Nothing, a London-based consumer tech brand, has officially announced the CMF Phone (1), a new smartphone under its sub-brand CMF. The phone features a unique design and a mysterious knob on its rear panel, which has sparked curiosity among tech enthusiasts. CMF officially announced this new phone via its official X handle. In the announcement, the company says it is giving its attention to a category that “others ignore”.
Design and Appearance
The CMF Phone (1) boasts a colourful polycarbonate body available in orange, green, black, and blue. This is quite different from the Nothing Phone (2a) which comes with a glass rear. The phone’s design is distinct from Nothing’s previous offerings, with a focus on a budget-friendly approach. The rear panel features a polycarbonate + plain leather structure, which provides a premium feel without the added cost of glass. The phone’s body is also equipped with a mysterious knob, the purpose of which remains unknown. It will also feature a unique connector, known as the “Nothing Lock,” which allows users to attach exclusive accessories produced by Nothing.
Specifications
The CMF Phone (1) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 (MT6886) SoC, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The CMF Phone (1) is expected to have a 6.67-inch OLED screen, which is slightly smaller than the Nothing Phone (2a). It will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 5G chipset and will run on Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14. The device will also have a 120Hz refresh rate, which is higher than the standard 60Hz found in many budget phones. This makes it suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption.
The CMF Phone (1) will have a single 50MP main camera on the back. This is a downgrade from the dual cameras found on the Nothing Phone (2a). The front camera will be 16MP, and the device will have a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. Connectivity options include dual 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6. To support the processor, this device comes with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable via a microSD card.
Nothing Lock and Exclusive Accessories
The CMF Phone (1) is designed to work seamlessly with Nothing’s exclusive accessories, including mobile phone holders and lanyards. The phone features a structure called “Nothing Lock,” which allows users to connect these accessories to the phone. This feature is expected to be a key differentiator for the CMF Phone 1, offering users a unique and integrated experience.
Launch and Pricing
The CMF Phone (1) is expected to be released in July this year, with a starting price of around $249-279. This pricing is competitive in the budget smartphone segment, making the phone an attractive option for those looking for a high-quality device without breaking the bank.
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History of Nothing Phones
Nothing, a pretty new brand, was founded in October 2020 by Carl Pei, the former co-founder of OnePlus. The company’s mission is to “remove barriers between people and technology to create a seamless digital future.” After announcing its first product, the ear (1), Nothing partnered with Qualcomm to use their Snapdragon chips in future devices.
The first smartphone from Nothing, the Nothing Phone (1), was announced on March 23, 2022, during the “The Truth” event. The phone was designed to be a mid-range device with a unique Glyph Interface, which is a set of interconnected LED panels on the back that can be programmed to display different notifications and patterns.
The Phone (1) was released on July 12, 2022, in the UK and Germany, and later in India through a partnership with Flipkart. The phone was not released in North America but instead was distributed to private investors through a closed beta program.
The Phone (1) runs on Nothing OS, an Android skin that is designed to provide a fast, smooth, and personal experience. The phone receives at least three years of software updates and four years of security updates. The Nothing OS features a dot-matrix font and a stock Android look and feel. However, it has some tweaks to ensure a seamless user experience.
The Phone (1) has received positive reviews for its design, which combines Apple-like aesthetics with the simplicity of Android. The phone’s Glyph Interface has been particularly praised for its innovative approach to notifications and its potential for customization.
Editor’s Note
The company Nothing is barely four years old and it already has a sub-brand, CMF. This shows how well the company has been performing over the past few years. Well, we always expected Nothing to do well because it is run by veterans and an ex-co-founder of a successful mobile phone brand. Looking at the CMF sub-brand will focus on the lower-end market. Nothing Phones have always been mid-range to flagship devices. However, considering that the CMF Phone 1 cost less than $280, it will be the cheapest device from Nothing. The company also put aside its iconic transparent rear for a solid rear like regular phones. This shows that Nothing needs CMF to bring something different from the regular Nothing devices. However, the presence of the mysterious knob suggests that the company also wants something different from regular mobile phones in the market.
Conclusion
The CMF Phone (1) marks a new direction for Nothing’s mobile phone lineup. It focuses on budget-friendly smartphones with unique features and designs. The mysterious knob on the rear panel adds an element of intrigue. Also, the phone’s specifications suggest it will be a solid performer in its class. Furthermore, with the launch expected in July, tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more details about the phone. We expect to get more info about the mysterious knob in the coming weeks.
