The CMF Phone 2 Pro is the latest offering from Nothing, following the success of its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1. Priced at £219, the new model offers significant upgrades without a hefty price increase. With improved cameras, a brighter display, a faster chip, and added NFC support, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a budget-friendly option that packs a punch.
Design & Build:
The design of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is reminiscent of its predecessor, with modular swappable accessories and rear casing. The phone features varying textures on the rear panels and Panda Glass for durability. The main change is the upgraded camera system, with distinct circular rings for the lenses and new finish options for the rear panels.
The rear casing is harder to remove on the new model, with additional adhesive for improved durability. The Accessory Point cap has been slimmed down for a more cohesive look. The phone retains the same button layout as other Nothing devices, with the addition of the Essential Key for quick access to essential functions.
Screen & Speakers:
The CMF Phone 2 Pro sports a 6.77-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2392 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen now supports 10-bit color for improved accuracy and reduced color banding. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the display is vibrant and ideal for watching content and gaming.
The phone features a single speaker that delivers clear sound but lacks low-end response. While not the best speaker in its class, it gets the job done. The audio quality may prompt users to opt for Nothing earbuds for a better listening experience.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The new chip provides a slight performance boost over its predecessor, with improved processing and graphics capabilities. The phone also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 2TB.
Gaming performance on the CMF Phone 2 Pro is decent, with the ability to handle less graphically intensive titles smoothly. The phone supports NFC for contactless payments, addressing a drawback of the original model. The device is efficient for day-to-day tasks and multitasking, with a reliable performance overall.
Cameras:
The standout feature of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is its upgraded camera system. The phone now boasts a 50Mp main camera, an 8Mp ultrawide, and a 50Mp 2x telephoto lens. The main sensor features a large 1/1.56-inch sensor for improved low-light performance and bokeh effects.
The telephoto lens offers a different perspective for photography, while the ultrawide camera delivers decent results but lacks detail. The selfie camera is reliable for casual snaps, with improved portrait effects. Video recording is available up to 4K resolution on the main and telephoto cameras, with decent stabilization for social media posts.
Battery Life & Charging:
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 33W wired charging. The device offers improved battery life compared to its predecessor, lasting nearly 2 hours longer in standard battery life tests. With normal usage, the phone can easily last a full day or even two with careful management.
The phone does not come with a charger in the box, but a USB-C cable is included. Charging speeds are decent, with the phone reaching almost 60% in half an hour. Users have the option to purchase a 65W GaN charger for faster charging, though it comes at an additional cost.
Software & Apps:
The CMF Phone 2 Pro runs on Nothing OS 3.2, based on Android 15. The software offers a stylish and minimalistic design, with the ability to customize app colors for a sleek look. The OS is free from bloatware, providing a clean user experience.
A new feature called Essential Space allows users to organize screenshots and voice notes for quick reference. However, Essential Space is limited to the phone and lacks cross-platform accessibility. The software support terms have been extended to 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches, enhancing the device’s longevity.
Price & Availability:
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is priced at £219 for the base model with 128GB of storage and £249 for the 256GB model. The phone is available for pre-order on Nothing’s website and will be available on Amazon and select retail partners. Two accessory bundles are offered exclusively on the Nothing website for added convenience.
Overall, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a worthy successor to the CMF Phone 1, offering significant upgrades across the board. With its improved cameras, brighter display, faster performance, and added features like NFC support, the phone provides excellent value for its price. Whether you’re a fan of the quirky design or in need of a reliable budget phone, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is definitely worth considering.
