CMF Phone (1): An Insider’s Perspective
As an early tester of the CMF Phone (1), I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness this device’s evolution from its pre-release phase to its current state. Using it as my secondary phone over the past couple of months has given me valuable insights into its capabilities and growth.
First off, testing a pre-release device with an enclosed case was definitely not fun. You can’t really get a feel for the design or how it sits in your hand. But hey, it meant we could focus on what really matters—how the thing actually works.
Now, I’ll be honest; initially, the experience was pretty average. The camera especially disappointed me. But as the feedback went in and updates rolled in, things started to get better. By the time we hit that community photowalk, I was noticing some real improvements. Sure, there were still some inconsistencies, but I had to keep reminding myself—this is a £200 phone we’re talking about!
Performance-wise, it was a similar story. It started off a bit rocky, but over time, it really smoothed out. The combination of the CMF Phone (1) hardware and the Nothing OS? It just works. Clean, intuitive, no fuss.
The real “aha” moment came during the Community Reacts video shoot. That was the first time I saw the phone without its protective case, and man, what a fun little device! It sparked this whole discussion afterward; I remember saying it’s like the Rabbit R1, but actually useful. Imagine that with AI capabilities next year—it’s going to be a blast, even software-wise.
One thing that was solid throughout was the battery. No complaints there.
However, it’s important to note the lack of NFC. While this might not be a big deal for users in India, it’s a significant omission for those outside the country who rely on NFC for mobile payments and other functions.
When you factor in the price, that’s when you really start to appreciate what CMF has pulled off here. The camera quality, the overall performance, the features—it’s pretty damn good for what you’re paying.
Another noteworthy aspect is the phone’s size and weight. It’s big yet surprisingly light, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The speakers, while not exceptional, are decent and get the job done for everyday use.
The display is another standout feature. It’s super impressive, offering vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance the overall user experience. For a budget phone, the display quality is top-notch and rivals that of more expensive devices.
The modularity of the CMF Phone (1) is super exciting. Yes, there’s no wireless charging, but it’s possible that some third party could come up with a case that adds wireless charging. The possibilities are endless. Update: Looks like someone 3D printed it already, haha.
Look, I’m not saying it’s perfect. But I am impressed. As I mentioned in that Community Reacts video, I reckon this thing will sell like hotcakes. It’s got that sweet spot of features, performance, and price that budget-conscious folks are going to love.
It’s been great to see this phone evolve from a rough pre-release version to what it is now. It really shows what can happen when a company actually listens to its community. In the end, the CMF Phone (1) is just a fun, capable little device that doesn’t break the bank. And in today’s market? That’s something worth talking about.
