Nothing CMF Phone 1 Specifications and Price in Kenya

Nothing CMF Phone 1 Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a bold step by Nothing into the budget smartphone market, offering a well-balanced combination of performance, display quality, and battery life. With a starting price of Ksh 39,000 in Kenya, this phone aims to deliver flagship-like features at a fraction of the cost. Let’s dive deep into its specifications and see if it’s worth your money.

Design & Build Quality

The phone maintains a sleek and modern aesthetic with its glass front and a choice between a plastic back or a silicone polymer back (eco leather). The design is complemented by a user-replaceable back cover, allowing for a degree of customization that is rare in modern smartphones. Measuring 164 x 77 x 8.2 mm and weighing 197g or 202g, the phone strikes a balance between size and comfort.

Despite its budget price, the device offers dust and splash resistance, providing added durability. However, it lacks official IP certification, so it’s best to keep it away from excessive moisture.

Display: AMOLED Brilliance with 120Hz Refresh Rate

One of the highlights of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display. This panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (395 ppi density) and a screen-to-body ratio of ~85.1%, users can enjoy an immersive viewing experience with vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Brightness levels are impressive, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent. The phone also supports an Always-on Display, a feature usually found in high-end devices.

Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Power

Under the hood, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) chipset, an efficient and powerful processor for mid-range devices. The octa-core CPU (4×2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), combined with the Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and day-to-day operations.

In benchmark tests, the phone scores 646,635 on AnTuTu v10 and 2,920 on GeekBench v6, putting it on par with many mid-range competitors. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing, the performance remains fluid and lag-free.

Software: Nothing OS 3.0 & Android 14

It runs on Android 14 with Nothing OS 3.0, offering a clean and minimalist UI with up to two major Android upgrades. Nothing OS is known for its lightweight, bloat-free experience, making the CMF Phone 1 a delight to use.

Camera System: Versatile Yet Basic

Nothing CMF Phone 1 features a dual-camera setup at the back:

• 50MP (f/1.8, wide) with PDAF
• 2MP (f/2.4, depth sensor)

While the 50MP primary sensor captures detailed shots in good lighting conditions, the 2MP depth sensor is rather basic and mainly assists in portrait shots. The camera supports LED flash, HDR, and panorama features.

In terms of video, the main camera can record at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30/60fps, with gyro-EIS (electronic image stabilization) helping smooth out footage.

The 16MP front camera (f/2.0, wide) is decent for selfies and video calls, recording videos at 1080p@30fps. While it may not compete with flagship-level selfie cameras, it performs well in well-lit conditions.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery performance is another strong suit of the CMF Phone 1. The 5000mAh battery provides excellent endurance, with an active use score of 16 hours and 13 minutes.

Charging speeds are 33W wired, allowing for a quick top-up when needed. Additionally, the phone supports 5W reverse wired charging, making it possible to share power with other devices.

Connectivity & Extras

• 5G Support ensures future-proof connectivity.
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band) for faster internet speeds.
• Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and BLE for improved wireless connectivity.
• GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS for accurate navigation.
• USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
• No NFC or FM Radio, which might be a downside for some users.

The under-display fingerprint sensor (optical), along with other sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, ensures a well-rounded experience.

Audio: No 3.5mm Jack but Good Loudspeaker

The phone does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be disappointing for some users. However, the loudspeaker delivers clear and loud audio, rated at -28.0 LUFS (Good).

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nothing CMF Phone 1?

Pros:

✅ AMOLED 120Hz display – Smooth and vibrant visuals.
✅ Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300 – Great for gaming and multitasking.
✅ Long battery life – 5000mAh with 33W fast charging.
✅ Clean software – Bloat-free Nothing OS with Android 14.
✅ 5G support – Future-proof connectivity.
✅ Affordable pricing – Competitive price of Ksh 39,000 in Kenya.

Cons:

❌ No NFC – Might be a dealbreaker for some.
❌ No official IP rating – While splash-resistant, it lacks full water protection.
❌ No 3.5mm headphone jack – Wired audio users may need an adapter.
❌ Basic secondary camera – The 2MP depth sensor is not very useful.

Who Should Buy the Nothing CMF Phone 1?

• Budget-conscious buyers looking for great performance and display.
• Users who prefer a clean, bloat-free Android experience.
• Gamers who need solid processing power at an affordable price.
• Those who want a long-lasting battery with fast charging.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Users who rely on NFC for contactless payments.
• Those who need a flagship-level camera system.
• Audiophiles who prefer a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

The Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a fantastic option for those seeking a balance of performance, display quality, and battery life at an affordable price. While it has a few trade-offs, the overall package makes it one of the best budget smartphones of 2024. If you can live without NFC and a high-end camera, this phone is definitely worth considering!

Learn More.

See Also Nothing Phone 2a

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