The CMF Phone 1 from Nothing’s sub-brand has finally arrived, with a unique back design that allows for customization with color panels. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. CMF has released a complementary range of accessories designed to enhance the phone’s usability and cater to various user preferences. Let’s delve into each accessory and see if they might be a worthwhile addition to your CMF Phone 1 experience.
1. CMF Replaceable Back Covers
The cornerstone of the CMF Phone 1’s accessory lineup is the selection of replaceable back panels. These come in four distinct color options: Black, Light Green, Orange, and Blue. Each color complements the phone’s overall aesthetic, and CMF even includes matching wallpapers to further personalize the look.
The Black and Light Green back panels feature a matte plastic finish, offering a sleek and contemporary feel. For those who prefer a touch of texture, the Orange and Blue back panels come in a vegan leather finish, adding a premium look and comfortable grip.
CMF has thoughtfully included matching SIM trays, rotating dials, and even screws with each new back panel you purchase to maintain the phone’s overall aesthetic. You can even mix and match these components to customize the Phone 1 to give it a look of your own.
Changing the back panels is a fairly simple business — remove the rotating dial and screws, snap off the existing back cover, place the new one, and refit the components.
2. CMF Card Holder
The cardholder accessory promises convenient on-the-go storage for cards and cash. Similar to MagSafe wallets for iPhones, the CMF Card Case attaches to the phone’s back. However, there’s a crucial difference.
Neither the phone nor the card case itself has built-in magnets. To create a magnetic attachment point, you’ll need to screw a separate magnetic plate onto the phone’s back, which is included with the case. Attaching it reportedly requires longer screws which might add bulk to the phone and affect its comfortable handling.
The positive aspect is that the magnets are strong, ensuring the card case stays securely attached. The case itself is constructed from plastic with a soft, leather-like finish on the back. It also features a magnetic lid for added security. While the case offers functionality, future accessories that leverage the magnetic back plate more seamlessly would be a welcome addition.
3. CMF Lanyard Cable
The lanyard cable is an interesting accessory catering to a specific user group. It consists of two parts: a long, neon orange (the sole color option) rope and a contraption that allows you to adjust its length. While “cable” might be a misleading term, it essentially functions as a wearable strap for your phone.
This accessory can be particularly appealing to those purchasing the CMF Phone 1 for parents or individuals who tend to misplace their phones frequently. The lanyard minimizes the risk of losing your phone as long as it’s worn around your neck or shoulder.
4. CMF Phone Stand
The CMF Phone Stand is probably the most useful accessory in the lineup, at least it is to me. It’s a collapsible stand with a circular dial at the end that screws into the phone’s back panel for secure attachment. The stand is made of plastic, though like the lanyard, it’s also available in the sole bright orange color.
Given the effort put into the phone’s design and aesthetics, I wish CMF had created stands and lanyards in colors matching the back covers. Personally, I prefer more subtle designs that blend in rather than stand out. While the Phone 1 itself is flashy, having matching accessories would help it blend in more seamlessly.
Back to the functionality, the stand offers rotation for portrait and landscape viewing modes. Additionally, it can be used simultaneously with the card case accessory, as the back plate has enough space to accommodate both attachments comfortably. Similar to the lanyard cable, attaching the stand requires screwing in the base after removing the dial from the phone’s back.
5. Print your own accessory
All my wishes for a matching lanyard, stand, or another attachment in place of the card case can come true, as these are separate accessories that should be easy for case makers to produce.
In fact, Spigen seems already interested in creating accessories for the CMF Phone 1. Additionally, a user on X has made a rough version of a camera grip. While we are not sure how useful this will be since the camera isn’t the phone’s strongest feature, it shows the potential for customization thanks to its modularity.
Nothing has also released documentation with all the necessary details that allow you to 3D print your own back covers. You can learn more about it here.
6. Conclusion
The CMF Phone 1 teasers with all their talk of cool accessories and a modular design had me thinking this could be a neat tinkering project. And after seeing it all in action, I still believe that!
For instance, you could create a lens attachment holder that screws onto the accessory point, with a cutout to accommodate various clip-on lenses. Or you could design a bike mount. The possibilities are endless.
All in all, it’s super impressive what Nothing has managed to achieve with the CMF Phone 1, given its budget price range. The phone doesn’t compromise much in terms of specifications—it’s on par with other phones in its price range. Plus, you have the option to change the phone’s design or expand its functionality.
