Budget gadgets often struggle with uninspiring designs and subpar specifications, a challenge that Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has boldly embraced. This relatively new offshoot from Nothing targets the extreme lower end of the market and has previously introduced a smartwatch, wireless earbuds, and chargers. Today marks a significant milestone with the launch of its first smartphone, the CMF Phone 1, available in the US through a beta program. Accompanying this launch are unique accessories, alongside the new Buds Pro 2 and Watch Pro 2.
One of the most striking aspects of these devices is their pricing. Having tested both budget and flagship smartphones for nearly a decade, I was taken aback by the CMF Phone 1’s $199 price tag. It looks, feels, and performs at a level that belies its cost. The Watch Pro 2, an equally well-crafted smartwatch, is priced at just $69, and the Buds Pro 2 come in at $59. These aren’t merely cheap gadgets; they boast designs full of character that make them enjoyable to use.
Unboxing the CMF Phone 1 felt like an experience of childlike wonder. The phone’s design is almost like a reference device or a prototype, with an industrial aesthetic. Without any prior knowledge of the devices, I was intrigued by a peculiar circular nub on the bottom right corner of the phone and puzzled by a SIM eject tool that also featured a flathead screwdriver. The four black screws on the back of the phone’s case can be removed using the screwdriver, allowing you to swap out the back cover with different colored options (available for $35 each). This feature adds a layer of personalization, though the short tool can make the process cumbersome, and losing screws is a risk. Fortunately, CMF provides spare screws for after-sales support.
While the removable back might suggest swappable batteries, a representative clarified that battery removal is not encouraged due to safety warnings on the PET film. Offering a replaceable battery would have been a boon for repairability, an area under increasing scrutiny. However, the IP52 rating provides some water resistance, likely influencing the decision to limit user access to the battery.
A standout feature is the circular module at the bottom right of the phone, dubbed the Accessory Point. By default, this module does nothing, but unscrewing it reveals a small ecosystem of accessories that can be attached without tools. These include a lanyard ($25), a kickstand ($25), and a wallet case ($35). The wallet case comprises a slim plastic layer with a magnetic ring, allowing the wallet to attach magnetically, similar to Apple’s MagSafe system. The magnetic functionality extends to other accessories, though the lack of wireless charging support limits its utility.
The CMF Phone 1’s specifications are impressive for its price point, especially in a US market starved for quality budget Android phones. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 2,400-by-1,080-pixel resolution and an adaptive 120-Hz refresh rate, surpassing the $200 Samsung Galaxy A15. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage, delivering snappy performance. Additional features include 5G support, dual-SIM capability, and expandable storage up to 2 terabytes via microSD card.
The device houses a 5,000-mAh battery with 33-watt fast-charging support and an under-display optical fingerprint sensor. The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main sensor and a depth sensor for portrait mode, with a 16-MP front camera for selfies. The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, based on Android 14, with promised updates and security support.While the CMF Phone 1 is available globally, US customers can only access it through a beta program requiring sign-up and approval. Carrier support is mixed; it supports 4G on AT&T but lacks 5G, fares better on T-Mobile with limited 5G band support, and is not recommended for Verizon.
CMF’s Watch Pro 2 defies expectations for budget smartwatches with an elegant, simple design. The watch features a changeable bezel and strap options, including a leather strap for $19. Its aluminum case is sturdy yet lightweight, housing a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen. Despite not running on Google’s Wear OS, the watch offers a smooth experience, supports both iPhone and Android, and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 11 days.
The Buds Pro 2, priced at $59, offer great value with solid build quality and good performance, adding to the allure of CMF’s product lineup. CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, is redefining the budget gadget market by combining affordability with appealing design and functionality. The CMF Phone 1, along with the Watch Pro 2 and Buds Pro 2, offers consumers high-quality, feature-rich devices without breaking the bank. As these products become more accessible, they have the potential to set new standards for budget tech and drive further innovation in the industry.