Saif Ali Tai
If you were waiting for a CMF Phone 2, you are out of luck. CMF by Nothing won’t be releasing a new phone this year, effectively keeping the original CMF Phone 1 as the brand’s sole mobile offering. For budget-conscious buyers, this news signals a pivot toward wearables and accessories rather than a full-scale smartphone lineup. It is a bold move in a market saturated with cheap Android handsets, but it leaves those looking for a sub-$250 upgrade with very few options from the Nothing ecosystem.
📋 In This Article
Why CMF is Skipping a 2026 Smartphone
The original CMF Phone 1 launched at $199, offering a unique modular design with removable back covers and a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset. While it was a fun experiment, it lacked NFC and had a mediocre camera system compared to the Pixel 8a, which currently retails for around $399. Industry observers note that Nothing is likely focusing its limited engineering resources on the flagship Phone (3) series. Competing in the $200 price bracket is brutal, especially with Xiaomi and Motorola constantly undercutting margins. By skipping 2026, CMF avoids the trap of releasing a stale device that would inevitably struggle against the refined software experience found on a Galaxy S25 or even a discounted Pixel 9.
The Hardware Reality Check
The Dimensity 7300 was a decent mid-range chip in 2024, but by mid-2026, it feels sluggish compared to current silicon. Without a 2026 refresh, the CMF Phone 1 is effectively aging out of the ‘best budget phone’ lists. If you own one, you are looking at a device that lacks modern AI features found in Gemini 2.0 or current iOS iterations.
What This Means for Budget Shoppers
If you have $200 to spend, you now have to look elsewhere. The lack of a new CMF phone forces you to consider the refurbished market or established budget players. A refurbished Pixel 8a or a base-model Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) offers better software support and more reliable camera processing. The CMF Phone 1 was always about the ‘Nothing’ aesthetic—the orange screws, the modular back—but aesthetics don’t matter when you need a reliable daily driver. If you were holding out for a better camera or an AMOLED screen with higher peak brightness, you should stop waiting and start looking at other manufacturers.
The Ecosystem Gap
Nothing’s decision to pause the CMF phone line creates a gap in their ecosystem. If you own CMF Buds Pro 2, you lose some of the deep integration that a dedicated ‘CMF’ phone would have provided. You are now forced to use the Nothing X app on a non-CMF device, which works fine but lacks that cohesive, brand-specific feel.
Should You Still Buy the CMF Phone 1?
Honestly? Only if you find it for under $150. At its original $199 price point, it is hard to justify when you can get a superior device like the Samsung Galaxy A55 for just a bit more. The screen is a 6.67-inch LTPS AMOLED, which is nice, but the lack of NFC for Google Wallet is a dealbreaker for most people in the UK and US. If you want a ‘fun’ secondary phone for a burner SIM or a project device, sure, go for it. But as a primary phone in 2026, it is missing too many table-stakes features that competitors have normalized at the $200 mark.
The Software Lifecycle Concern
Nothing promised two years of Android updates for the CMF Phone 1. With no new hardware this year, the device is already halfway through its support cycle. Buying one now means you are essentially purchasing a device that will stop receiving major OS updates by late 2026 or early 2027.
Alternatives to Consider in 2026
Don’t get hung up on the brand. If you need a phone, look at the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2026) or the Google Pixel 9a if you can catch a sale under $450. These phones provide consistent security patches, better camera sensors, and actual water resistance (IP67 or higher), which the CMF Phone 1 notably lacks. The market is moving toward AI-integrated hardware, and both Google and Samsung are leading that charge. A phone without an NPU optimized for local AI tasks is going to feel ancient by the end of this year. Spend your money on hardware that is actually built for the current state of mobile software.
The Value of Security
Security updates are not optional. When you buy a budget phone, you are usually trading away long-term support. By opting for a Pixel or a high-end Samsung, you are paying for the peace of mind that comes with 5+ years of security patches, which is worth the extra $150-$200 investment.
⭐ Pro Tips
- If you really want the Nothing look, buy a Nothing Phone (2a) refurbished for around $250 instead of a new CMF Phone 1.
- Always check Swappa or Back Market for ‘Excellent’ condition Pixels; you can often save $100 off MSRP.
- Don’t buy a phone without NFC in 2026; you will regret not being able to use tap-to-pay at grocery stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CMF not releasing a new phone?
Nothing is pivoting its CMF sub-brand to focus on accessories and wearables. They are prioritizing their flagship Nothing Phone (3) development and avoiding the cutthroat, low-margin $200 smartphone market segment.
Is CMF Phone 1 worth it in 2026?
No. It lacks NFC and modern AI capabilities. You are better off buying a used Pixel 8a or a current-gen Motorola, which offer better cameras, water resistance, and longer software support.
How much does the CMF Phone 1 cost now?
You can find it on sale for around $150 to $170, but it is not a great value compared to modern devices that offer superior processors and long-term security updates.
Final Thoughts
The news that CMF won’t be releasing a new phone in 2026 is disappointing for fans of the brand’s aesthetic, but it is the right business move. The budget sector is simply too crowded to justify a lackluster refresh. If you need a new phone, look toward the Pixel or Moto lineups. Don’t settle for a device that lacks basic features like NFC just for the sake of a cool modular back.
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