TechPhonesAndroid PhonesCMF Phone 1’s removable rear cover doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to repairIt’s not quite the progress many expectedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

TechPhonesAndroid PhonesCMF Phone 1’s removable rear cover doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to repairIt’s not quite the progress many expectedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

It’s not quite the progress many expected

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: CMF)

CMF Phone 1

(Image credit: CMF)

Quick SummaryIt’s been confirmed that despite its removable back, the CMF Phone 1 is middling for repairability.Some had hoped that it would be easier to get into, but it’s relatively typical.

It’s been confirmed that despite its removable back, the CMF Phone 1 is middling for repairability.Some had hoped that it would be easier to get into, but it’s relatively typical.

It’s been confirmed that despite its removable back, the CMF Phone 1 is middling for repairability.Some had hoped that it would be easier to get into, but it’s relatively typical.

It’s been confirmed that despite its removable back, the CMF Phone 1 is middling for repairability.

Some had hoped that it would be easier to get into, but it’s relatively typical.

While the back of the excellentaffordable phonecan indeed be removed and replaced with a few other colours, and it has the option to also screw on a few accessories thanks to its interesting and unique dial on the bottom corner, this doesn’t mean you can easily access its battery, for example.

Rather, the YouTube channelPBKreviewsconducted a prompt teardown that confirmed similar adhesive seals and tamper stickers internally as many other handsets use. While removing the back gets you a lot closer to the battery than many other phones would allow, you still can’t get to it without voiding your warranty.

Nothing CMF Phone 1 Teardown Disassembly Phone Repair Video Review - YouTubeWatch On

Nothing CMF Phone 1 Teardown Disassembly Phone Repair Video Review - YouTube

Nothing CMF Phone 1 Teardown Disassembly Phone Repair Video Review - YouTube

Nothing CMF Phone 1 Teardown Disassembly Phone Repair Video Review - YouTube

There are various tiny screws to release before the battery can be removed and replaced, including one that the channel made sure to point out for its almost hidden location under that accessory dial.

All this led it to give the phone a 6.5 out of 10 rating where repairability is concerned, which isn’t exactly setting the world alight (albeit it’s also far from embarrassing).

Still, there will be some observers who feel disappointed that a phone which purports to let you open it up is nonetheless not a dream for repairs.

It also means that Fairphone, and the likes of itsFairphone 5, is still heads and shoulders above the rest, making repairability a central part of its offering and ensuring that replacement batteries can be easily sourced and slotted in without any training or particularly special tools.

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Falling short of that mark is no disgrace, but it’s still worth understanding before you opt for the CMF Phone 1 that its looks might be a little deceiving.

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