Build
- Body Material
On the outside, CMF also enjoys a uniquely customisation approach in an Android system, following Nothing’s footsteps. It has a matte, soft-to-the-touch plastic back that doesn't feel hot to the touch if the phone is being overworked.
Aside from the obvious popped-up camera bump, there are also screws and an accessory bump behind to allow you customisation.
What's makes CMF Phone 1 different from most, if not all, is its adaptability in the aesthetics department. Users can actually swap (by unscrewing) the back case to any 4 colours (Black, Light Green, Blue and Orange). There's also the choice to mix and match two colours (say, a black body case and a blue accesory knob) to create an accented look.
- Display
The Phone 1's screen is a shiny 6.67” Super AMOLED which has an ultra-smooth 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. Its brightness is labelled to reach a peak 2000 nits for outdoor viewing.
Aside from direct sunlight, direct and angled views are average yet vibrant without excessive saturated colours when we were on Youtube.
Performance
- Regular Usage & Battery
CMF Phone 1 is fitted with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G processor which CMF have apparently co-engineered with Nothing in order to deliver efficient power.
When it comes to storage, the Phone 1 is able to achieve 16 GB RAM using RAM Booster for multi-tasking. With all of that said, the phone does carry out games (tested with Zenless Zero and Ragnarok Origin on HD mode + 60fps) and apps fairly well with little to no lag. That's good news for a budget phone.
Best of all, there was no heated back when playing on handheld mode for extended time too (approximately 30 minutes non-stop).
Additionally, the phone also holds a huge 5000 mAh battery, with CMF claiming that the Phone 1 should keep going for up to two days on just a single charge.
- Camera
CMF Phone 1 utilises a camera system with a Sony 50 MP rear camera. It has a dedicated portrait sensor to help you achieve a more accurate bokeh effect. Meanwhile the front is a 16 MP selfie camera.
In our opinion, the camera performs nicely when out in the sun. Bhokeh is one of the nicest we've seen for a budget phone as well. If only Nothing had designed the CMF Phone 1 with a bigger depth lens (this one's sat at 2 MP, f/2.4), it would do well with underlit scenes too. Alas, in this case we often get images with quite some grain as well as when we take darker scenes too fast.
CMF Ecosystem with Buds Pro 2 & Watch Pro 2
Specially featured in this review, alongside the Phone 1 are the CMF Buds 2 Pro and CMF Watch 2 Pro as well. In short, the ecosystem, between the products feels seamless and clean enough.
Though they are not made with the most premium material, and that software might be slightly slow in reception, the finish being largely plastic, they still look good quality and work well in terms of their software.
- CMF Buds Pro 2
Overall, this pair of noise cancelling Buds is one of the best performing in our books, in terms of clarity and volume as well as control options. It also fits well in our tiny ear (which is a feat for the editor cum reviewer who has multiple piercings).
For RM299, CMF Buds Pro 2 boasts dual drivers, LDAC™ technology, certified for Hi-Res Audio Wireless, 50 dB Smart ANC, and CMF's pioneering Smart Dial Control. We were definitely excited for this as it has Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation of up to 50 dB and a frequency range of up to 5000 Hz.
Most importantly, the dial at the back of the case is a functional, mechanical knob that allows you to customise music controls such as pause, skip, change noice control and picking up calls as well. The feedback is quite receptive as well. It's thus a good thing that you can choose to turn off the controls via the knob and use it as a fidget toy (FYI not the intended use).
- CMF Watch Pro 2
Besides music, we also have the CMF Watch Pro 2. This one is designed with an interchangeable watch bezel design and is advertised as a basic yet versatile everyday companion. The watch has the likes of more than 120 sports modes, multiple body sensory monitors, connectivity to act as extension to your mobile phone and a good battery life of up to 11 days as well.
We appreciate the details (such as the piston release to easily change the strap, bezel as well as branding) and good software interface. It's also great that for its price of RM339 if you're looking to get an extended accesory for your CMF Phone 1.
But if you are looking to have this as a rugged watch, it might not make the cut since the materials don't feel too solid.
Buy CMF Phone 1, Buds Pro 2 and Watch Pro 2
