Key Takeaways:
British tech startup Nothing has confirmed the launch of a new mid-range smartphone from its sub-brand CMF. Recently, the company shared a video teasing the CMF Phone 1 on its social media channels.
Nothing Teases Budget Smartphone CMF Phone 1
The video offers a glimpse into a key design element of the upcoming budget smartphone, in what looks like a rotating job wheel and a circular cap that can be unscrewed. Nothing has made quite a name for itself by launching products with a unique design language, like the Nothing Phone or the Nothing Ear that sport a transparent look.
While the teaser leaves much to speculation, reports suggest that the mystery phone could be a rebranded Nothing Phone 2a, which was launched in March, but with a hard plastic shell on the back instead.
The video showcases an orange faux leather back panel with a circular dial placed in the right-bottom corner. The dial is similar to the one found on the charging case of the CMF Buds that served as a lanyard holder.
Rumors suggest that the rotary dial could be part of a locking/unlocking mechanism that would allow users to easily swap out accessories or back covers. This could be a standout feature of the phone considering that most manufacturers have resorted to offering non-removable back covers for their devices.
What is missing from the CMF Phone 1 is the iconic Glyph interface found on all the Nothing Phones – Phone 1 (2022), Phone 2 (2023), and Phone 2a (2024).
CMF Phone 1 Specifications
As per specifications of the CMF Phone 1 that were leaked, it could sport a 6.7-inch 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED display with black bezels. The device is expected to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM.
The phone is likely to get 128GB and 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage and could ship with the NothingOS 2.5, based on Android 14. It could also come with a microSD card slot for expanded storage, a facility that is not available on other phones from Nothing.
In the camera department, the CMF Phone 1 is expected to include a 50-megapixel primary sensor alongside another 50MP wide-angle lens, while the selfie camera could be a 16-megapixel sensor. The device will have a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.
Considering the specifications, the CMF Phone 1 could very likely be a rebranded Nothing Phone 2a, which has the exact base-level specifications. One difference is that the Phone 2a is powered by the slightly powerful Dimensity 7300 SoC.
CMF Phone 1 Could Start at $240 For Base Variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB Internal Storage
The CMF Phone 1 is expected to retail at around $240 for the 6GB/128GB variant. For context, the Nothing Phone 2a starts at around $290 with the same specifications. Rumors also signal that the entry-level smartphone could be priced in the sub-$200 range, making it one of the most affordable mid-range options in the market.
While a US launch for the CMF Phone 1 appears unlikely, Nothing could offer alternate channels for interested buyers to purchase the smartphone, as it did with the Nothing 1, 2, and 2a.
Nothing intends to patch the hole smartphone makers created in the budget segment with the CMF Phone 1, giving the market their “full attention”. Looking at the teaser, it is apparent that the company is gearing up for an imminent launch. We wouldn’t have to wait much longer to see the CMF Phone 1 in the flesh.
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