Nothing’s CMF Phone 1 is not like any other phone in today’s fast-moving world of smartphones, especially because of its unique style and highly advertised modular elements. The fact of attaching a host of proprietary accessories or just replacing the back cover gives a feel of customization and functionality rarely found in today’s market. However, a recent teardown video from Zack at JerryRigEverything has revealed that there is not much to feel impressed about the internal modularity with this otherwise quite visually appealing phone.
Scratching the surface: The durability test
Zack conducts an all-out durability test, starting with scratching the screen using a cutter. As expected, the screen of the CMF Phone 1 ended up scratched at level 6 on the MOHS Hardness Scale and deeper at level 7. Since this has become typical for most modern smartphones, it allows the inference that the screen is quite hard to handle with daily routines but still pretty vulnerable against sharper objects.
Furthermore, the screen withstands an impressive 20 seconds of exposure in a fire test before showing any damage. The test indicates that, in principle, the screen can tolerate short periods under extreme temperatures without degrading too much, a function most welcome by those who perhaps have witnessed some accidental heat episodes.
The bend test: Flexibility under pressure
The bend test is also conducted on the CMF Phone 1, which only slightly curves upon pressure applied from the back. This slight bend shows that it can flex a bit but won’t easily yield to stresses that could cause catastrophic damage in the event of an accidental bend.
CMF Phone 1 teardown: Closer look
Moving now away from external durability tests, Zack explores an internal construction of the CMF Phone 1. Most of the panel is plastic, held together with metallic screws. Unscrewing those reveals a non-user-replaceable battery, quite unlike the user-friendly modularity of the Fairphone 5, where users can change the battery themselves. The manufacturer’s warning against unauthorized battery removal proves their intention to prevent users from attempting potentially dangerous DIY repairs.
Further disassembly shows the innards of the phone, which includes cameras devoid of OIS, fingerprint scanners, dissipation thermal paste, motherboard, and many other internal components. While there are no user-replaceable parts, the internal design seems quite neat and structured for efficient performance and heat management.
Final verdict: CMF Phone 1 stood out a durable runner
Overall, Zack’s breakdowns and durability tests gave a great insight into both the capabilities and weaknesses of the CMF Phone 1. Although the phone may miss out on the internal modularity so much desired by many users. However, high outer strength and well planned interior parts make this device quite reasonable for people who want to have both stylishness and robustness at the same time. Zack’s appreciation for the phone’s solidity only took its place as another assurance that, actually, it makes up for quite a competitive device in the industry, offering both stylish appeal and practical strength.