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

I’ve never had so much fun taking apart a phone.

This is a misleading statement; I didn’t really get it any separate phones lately, but when CMF Phone 1 arrived, it was the first thing I did. Because this one, my friends, is constructed differently. It won’t be widely available in the US, but if you want it, you can get it through Nothing’s beta program – and at $199, that’s seriously tempting.

CMF, Nothing’s budget-conscious but still extremely style-oriented sub-brand, is launching its first phone, the aptly named Phone 1. Although it shares a name and operating system with Nothing’s first own-brand phone, , it comes to the table with a new modular approach to phone customizations. Why put a different case on your phone when you can put a whole new phone on your phone?

The concept is simple: it’s a phone, but the back panel comes off so you can swap it for another. Each replacement comes with everything you need for the job, including your small screwdriver, screws, and a color-matched SIM tray.

There is also a round accessory port cover on the bottom corner of the phone. Although it resembles the control dial on the CMF Neckband Headphones, provides no functional use other than protecting the accessory port. At launch, CMF will offer three accessories: a lanyard, a wallet, and a stand, each for $25 and an eye-catching orange color.

All are sold separately, as are replacement color back panels, which cost $35 each. In the box, you get a completely respectable budget Android phone with a 6.7-inch OLED, 50-megapixel rear camera, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, and a generous 5,000 mAh battery. Comes with black panel installed; other options include orange, light green and blue.

Removing the back panel is simple, although it requires a bit of force – enough to break a very long nail, as I learned. It’s probably for the best, since this panel is what sits between your phone’s innards and the rest of the world. Speaking of courage, it’s so strange to see a modern phone all naked and exposed like this.

Once your phone is protected again, you can add accessories. The wallet is actually made up of two pieces – a plastic panel with a built-in MagSafe-style magnet and the actual wallet. I’m sure it was no coincidence that I was able to connect the phone with this magnetic mount to a MagSafe charging stand (although the Phone 1 doesn’t offer wireless charging). You can also attach the holder or lanyard with the wallet in use.

The cord is made of thick, braided fabric. Someone much cooler and younger than me could probably use the phone with him. And the stand feels sturdy enough, although I wish the arm rested against the phone when not in use. They’re all a vibrant orange color – the gadget color of the year, I think.

Being a budget phone and all, there are obviously some tradeoffs to consider. There is no NFC and the Phone 1 is only resistant to splashes. That’s understandable, considering the price and, you know, the way the entire back of the phone sticks out. Carrier support in the US is also quite limited. Like the 2A phone, will work on T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G networks, but only supports Verizon and AT&T’s 4G bands. But for $199? It might be worth it – at least it’s a great accessory.

Photography by Allison Johnson/The Verge