The budget smartphone market is buzzing with new releases, and finding the perfect device under ₹15,000 can be quite the task. But don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. This guide focuses on one of the top contenders, the CMF Phone 1, and highlights why it’s turning heads in the Indian smartphone market. We’ll also touch on other strong options like the Tecno Spark 20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy F15.
CMF Phone 1: A Budget Powerhouse
Introduction to CMF Phone 1
Launched in July 2024, the CMF Phone 1 is the debut offering from Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF. Carl Pei, the mastermind behind OnePlus, has already gained a reputation for delivering products that combine minimalist design with high quality. The CMF Phone 1 brings this same philosophy to the budget segment, offering a smartphone that is both powerful and aesthetically pleasing.
Pricing and Availability
The CMF Phone 1 is priced at ₹15,999 for the 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant. However, during the first sale on July 12, there’s an introductory discount of ₹1,000, dropping the effective price to ₹14,999—making it one of the best deals in the sub-₹15,000 category.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 1 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This processor, coupled with the Mali G615 MC2 GPU, ensures smooth performance, whether you’re gaming, browsing, or streaming. The device also offers up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which can be expanded up to 2TB via a microSD card.
Software Experience
The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS 2.6, based on Android 14, promising a clean, bloatware-free experience. Nothing has committed to two years of major OS updates and three years of security patches, ensuring your device remains up-to-date and secure.
Design and Build Quality
Design is where the CMF Phone 1 truly shines. It follows Nothing’s signature minimalist style, with a focus on color, materials, and finish (CMF). Available in four colors—Black, Orange, Light Green, and Blue—the phone not only looks good but feels great in hand. The swappable back cover allows for customization, adding a fun and personal touch to the device.
Display and Multimedia
The CMF Phone 1 sports a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and a top-tier viewing experience. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, the screen remains clear even under bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Battery Life
Battery life is another strong point. The 5,000mAh battery ensures up to two days of moderate use. Even with heavy usage, the phone can last a full day without needing a recharge. And when you do need to charge, the 33W fast charging support will quickly get you back up to full power.
Camera Performance
The CMF Phone 1 features a 50MP rear camera that performs surprisingly well for its price range. The camera app is fast, ensuring you don’t miss any important moments. While it struggles in low-light conditions, it delivers vibrant and detailed photos in well-lit environments. The 8MP front camera is more than adequate for selfies and video calls.
Connectivity and Extras
The phone supports 5G connectivity, though band support may vary by region. It also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is both fast and reliable. However, it lacks NFC, so contactless payments won’t be possible—a small trade-off considering the phone’s other features.
Conclusion: Is the CMF Phone 1 Worth It?
In the highly competitive budget smartphone market, the CMF Phone 1 stands out as a well-rounded device offering excellent value for money. With solid performance, clean software, a customizable design, and long battery life, it’s a strong contender in the sub-₹15,000 segment. Although it lacks features like wireless charging and NFC, these omissions are minor given the phone’s overall capabilities.
If you’re seeking a stylish, reliable, and powerful smartphone without breaking the bank, the CMF Phone 1 is definitely worth considering.
Other Top Contenders Under ₹15,000 in July 2024
While the CMF Phone 1 is impressive, it’s not the only option in this price range. Here are a few other smartphones that offer great value:
Tecno Spark 20 Pro
Price: ₹15,999 (₹13,999 with cashback offers)
Highlights: MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, 6.78-inch Full HD+ display, 108MP primary camera.
Samsung Galaxy F15
Price: ₹14,999
Highlights: Exynos 1280 chipset, 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, 64MP triple-camera setup.
Vivo T3x
Price: ₹14,499
Highlights: Snapdragon 695 processor, 6.58-inch IPS LCD, 5000mAh battery with 44W fast charging.
Realme Narzo 60A
Price: ₹14,299
Highlights: MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, 6.6-inch Full HD+ display, 50MP dual-camera system.
Final Thoughts
The sub-₹15,000 smartphone market in July 2024 offers a variety of choices for consumers seeking value without compromising on performance or features. The CMF Phone 1 leads the pack with its balanced specs and design, but options like the Tecno Spark 20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy F15 are also strong contenders. No matter which device you choose, rest assured you’re getting one of the best phones available in this price range.
