THEY SAID IT WAS MODULAR... (a teardown says otherwise)

Summary

The CMF Phone 1, a sub-brand of Nothing, offers a modular and affordable $199 device. With replaceable back panels and accessories, it features a 50MP main camera, 2MP depth sensor, and a 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz AMOLED display. Despite its plastic body, it survives durability tests, though lacks replaceable battery and hardware camera stabilization.

Takeaways

• 📱 The CMF Phone 1 is an affordable and modular smartphone from a sub-brand of the Nothing Company, priced at just $199.
• 🔍 It features a modular design with replaceable back panels and attachable accessories, allowing for customization.
• 🛠️ The phone comes with a flathead screwdriver for swapping out the back panels, each of which includes a color-matched SIM and SD card tray, screws, and a small spinning knob.
• 📸 The main camera has a 50-megapixel sensor, while the upper camera functions more as a 2-megapixel depth sensor rather than a traditional camera.
• 🔩 The phone has a distinctive feature of large, functional metal screws on the back, reminiscent of older phone designs.
• 💡 The CMF Phone 1 has a 6.7-inch 1080p 120 Hz AMOLED display, which is considered impressive for its price point.
• 🔋 Despite the modular appearance, the battery is not user-replaceable, and there is a warning against unauthorized disassembly.
• 🛡️ The phone passed a durability test, showing no cracking or catastrophic damage when bent, likely due to the structural support from the bolted back panel.
• 🔧 The internal frame of the CMF Phone 1 is made of thick metal beams, contributing to its structural rigidity and durability.
• 📌 The phone lacks optical image stabilization (OIS) in both the main and front cameras, relying only on electronic image stabilization (EIS).
• 👍 The reviewer gives a positive recommendation for the CMF Phone 1, noting its durability and value for money despite some limitations.

Q & A

What is the CMF Phone 1 and what company is it a sub-brand of?

The CMF Phone 1 is a smartphone that is a sub-brand of the Nothing Company. It is known for its affordability and modular design.

What is the cost of the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 1 is priced at $199, which is considered inexpensive for its features and size.

What does CMF stand for in the context of the CMF Phone 1?

CMF stands for color, material, and finish, highlighting the phone's focus on customizable aesthetics.

What kind of accessories can be attached to the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 1 can have various accessories attached to it, such as a kickstand, lanyard, or magnet wallet case.

What is included in the box with the CMF Phone 1?

The box includes an orange tip SIM card removal tool and a screen protector.

What is the durability of the CMF Phone 1 as tested in the script?

The CMF Phone 1 survived a durability test that included scratching, bending, and heat resistance, showing its structural rigidity.

What is the display specification of the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 1 features a 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz AMOLED display.

What is the camera setup of the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 1 has a front-facing 16-megapixel camera and a dual camera setup on the back with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.

Does the CMF Phone 1 have any optical image stabilization?

No, the CMF Phone 1 lacks optical image stabilization (OIS) in both the main and front cameras, relying only on electronic image stabilization (EIS).

What is the battery capacity of the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 1 has a 5,000 milliamp (mAh) battery.

What is the purpose of the replaceable back panels on the CMF Phone 1?

The replaceable back panels allow users to customize the color, material, and finish of their phone, but do not affect the phone's repairability or upgradeability.