If your dream phone carries a hefty $1,000+ price tag, but your budget restricts you to the $300 range, finding a capable and engaging device might seem impossible. The CMF Phone 2 Pro defies this expectation. After several weeks of hands-on use, I’ve found this quirky and enjoyable phone to be a delightful surprise. While I won’t suggest it outright replaces a flagship device, my conclusion isn’t as far off from that radical notion as you might think. Let’s dive into the details.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | CMF Phone 2 Pro |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 78 x 7.8mm |
| Weight | 185 grams |
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2392, 120Hz, 800 nits (typical), 3000 nits (peak) |
| Durability | IP54, Panda Glass |
| Cameras | 50MP Main (f/1.88, EIS), 50MP Telephoto (2x optical zoom, EIS), 8MP Wide-angle, 16MP Selfie |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (expandable to 2TB) |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000mAh, 33W wired charging |
| Software | NothingOS 3.2 (Android 15) |
| Colors | Orange, Light Green, Black, White |
| Price | $279 / £219 |
A person holding the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Design: A Playful Take on Modern Aesthetics
Opting for the vibrant orange model makes a bold statement. While echoing the CMF Phone 1 with its exposed screws and plastic back, the two-tone finish lends a touch of elegance, mimicking the premium look of more expensive glass-backed phones. Rigorous testing ensures durability, and the IP54 rating provides dust and water resistance. At 185 grams, it’s lightweight and offers a secure grip. The seamless transition from the colored sides to the black screen creates an illusion of slimness, belying its 7.8mm thickness. As a sub-brand of Nothing, CMF inherits its parent company’s design flair, evident in both the hardware and NothingOS software. This includes a penchant for unconventional layouts, as seen in the uniquely arranged camera module.
The side of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
The modular accessory system allows for personalization beyond standard phone cases. While not offering the repairability of an HMD Skyline, magnetic accessories like card holders and kickstands add functionality. Clip-on macro and fisheye lenses enhance the camera experience. This level of customization sets it apart from pricier competitors. The CMF Phone 2 Pro embraces a playful attitude, unlike the more serious Samsung Galaxy S25 or OnePlus 13R. Its modularity and distinctive design contribute to its unique appeal.
Camera: A Mixed Bag of Capabilities
The CMF Phone 2 Pro
For a $280 phone, the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s camera setup is impressive on paper: a 50MP main camera with EIS, a 50MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom and EIS, an 8MP wide-angle, and a 16MP selfie camera. The inclusion of a telephoto lens is a welcome addition in this price segment. However, image quality is inconsistent. The 2x optical zoom occasionally struggles with focus, the wide-angle camera delivers expectedly subpar results, and color/contrast consistency across lenses is lacking. Despite these shortcomings, the main and telephoto cameras can capture vibrant, social-media-ready shots under ideal conditions.
A photo taken with the CMF Phone 2 Pro
A photo taken with the CMF Phone 2 Pro
Low-light performance is where the camera’s limitations become most apparent. Images lose sharpness even in twilight, and become unusable in near darkness. This is not unexpected given the price point, but is worth noting for those who frequently shoot in low-light conditions. NothingOS’s new Gallery app is functional but basic, offering text-based search but lacking editing capabilities.
Software, Screen, and Performance: A Balanced Approach
A person holding the CMF Phone 2 Pro showing the lock screen.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro features NothingOS, a highly customizable Android 15-based operating system also found on the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro. Features like the AI-powered Essential Space, accessed via a dedicated side button, offer helpful memory aids. While useful, the button’s placement below the power button can lead to accidental presses. Nothing promises three major OS updates and six years of security updates, a significant commitment for a budget-friendly device.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display, while boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, 800 nits typical brightness, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, underwhelms in practice. The Panda Glass attracts smudges, and limited viewing angles detract from the overall experience. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor provides adequate performance for everyday tasks and most games. While not as responsive as flagship chips, it handles games like Asphalt Legends: Unite smoothly without overheating. Call quality is excellent, and connectivity has been reliable.
A video playing on the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting Power
The CMF Phone 2 Pro on charge.
The 5,000mAh battery easily delivers five to six hours of screen-on time with moderate usage. Its efficiency is evident in tests like a 30-minute YouTube video consuming only 2% battery. While 33W wired charging is supported, no charger is included. Using a third-party charger, a full recharge takes around 90 minutes, but a 30-minute charge provides a useful 45% boost. While charging speeds aren’t the fastest, the long battery life compensates.
Price and Availability: A Compelling Value Proposition
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is currently available in the US through Nothing’s beta program for $279 (8GB/256GB only). In the UK, it’s available directly from Nothing’s website for £219 (8GB/128GB) and £249 (8GB/256GB). This pricing makes it considerably more affordable than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A56, Google Pixel 9a, and Nothing Phone 3a Pro.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro
Is the CMF Phone 2 Pro Worth Buying?
The back of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
After extensive use, the CMF Phone 2 Pro proves itself capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. The fast and engaging software, long-lasting battery, and unique modular accessories enhance its appeal. While the display and camera fall short of flagship standards, these are understandable compromises at this price point. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is not a flagship killer, but it offers a more enjoyable experience than budget alternatives like the Galaxy A56. Its unique software, design, and materials set it apart from competitors like the Moto G series. For those whose phone usage doesn’t necessitate a flagship device, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a worthy contender alongside the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Google Pixel 9a. It surpasses expectations for its price and earns a recommendation.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro
