Detailed specs of Nothing's CMF Phone 1 surface following company's cryptic teaser

Rumors about the upcoming Nothing Phone 3 have been swirling for a while, but recent cryptic messages from Nothing’s official X (formerly Twitter) account have sent speculation into overdrive.

The company shared an image of a mysterious device showcasing a prominent screw, along with the caption “3, 2, 1,” which could be suggesting an imminent launch. While the image doesn’t explicitly depict a smartphone, a subsequent tweet featuring phone and screw emojis implies that the device could indeed be a new mobile offering.

The timing of these teasers has sparked considerable speculation, as both the Nothing Phone 1 and Phone 2 launched in July. This has led many to believe that the teased device could be the Nothing Phone 3. However, several clues suggest that the device might actually be the rumored CMF Phone 1.

CMF by Nothing Phone 1

It’s rumored that Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF, known for its distinctive design language, is developing a budget-friendly mid-range smartphone. An X user, @realMlgmXyysd, claims the device shown in the picture is indeed the CMF Phone 1, and the screw is part of a unique feature the user refers to as “Nothing Lock.”

They clarified that Nothing Lock is not the official name but their own term for what is essentially a special connector on the back of the phone, designed for attaching exclusive accessories produced by Nothing, such as support brackets and lanyards. They’ve even suggested potential pricing, estimating it to be around $249-$279 and slated for a July 2024 release.

Is this our first look at the CMF Phone 1?

The plot thickens with another X user, @Technerd_9, sharing what they claim to be a real-life image of the CMF Phone 1. This alleged leak is accompanied by a list of purported specifications, including:

• Model: A015
• Build: Plastic frame with vegan leather or polycarbonate back
• Display: 6.7-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and uniform, thick bezels
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200
• Battery: 5000 mAh with 33W wired charging
• RAM and Storage: 6 GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128/256 GB UFS 2.2 storage, with microSD card support
• Cameras: 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera (4K 30fps), 16MP selfie camera (1080p 30fps)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 2×2 MIMO
• Operating System: Nothing OS 2.6 based on Android 14
• Additional Features: Replaceable plastic back cover, Nothing Lock system for exclusive add-ons located at the lower right corner on the back
• Notable Omissions: No NFC, no Glyph light

While the authenticity of these claims and the leaked image remains uncertain, the buzz surrounding Nothing’s cryptic teasers is undeniable. It does seem far-fetched that the company would devise a complicated accessory ecosystem for its cheapest phone, but Nothing has a history of defying expectations with unconventional choices.

Whether it’s the Nothing Phone 3 or the CMF Phone 1, the company’s upcoming release is already generating significant excitement. With July being the rumored launch month for both phones, we wouldn’t have to wait too long to see what Nothing has in store for us.