Being on a budget has never been this cool - CMF Phone 1
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Promos
Get your overpriced stickers at blondlinus.com. Finally, a phone that won't break the bank! It also won't break your spirits, with its bright AMOLED display, repairable construction, and large battery. However, it has one glaring omission that Linus can't get past... Buy a CMF Phone 1: tidd.ly Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg ► PRODUCTS WE USE ON THE SHORTCIRCUIT SET: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt TikTok: @linustech Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 First impressions and pricing 1:12 Display 1:52 Replaceable back 2:27 Longevity 2:46 Dbrand sponsor 3:33 Cameras 4:16 Linus dyes his hair feat. Yvonne 5:25 Exterior features 5:40 Swapping the back 6:35 What the CMF is missing 7:32 Conclusion 8:18 Credits
The CMF Phone 1 is presented as a budget option that surprisingly feels premium in both build and user experience. The reviewer highlights a 120 Hz 1080x2400 AMOLED display with claims of high brightness and strong HDR potential, noting that the actual measured brightness falls short of the advertised peak yet remains impressive for its price. The back plate swap system, which enables color material finish customization, is emphasized as a standout idea that adds practical longevity by enabling easy back replacements and battery access. While the device uses plastic, the finish and overall design convey a premium feel, and the display quality, battery capacity, and speakers contribute to a compelling everyday use case. The review also calls attention to two notable tradeoffs: the absence of NFC and the commitment to two years of major Android updates, which places the CMF Phone 1 in a more cautious light against mid-range competitors. As the segment progresses, the host discusses the hardware layout, SIM tray modularity, and the accessory ecosystem, culminating in a candid assessment of value for money and whether the missing NFC is a deal breaker for potential buyers. The closing tone remains positive about the overall package, while acknowledging that a future iteration addressing NFC and software updates could elevate it from strong option to standout winner in the budget category.
Topics · technology · budget smartphones · consumer electronics · smartphone hardware · reviews
Questions answered
- What is the CMF Phone 1’s price and what is unique about its back design?
- The CMF Phone 1 starts at $200 and features a replaceable back panel that supports color material finish customization, allowing users to swap out the back for different colors and even access easier battery replacement.
- What are the main tradeoffs or missing features discussed for the CMF Phone 1?
- The most notable omission is NFC, which could affect mobile payments for many users; the phone also commits to two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates, which is relatively modest for the category.