CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone 2A: Full Specs, Features & Price Comparison

The CMF Phone 1 was a surprising hit, praised for its unique design and concept. Now, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is here, and expectations are understandably high. Priced at ₹19,000, it’s competing directly with another phone from the same parent brand – the Nothing Phone 2A, which retails for ₹18,000. With both phones priced so closely and offering unique features, it can get confusing. Here’s a clear breakdown after thorough testing to help make the right decision.

Design & Modularity: A New Take

The CMF Phone 1 allowed users to unscrew the back and change panels, but it had some drawbacks—like lens scratches. The CMF Phone 2 Pro still offers a modular design, but with improvements. The new back attachments use magnets and allow accessories like wallets or even a fisheye lens to snap onto the device. This design preserves modularity while reducing chances of scratches.

Compared to the Nothing Phone 2A, which continues with a transparent back and glyph lighting, the CMF 2 Pro offers a more interactive design. However, CMF only includes a single speaker with average sound output, while the 2A features stereo speakers with noticeably better audio. Both phones offer decent haptic feedback, though 2A feels slightly better. The 2A also has NFC support, which CMF lacks, but both carry an IP54 rating.

One key win for the CMF is its connectivity: it supports 16 5G bands compared to the 13 on the 2A. It also includes a hybrid SIM slot supporting up to a 2TB microSD card—another feature missing in the 2A. Plus, the CMF includes a protective case in the box, unlike the 2A.

Display: Brighter and Better

While both devices feature AMOLED panels, 120Hz refresh rate, and full HD resolution, the CMF pulls ahead in brightness. The CMF Phone 2 Pro reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits compared to 1300 nits on the Nothing 2A. In real-world usage, especially in outdoor environments or HDR content on YouTube, the CMF display is clearly brighter and more vibrant.

Also worth noting: users have reported display issues like black crush and noise on the Nothing Phone 2A. So far, the CMF 2 Pro shows no such problems.

Battery & Charging

Both phones house a 5000mAh battery. The Nothing 2A supports 45W fast charging, while the CMF offers 33W. However, CMF includes a charger in the box, addressing past criticism about excluding one with CMF Phone 1. Interestingly, different regions receive different configurations—some get NFC, some get a charger. In India, a charger is included, but there’s no NFC.

Software Experience & AI Features

Both devices run on Nothing OS, offering a clean, bloat-free experience with unique UI styling. The CMF 2 Pro ships with Nothing OS 3.2, while the older 2A runs on 3.0. CMF also offers a longer update cycle—3 years of major updates and 6 years of security patches, compared to 2+3 years for the 2A.

One standout feature exclusive to CMF 2 Pro is the “Essential Key.” Positioned below the power button, this can trigger voice actions like setting reminders or capturing photos with voice annotations, utilizing AI for practical functions. For instance, users can snap a photo of a bill and say “remind me to pay this in five days,” and the phone will schedule the reminder. This is a genuinely useful addition in a budget phone.

Performance: Gaming and Day-to-Day Use

The Nothing 2A uses the Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, while CMF 2 Pro gets the newer Dimensity 7300 Ultra. Both offer 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. Surprisingly, in benchmark tests, the 2A performs better in AnTuTu, but CMF scores higher in Geekbench’s multi-core. Real-world usage reveals similar performance levels.

Gaming is solid on both. CMF supports 90 FPS in COD Mobile and 120 FPS in BGMI. Gameplay stays smooth with no significant heating—an impressive feat at this price point.

Camera Comparison: CMF Takes the Lead

The CMF 2 Pro features a 50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto setup. The Nothing 2A only has a 50MP main and 50MP ultra-wide. CMF’s main sensor delivers better dynamic range, color processing, and realistic skin tones in human subjects.

Even with only 8MP, CMF’s ultra-wide camera produces more pleasing results than the 50MP ultra-wide on the 2A, thanks to better tuning. The dedicated 2X telephoto lens allows for sharper portraits with good background blur and subject cutouts.

The front camera on the CMF, however, has an issue—outdoor selfies tend to be overexposed, though indoor shots are fine. CMF should address this with a software update. Video quality from both is average and expected for this price segment.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a clear upgrade in several key areas: better display, smarter AI features, more versatile cameras with a telephoto lens, and superior update support. It also comes with useful additions like a charger and protective case.

For those considering phones around ₹17,000 to ₹19,000, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out with its unique design, modular accessories, and software experience. It delivers a balanced mix of innovation and practicality, making it a strong contender in the budget segment.

Stay tuned for a full long-term review after extended daily use. Until then, the CMF Phone 2 Pro appears to be a smart and stylish choice for anyone seeking performance, design, and thoughtful features in a single package.