Nothing’s CMF Phone 1 is proof that gadgets can still be fun

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the Nothing Phone 1, a budget-friendly and customizable Android smartphone from the sub-brand CMF of Nothing. It highlights the phone's modular design that allows users to swap out the back panel and add accessories like a wallet, kickstand, and lanyard.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Overview of the Nothing Phone 1

1. What are the key features of the Nothing Phone 1?

• The Nothing Phone 1 has a modular design where the back panel can be swapped out with different colored options
• It comes with a 6.7-inch OLED display, a 50MP rear camera, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery
• The phone has an accessory port cover in the bottom corner that can be used to attach accessories like a lanyard, wallet, and kickstand
• These accessories are sold separately for $25 each and come in a vibrant orange color

2. What are the tradeoffs of the Nothing Phone 1?

• It lacks NFC and is only splash-resistant, which is understandable given the $199 price point
• Carrier support in the US is limited, as it only works on T-Mobile's 4G and 5G networks, and supports Verizon and AT&T's 4G bands

[02] Customization and Accessories

1. How easy is it to swap the back panel of the Nothing Phone 1?

• Removing the back panel requires a bit of force, enough to potentially break a long fingernail
• Each replacement back panel comes with a screwdriver, screws, and a color-matched SIM tray

2. What accessories are available for the Nothing Phone 1?

• CMF offers three accessories: a lanyard, a wallet, and a kickstand, each priced at $25
• The wallet is a two-piece accessory with a magnetic panel that can attach to MagSafe chargers
• The lanyard and kickstand are made of a thick, woven fabric and seem sturdy, though the kickstand doesn't sit flush against the phone when not in use