CheckMag | Nothing CMF Phone 1’s replaceable shell brings back what made phones fun
The CMF Phone 1 is an upcoming smartphone from Nothing’s CMF sub-brand, and over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of news about the device, both from official sources and leakers. While some folks are usually more concerned about a phone’s specs, the design is also an important aspect, and Nothing has made a small but impactful design choice that I am a big fan of.
Unlike most modern smartphones that have a sealed back panel regardless of whether the phone is covered in glass, plastic, or (vegan) leather, it has been revealed that Nothing will sell replaceable plastic shells for the CMF Phone 1, allowing owners to easily swap between shells for a new look. Nothing will offer the shells in four color options - black, light green, blue, and orange. There might be more, although likely made by third-party manufacturers.
yes mr. wayne, it does come in black... and also in blue, light green, and orange. pic.twitter.com/BZFZbfZfu1
— CMF by Nothing (@cmfbynothing) July 3, 2024
Removable covers have become a rarity these days, and while there are a number of ways to personalize your phone such as with cases and skins, being able to easily swap the back cover of a phone is more fun. You don’t even have to wait until the current one is old and scratched, you can simply replace the back cover with one that matches your outfit. Also, with a removable back cover, smartphone owners may choose to not use a case since they can buy a new shell to replace the one that is worn out.
A phone with a replaceable shell (or even faceplates) is not unheard of in the phone industry. Nokia offered replaceable faceplates and shells called Xpress-on covers for phones such as the Nokia 5110 launched in 1998, the Lumia 710 T-Mobile, and the Nokia 1 released in 2017. Motorola also sold replacement back covers for some of its phones such as the Moto X Play and the Moto G (1st gen).
The shells for the Moto G were special as they were both stylish and functional. In addition to the regular shell, Motorola offered a shell with a flip cover (available in seven colors) that protected the screen from scratches. It also sold a grip shell (available in five colors) that provided better protection and grip with its reinforced and textured sides.
Nothing is taking a different route from Motorola as the shells for the CMF Phone 1 can be used with a variety of accessories such as a lanyard, a kickstand, and what looks like a cardholder. It has also been revealed that the cases have different finishes. Nevertheless, there's room for more finishes, materials, and designs. A case made from fabric, bamboo, or recycled ocean plastic, or a grip case are all good suggestions.
Despite the CMF Phone 1 having a replaceable shell, it most likely won’t have a removable battery, another feature that has become extinct in modern smartphones. Nevertheless, the replaceable and functional back panel makes the CMF Phone 1 more exciting, and I hope this won't be the last time we see it.
