CMF Phone 2 Pro Review: Affordable Smartphone with Impressive Features

The CMF Phone 2 Pro from Nothing is a game-changer in the world of budget smartphones. Offering impressive features and an affordable price tag, this device stands as a testament to what can be achieved without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into what makes this phone a standout in its category.

What is CMF?

If you’re unfamiliar with CMF, it stands for Color, Material, and Finish. It’s Nothing’s budget-friendly line, designed to offer quality at a lower price point. While Nothing is known for making affordable smartphones, the CMF line takes it a step further by introducing the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which offers an even better combination of features at a wallet-friendly price.

Impressive Specifications

For just £219 (128GB) or £249 (256GB), the CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers exceptional value. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage (expandable!), it’s hard to believe this is a budget phone.

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and boasts an impressive 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Additionally, the phone is IP54 rated for water resistance, and its 5,000mAh battery promises long-lasting performance. In terms of security, it features both fingerprint recognition and facial recognition.

Compared to the CMF Phone 1, the Phone 2 Pro is lighter, has a larger display, and offers improved water resistance. These upgrades make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a top-tier budget phone.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is sleek and modern, with exposed screws on the back, a signature element of Nothing’s aesthetic. These screws aren’t just for show—they serve a functional purpose, allowing users to swap out the rear casing for a customizable look. If you love personalizing your devices, this phone has you covered.

The device is available in light green, white, black, and orange, and it’s thinner and lighter than its predecessor. The minimal bezels around the display offer a clean, modern look. Plus, the phone feels solid, with no cheap, plastic-y feel that you might expect from budget devices.

Camera System

The camera setup on the CMF Phone 2 Pro is where things get really interesting. It includes a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 16MP front-facing camera. At this price point, it’s rare to see such a versatile camera system.

While it doesn’t feature optical image stabilization or 4K recording at 60fps, the photos and videos taken with this phone are impressive for its price. The dynamic range is excellent, and the photos have a pleasing, vibrant look right out of the camera. Plus, the camera’s 2x optical zoom is highly usable—something that even more expensive phones lack.

Performance

Performance is another area where the CMF Phone 2 Pro shines. With its enhanced CPU and GPU, the device offers a smooth experience for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and multitasking. In fact, when it comes to everyday use, this phone performs just as well as premium devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which cost significantly more.

The battery life is impressive, with a rating of up to 2 days of normal use, and while the phone doesn’t support wireless charging or stereo speakers, these omissions are understandable given the price point.

Software: Nothing OS

Nothing OS 3 is one of the standout features of the CMF Phone 2 Pro. This clean, minimalistic operating system offers a unique user experience with features like the Essential Space, which allows you to store important notes and tasks directly from the camera. It’s a clever and useful integration of AI.

While the Nothing OS interface is visually unique, some users may prefer the standard Android look and feel, which is customizable.

CMF Buds 2: The Perfect Pair

Alongside the CMF Phone 2 Pro, Nothing has released the CMF Buds 2 series, which includes the CMF Buds 2 Plus priced at just £49. These earbuds offer features like active noise cancellation, customizable EQ settings, and impressive sound quality—something you wouldn’t expect at this price point.

Conclusion

The CMF Phone 2 Pro proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality smartphone. With excellent design, a powerful camera system, solid performance, and a budget-friendly price, this phone is an ideal choice for Android enthusiasts who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a smartphone that offers a lot for the money, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a no-brainer. It’s the perfect option for anyone who’s looking to get a premium experience without the premium price tag.