CMF Phone 1 is not easy to repair despite the customisable design

Despite the customisability and a unique back-replaceable design, the CMF Phone 1 is not repairable easily, going by the teardown by PBKreviews. Repairing the device is more complicated than initially expected. This is the first phone to debut Nothing’s sub-brand ‘CMF’ and is placed in the budget segment, unlike the Nothing Phone 2.

CMF Phone 1 uncovered

• The CMF Phone 1’s back cover has four flathead screws and an ‘Accessory Knob’. This avoids the typical adhesive approach.
• As you already know, removing the screws will pop open the plastic back. However, getting to the battery requires some more steps. 
• There is a thin protective layer that needs to be peeled off to expose the battery. This step voids the warranty of the phone.

• Next up, we see twelve Phillips screws, each with tamper stickers. These stickers will also serve as warranty-voiding indicators.
• Removing the screws shows the camera lenses on the top half and antennas.
• Then there is the motherboard, an essential part of any phone that integrates the chipset, RAM, storage, sensors, and both cameras. 
• PBKreviews notes that the battery remains difficult to reach because of the hidden screw located beneath the Accessory Point. Only after getting rid of the hidden screw, the battery can be pulled off.

In conclusion, PBKreviews gives the CMF Phone 1 a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10. The hidden battery screw and the tamper stickers make the process of repairing complicated. Furthermore, the plastic covers on top of the motherboard and speaker assembly are more challenging to remove than other phones. These will make the third-party repairs more complicated and also void the warranty for customers.