The CMF Phone 2 Pro has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the budget smartphone market. Priced at just $279, this new offering from Nothing showcases significant upgrades over its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1, which was released last year at a starting price of $249. With a focus on affordability without sacrificing quality, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is poised to capture the attention of budget-conscious consumers.
Launched on April 28, 2025, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is available for pre-order in the UK and will hit the shelves on May 6. This latest model boasts a range of impressive features, including a robust camera system, modular accessories, and a sleek design, making it one of the most attractive budget smartphones on the market.
One of the standout features of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is its camera system. Unlike the single camera found in the CMF Phone 1, the new model includes a triple-camera setup: a 50MP primary lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This configuration is remarkable for a phone in this price range and is enhanced by Nothing's TrueLens Engine 3.0, which uses AI to improve image quality. This means users can expect vibrant colors and detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The phone's display is equally impressive, featuring a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED panel with an FHD+ resolution of 2392 x 1080 pixels. It supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. Additionally, the display can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it usable even in direct sunlight. This is a significant improvement over many competitors in the budget segment.
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor, which offers a 10% increase in processing speed and a 5% boost in graphics performance compared to the previous model. Coupled with 8GB of RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB of storage (expandable via microSD), this phone is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease.
Battery life is another strong point for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. It houses a 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W wired charging, allowing for a full day of usage on a single charge. While it lacks wireless charging—a common feature in higher-end models—this is not unusual for budget devices. Users can expect solid performance, with Nothing claiming that the battery can last up to two days under moderate use.
The design of the CMF Phone 2 Pro has also seen enhancements. It features a two-tone aesthetic available in striking colors like White and Orange, along with a durable frame that feels premium. The phone retains its modular design, allowing users to attach various accessories, such as a wallet stand or interchangeable camera lenses, which can be swapped out easily. This modularity is a unique selling point, as it offers users the ability to customize their devices according to their needs.
However, the CMF Phone 2 Pro does have its drawbacks, particularly for consumers in the United States. Currently, the phone is only available through Nothing's beta program in the US, limiting its band support and making it less compatible with major carriers. This means that while users outside the US can enjoy the full range of features, those in the US may face connectivity issues.
Additionally, some users have noted that the optical in-display fingerprint sensor is positioned lower on the screen than is typical, which may be inconvenient for some. The phone also lacks stereo speakers, which could affect audio quality during media playback.
Despite these limitations, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is being hailed as one of the best budget smartphones available today. Reviewers have praised its impressive camera capabilities, vibrant display, and overall performance. For those in markets outside the US, it represents an excellent value, offering features that are often found in much more expensive devices.
In terms of software, the CMF Phone 2 Pro runs on Android 15 with NothingOS 3.2, which is noted for its clean interface and lack of bloatware. Nothing has also committed to providing three years of Android updates and six years of security patches, which is commendable for a budget device.
Overall, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a compelling option for anyone looking for a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. With its innovative design, powerful camera system, and solid performance, it has the potential to become a top choice in the budget smartphone market.
