Quick Summary
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.
Just a short time on from its release, it's been confirmed by an enthusiastic investigation that the CMF Phone 1 isn't the repairability win that you might have assumed when its removable back was first shown off.
While the back of the excellent affordable phone can 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 channel PBKreviews conducted 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.
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 its Fairphone 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.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The aim there, after all, is to help people replace their phones less often by making them easier to keep in top nick, and its back can be popped off without any screwdriver needed.
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.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
Skip the plank – a fitness expert says these five exercises are the best place to start for a stronger core
There's plenty of easier exercises out there!
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
I tried a cocooning compression experience and it’s the most relaxed I’ve ever felt
Cocooning might be my new obsession – here’s what it is and what it’s like
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
The best new camera phone might not be from Samsung or Apple
Oppo's making a big push for its next phone
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Nothing has eyes on its most ambitious project yet
Nothing's founder has revealed an interest in real disruption
By Chris Hall Published
-
I tried the iPhone 16 Pro on safari – now I want one for the huge camera upgrade
The iPhone 16 Pro's zoom boost is a game-changer
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE could be the king of foldables for one good reason
And the other rumours are looking good too...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Nothing Phone (2a) gets a huge free feature update... if you're brave enough
The update adds a substantial range of new features, but there's a catch
By Chris Hall Published
-
Android phone prices could soon soar for just one reason
Price of the brick goin' up
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Leaked Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra case shows a shift back to the mundane
Samsung's next flagship might not be quite so unique.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Is this the foldable phone that has Samsung most worried?
Another folding phone has just launched, this time with Loewe design
By Chris Hall Published