CMF Phone 1 In a competitive smartphone market where major players dominate every segment, the entry of a new contender is always exciting. The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing aims to make a statement in the budget and mid-range category, promising the blend of premium aesthetics and a refined user experience. Nothing, the tech startup led by Carl Pei, has already made waves with its transparent design ethos and minimalist approach with previous models like the Nothing Phone 1 and Phone 2. Now, with the introduction of CMF Phone 1 under its CMF sub-brand, the company appears to be targeting a broader audience while maintaining its core principles of design, performance, and user-centric features. Let’s explore the CMF Phone 1 in detail and understand what makes it an interesting proposition in the sub-₹20,000 segment.

CMF Phone 1 2025: A New Identity Under the CMF Brand

CMF by Nothing stands for Color, Material, and Finish—a clear hint that aesthetics are at the heart of this new sub-brand. While the main Nothing phones have leaned into futuristic transparency and LED Glyphs, the CMF Phone 1 takes a slightly different approach. It focuses more on vibrant colors, modularity, and customizable back panels, offering a unique sense of personalization not typically seen in budget phones.

From early leaks and official teasers, it’s clear that CMF Phone 1 will sport a swappable back panel, allowing users to change the color and material of the phone’s rear casing. This design concept resonates well with younger audiences who love to express individuality and change up their style with minimal effort. The phone might debut in shades like orange, black, green, and blue, with textured finishes that enhance grip and tactile feel.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Display Experience That Exceeds Expectations

One of the most vital aspects of any smartphone is its display, and CMF Phone 1 is expected to deliver a strong visual experience. The device is rumored to feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. If these specifications hold true, the CMF Phone 1 could become one of the most affordable phones to offer a high refresh rate AMOLED screen, something that immediately elevates multimedia and gaming experiences.

Whether you’re scrolling through apps, watching HD content, or playing mobile games, a 120Hz AMOLED panel ensures smooth motion, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks. The punch-hole selfie camera and slim bezels further contribute to a modern design and immersive viewing experience. It is expected to come with a peak brightness of around 1200 nits, making it suitable for outdoor visibility as well. The presence of Widevine L1 certification would also mean HD streaming on OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Clean and Optimized Software Interface

The software is one of the key pillars where Nothing has been consistent in delivering an almost stock Android experience, and CMF Phone 1 is expected to follow this tradition. It will likely run on Nothing OS Lite based on Android 14, providing a bloat-free, ad-free, and smooth user interface. Nothing OS has gained appreciation for its minimalistic visuals, monochromatic icons, fluid animations, and exclusive widgets.

With a stripped-down OS, users can expect faster app launches, better battery management, and fewer background processes. The brand’s commitment to regular software updates will also give users confidence in long-term usage. For budget users who are tired of ad-heavy UI in brands like Xiaomi, Infinix, or Realme, the CMF Phone 1 could offer a breath of fresh air by combining stock Android simplicity with useful customization options. Moreover, it is expected to receive at least 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches, which is a respectable commitment for a budget device.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Performance Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6100+

Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is rumored to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, a capable mid-range 5G chipset. This SoC is built on the 6nm fabrication process and includes two Cortex-A76 performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz. Paired with Mali-G57 GPU, the processor is designed to balance everyday performance and gaming requirements while keeping power consumption in check.

In real-world use, the Dimensity 6100+ is competent enough for daily multitasking, social media usage, web browsing, and casual gaming. While it may not match the power of flagship processors, it can handle games like BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 at medium settings with smooth gameplay. The phone is expected to ship with 6GB and 8GB RAM options, along with virtual RAM expansion features. Storage variants could start at 128GB UFS 2.2 with support for microSD cards up to 1TB, which would be a big plus for users who want more offline storage.

CMF Phone 1 2025: A Reliable Camera Setup for Everyday Photography

Photography is another key area where users expect reliability if not excellence. The CMF Phone 1 is expected to carry a dual camera setup at the back, led by a 50MP primary sensor. While this might not be a flagship-grade sensor, Nothing has a track record of tuning its cameras well to produce natural-looking images with good color science. The 50MP sensor is likely to have an f/1.8 aperture and support for features like HDR, Night Mode, and EIS for video stabilization.

The second sensor could be a 2MP depth or macro lens used for portrait effects or close-up shots. On the front, the device may house a 16MP selfie camera inside the punch-hole cutout, capable of shooting 1080p videos and enhanced with AI beautification features. In ideal lighting conditions, the CMF Phone 1 should deliver sharp and detailed images, while night performance will likely rely on computational photography tricks. It may also include slow motion, time-lapse, and pro photography modes for those who enjoy playing with their smartphone cameras.

CMF Phone 1 2025: All-Day Battery Life with Fast Charging

Battery performance is one of the top concerns for budget users, and CMF Phone 1 is expected to impress in this department. It may come with a 5000mAh battery, which is a standard yet sufficient size for most users who seek full-day endurance. Combined with the power-efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset and optimized software, users can expect up to 7-8 hours of screen-on time, depending on usage. For charging, the phone is expected to support 33W fast charging via USB-C. While not the fastest in the segment, it can recharge the device from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, which should suffice for most users who want quick top-ups during busy routines. While wireless charging won’t be present at this price point, the phone may include battery health management features to improve longevity.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Design That Stands Out in the Budget Crowd

Design is arguably the most distinguishing factor of the CMF Phone 1. Staying true to the CMF philosophy, the phone may feature a modular design with a removable back panel. This not only adds customization possibilities but may also pave the way for attaching accessories like a kickstand, card holder, or camera filters. Unlike the transparent design of the Nothing Phone 1 and 2, CMF Phone 1 opts for solid colors with unique finishes that feel more premium than its budget competitors.

The side frame is expected to be plastic with a matte or brushed metal-like texture, and the rear panel could be available in multiple textures such as vegan leather, sandstone, or soft matte plastic. The flat-edged design with symmetrical bezels gives the phone a modern and edgy look. It may weigh around 190 grams and be 8.5mm thick, making it comfortable to hold without feeling too bulky.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the CMF Phone 1 is expected to offer dual 5G SIM slots, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is still a desirable feature in the budget segment. It will also likely include stereo speakers, which can enhance the media experience during gaming or watching content.

The phone may not have NFC or wireless charging, but other sensors like a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, compass, and ambient light sensor are expected to be present. Haptic feedback and IP52 water resistance are also rumored, which would add durability and tactile refinement. The CMF Phone 1 could also feature Nothing-exclusive ecosystem support, such as seamless connectivity with Nothing Ear (1), Ear (2), and other ecosystem products, making it an ideal companion for users already invested in the Nothing ecosystem.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Price and Expected Launch in India

One of the most critical factors for the CMF Phone 1’s success will be its pricing. Early rumors and leaks suggest that the phone could be launched at a starting price of around ₹13,999 to ₹14,999 in India, which would make it an aggressive and attractive option in the sub-₹15K segment. At this price, it would compete directly with phones like Redmi 13C 5G, Realme Narzo 70x, Samsung Galaxy M14, and Lava Blaze Curve 5G. The CMF Phone 1 is expected to launch in July 2025, with pre-orders potentially starting a few days ahead of the official release. If Nothing manages to price it competitively while delivering on performance, display, and design, the CMF Phone 1 could emerge as a serious disruptor in the entry-level 5G space.

CMF Phone 1 2025: Final Verdict: A Promising Start for CMF by Nothing

The CMF Phone 1 represents a new direction for Nothing—one that’s focused on making thoughtful design and clean software accessible to a wider audience. While most budget phones aim to cram in as many specs as possible, CMF Phone 1 seems to focus on delivering a balanced and enjoyable user experience. With its modular design, AMOLED display, smooth UI, dependable camera, and efficient battery life, it is shaping up to be a phone that doesn’t just rely on numbers but offers real-world usability.

If Nothing can deliver on the promised features at a competitive price, the CMF Phone 1 will not only solidify the CMF brand’s position in the budget market but also force other brands to rethink what a budget phone should feel like in 2025. The coming months will reveal more details, but early signs suggest that CMF Phone 1 could be one of the most exciting budget releases of the year.