The CMF Phone 2 Pro from Nothing’s sub-brand CMF aims to make tech exciting again with a focus on bold design and solid value. Launched on April 28, 2025, this smartphone blends unique aesthetics, strong performance, and a user-friendly experience at a budget-friendly price. After exploring the details on the official Nothing India website, here’s a detailed review broken into key subsections based on the highlighted features. This review shares my thoughts on what makes this phone stand out, what it does well, and where it could improve.
Design and Build Quality
The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a sleek, adaptable design that feels fresh in the mid-range market. At 7.8 mm thick and weighing 185 grams, it’s the slimmest Nothing smartphone yet. The lightweight body feels comfortable to hold, and the premium touches like stainless steel screws and an aluminum camera surround add durability and style. The detachable screws and accessory point for attaching functional add-ons like a fisheye or macro lens are creative and practical, making the phone feel customizable.
However, the plastic frame and back, while keeping costs down, might not feel as luxurious as glass or metal alternatives. The IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance is decent but falls short of higher standards like IP68 found in some competitors. I appreciate the craftsmanship, but a better IP rating would make it more reliable for everyday use. The design is eye-catching, especially in colors like orange, but the sealed back panel (unlike the modular CMF Phone 1) might disappoint fans of fully customizable hardware.
Display
The 6.77-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED display is a highlight. It’s the largest screen Nothing has offered, delivering 1.07 billion colors for vibrant visuals. With a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, scrolling and animations are smooth, and the 316% higher touch sampling rate compared to the CMF Phone 1 ensures responsive interactions. The display is 50% brighter than its predecessor, making it easier to view in bright sunlight.
In my opinion, this screen is excellent for streaming, gaming, and browsing. The colors pop without being oversaturated, and the brightness handles outdoor use well. However, the bezels are slightly thicker than some premium phones, which might be noticeable during immersive tasks like watching videos. For the price, though, the display quality is impressive and competes well with other mid-range devices.
Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G processor, built on TSMC’s 4nm process, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers strong performance. The 8-core CPU, clocked at up to 2.5 GHz, handles multitasking, gaming, and everyday tasks smoothly. Compared to the CMF Phone 1, it shows noticeable improvements in speed and efficiency, as per Nothing’s testing lab results.
With 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage (expandable up to 2 TB), the phone feels snappy and future-proof for storage needs. I think this setup is great for budget-conscious users who want reliable performance without breaking the bank. However, the lack of higher RAM options (like 12 GB) might limit its appeal for power users. For casual gaming and app usage, it performs admirably, but don’t expect flagship-level power for heavy tasks.
Camera System
The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a four-camera system, including a 50 MP main, 8 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP telephoto, and a 16 MP front camera. It captures 64% more light than the CMF Phone 1, and the telephoto lens offers up to 20x digital zoom. The TrueLens Engine 3, with Ultra XDR algorithms, enhances light and shadow rendering for realistic photos, even in tough lighting. Features like burst shot modes, portrait effects, and quick video access make it versatile.
In my view, the camera shines for casual photography. Portraits are sharp with natural skin tones, and the telephoto lens is a rare treat in this price range. However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main camera can lead to blurry shots in low light or during movement. The ultra-wide lens is decent but struggles with edge distortion. For a budget phone, the camera is a strong point, but OIS would have made it even better.
Software and User Experience
Running Nothing OS 3.2 based on Android 15, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a clean and customizable experience. The Dot Engine brings unique animations, icons, and fonts, while features like Smart Drawer organize apps automatically. Shared widgets and lock screen shortcuts prioritize connections with people over apps, making the interface feel thoughtful. The promise of three years of Android updates and six years of security patches ensures long-term support.
I find Nothing OS 3.2 refreshing and intuitive. It’s free of bloatware, and the customization options let you tailor the phone to your style. The focus on privacy and reducing distractions is a nice touch for mindful smartphone use. However, some users might find the interface too minimal compared to feature-heavy skins like OneUI. For me, it strikes a great balance between simplicity and functionality.
Battery and Charging
The phone has a 5,000 mAh battery, which, paired with the efficient processor, can last up to two days on a single charge, based on Nothing’s lab tests. It supports 33W fast charging, reaching 50% in about 20 minutes. Battery Health technology helps extend the battery’s lifespan through smart charging modes.
I think the battery life is a strong suit, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. However, the 33W charging speed feels slow compared to competitors offering 50W or more in the same price range. The lack of wireless charging is understandable but worth noting. For most users, the battery performance will be reliable, but faster charging would have been a nice addition.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The accessory point for modular add-ons like a fisheye or macro lens is a standout feature, adding versatility to the phone’s camera and design. The Essential Key, mentioned in posts on X, seems to be a new accessory that enhances functionality, though details are limited. The phone integrates well with other CMF products like the Watch Pro 2 and Buds Pro 2, creating a cohesive ecosystem.
I love the idea of modular accessories, as they make the phone feel like a creative tool. The ecosystem is growing, but it’s not as robust as Apple’s or Samsung’s. If Nothing expands the range of accessories and ensures compatibility across devices, this could become a major selling point. For now, it’s a fun and unique feature that sets the phone apart.
Value for Money
Priced at around ₹18,999 for the orange variant and ₹17,999 for black (based on Nothing’s India store), the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers great value. It competes with phones like the Redmi Note series and Realme’s mid-range models, offering a premium design, solid performance, and a unique software experience. The long software support and expandable storage add to its appeal.
In my opinion, this phone is a fantastic choice for budget buyers who want something stylish and reliable. However, the single speaker and slower charging speed might be drawbacks for some. If you value design and software over raw power, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is hard to beat at this price.
Final Thoughts
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a well-rounded budget smartphone that delivers on style, performance, and user experience. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and versatile camera make it a joy to use, while Nothing OS 3.2 adds a layer of polish that feels premium. The modular accessories and long software support are forward-thinking, though areas like charging speed and OIS could improve.
For anyone looking for a mid-range phone that stands out, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a strong contender. It’s not perfect, but it captures the fun and excitement Nothing aims to bring back to tech. If you’re in India and want a phone that balances value and personality, this is worth considering.
