CMF by Nothing
Active[1][2]Overview
CMF by Nothing is a budget-focused consumer electronics sub-brand offering smartphones, smartwatches, and audio products in the $50-$200 range. It positions as an affordable alternative to premium devices with modular designs and customization options. Established in 2023 and recently spun off as an independent subsidiary with operations in India, it targets emerging markets like India where low-cost devices dominate sales.1245
History
CMF was launched in 2023 by Nothing Technology Limited, founded by Carl Pei, with initial products including a smartwatch and earbuds released in September. The brand expanded into smartphones like the CMF Phone 1 in 2024 and CMF Phone 2 Pro. In September 2025, Nothing announced CMF as an independent subsidiary headquartered in India via a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom.147
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| CMF Phone (budget smartphones) | Affordable modular smartphones | $150 - $20024 |
| CMF Watch (entry-level smartwatches) | Basic fitness tracking wearables | $50 - $701 |
| CMF Buds (true wireless earbuds) | Low-cost audio accessories | $40 - $601 |
Manufacturing
CMF has established manufacturing operations in India through a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom, established in 1993. The JV includes over $100 million investment over three years to position India as a global production and export hub for CMF and Nothing products.1236
Notable Products
- CMF Phone 2 Pro - Recent budget smartphone launched at Rs 17,999 (~$215), targeting $100-$200 segment2
- CMF Phone 1 - 2024 smartphone with MediaTek Dimensity 7300 and modular design features7
- CMF Watch - First smartwatch released in 2023 priced at $691
- CMF Buds - True wireless earbuds launched in 2023 at $491
Reputation
CMF is recognized by enthusiasts for delivering value in budget tech with unique modular elements and clean design inherited from Nothing. Professionals note its rapid growth in India, contributing to Nothing's 85% shipment increase in Q2 2025 per IDC. Criticisms focus on limited premium features typical of the price segment, though it gains traction as an accessible entry to Nothing's ecosystem.57
Sources (8)
- https://www.notebookcheck.net/Nothing-s-CMF-goes-independent-with-HQ-in-India.1124323.0.html
- https://www.croma.com/unboxed/nothing-cmf-split-india-hq
- https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3640566-nothings-cmf-takes-giant-leap-global-hq-in-india-100-million-investment
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/cmf-becomes-independent-nothing-subsidiary-with-india-headquarters/articleshow/124115349.cms
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/nothing-turns-cmf-into-a-separate-company-chooses-india-as-headquarters-for-manufacturing-and-r-d-article-13581726.html
- https://economictimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/nothings-cmf-to-become-indian-brand-to-set-up-100-million-jv-with-optiemus/articleshow/124108075.cms
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_(company)
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qcGqYT--y28