Key Takeaways:
CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, posted a teaser video of its upcoming CMF Phone (1) smartphone. The startup is generating excitement surrounding its first-ever smartphone with a series of teases that will lead up to the full reveal on July 8th.
CMF Phone (1) Teaser Shows Off Swappable Back Panel and Screwdriver
In a new video uploaded to social media, Nothing showed a unique screw mechanism on the rear panel of the CMF Phone 1, called the Nothing Lock add-on system, suggesting that users can remove the cover to swap out batteries.
The brief teaser provides an exciting sneak peek into the phone’s unique design, a factor that Nothing is well known for. The CMF Phone 1’s back panel features a flat-head type screw with groves, and it seems to be holding the entire panel in place.
The video also shows an orange plastic back panel with a textured finish. In an earlier teaser, a black-colored back panel was spotted, hinting at the possibility of interchangeable covers that are either included or sold separately.
The screw is seen to be removed by a SIM ejector tool that doubles as a screwdriver, a neat touch from Nothing to keep things aesthetically pleasing. The flat-head screwdriver adds a pinch of practicality to the phone’s design.
Leaks have also shown another unique design element on the Phone (1), a rotary dial on the button right corner of the device. Although it is not clear what the purpose of the rounded dial is, it has been a unique design feature of all CMF audio products, including its earbuds and neckbands.
CMF Phone (1) Specifications
Rumor Mill has put together a list of impressive specifications for the CMF Phone (1). The budget-friendly smartphone could be priced at approximately $240. It is expected to boast the following features:
- 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset
- MicroSD slot for expanded storage
- 6GB / 8GB of memory
- 128GB / 256GB of internal storage
- 50MP primary and wide-angle sensor
- 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging
Spec-wise, the CMF Phone 1 doesn’t look too shabby, and for the price tag, it could well be Nothing’s most affordable smartphone. Since it is a budget device, there will be some compromises to expect, and one area that could be affected is the camera.
The camera hasn’t been Nothing’s strong point, but the company is working hard to improve the quality of pictures captured by its devices – Phone 1, Phone 2, and Phone 2a. Another area where there might be hiccups is availability. Nothing has so far only been released in limited global markets.
The device is not officially available in the US but can be purchased via secondary channels like partner stores.
Nothing Hints At 3D Printed Back Covers For CMF Phone (1)
In a separate video, the company suggests that the CMF Phone 1 will be offering customers more customizability with the removable back plates. One Nothing Community member even said in the video that customers can 3D print custom rear panels for their phones.
The CMF Phone 1 will be available in four colors: Orange, Green, Black, and Blue. It is expected to debut the NothingOS 2.6 based on Android 14.
Nothing also teased the upcoming CMF Watch Pro 2, which will be launching alongside the Phone (1) and Buds Pro (2). The teaser shows a grey smartwatch with a round OLED display and a crown in the top right corner for controls. Last year’s Watch Pro (1) looked pretty much identical to the Apple Watch, drawing criticism from fans.
The CMF Phone (1) will be launched on 8th July at 10 pm BST. The event will be live-streamed on Nothing and CMF websites and their official YouTube channels.
Read more: Nothing Phone 3 Will “Redefine” Smartphones By Ditching Apps For AI-Powered Interface