Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro 5G Review

The CMF Phone 2 Pro has arrived, marking a bold step up from its predecessor. Nothing’s sub-brand continues to expand its lineup, and this Pro model aims higher with enhanced features and a distinctive design. While rumors of a vanilla model linger, this review focuses on the Pro’s ambitious upgrades and whether it delivers value for its price.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro retains the iconic design of the original CMF Phone 1. Its exposed screws and attachment point create a unique, eye-catching look that stands out in a sea of similar smartphones. This bold aesthetic is a refreshing change, making the phone instantly recognizable. The build quality has improved, with Panda Glass protecting the front and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. The manufacturer claims the phone can withstand up to 20 minutes in 25cm of fresh water, adding peace of mind. However, the plastic back remains, offering affordability but less premium feel compared to glass or metal.

Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro 5G specs at a glance:

The CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts significant internal upgrades. Its 6.77-inch AMOLED display is larger, brighter, and supports 10-bit color and HDR10+, delivering vibrant visuals. The camera system is more versatile, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens for varied shooting scenarios. NFC support, available in some markets, enables contactless payments, a welcome addition. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset offers a slight performance boost over the original’s Dimensity 7300, ensuring smooth operation. The 5000mAh battery with 33W charging remains unchanged, providing reliable endurance. The microSD slot is retained, a rare feature that allows storage expansion, appealing to budget-conscious users.

Despite these enhancements, the price has risen to around €250 for the 8GB/128GB model. This increase reflects the upgraded hardware, but is it worth it? The CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a compelling package for its price, blending style, durability, and modern features.

A Design That Turns Heads

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro is its bold, unique design. Nothing has always been about standing out, and this phone is no exception. With its sleek 7.8mm ultra-slim body and lightweight 185g frame, it’s the slimmest smartphone Nothing has ever produced. The design screams craftsmanship, featuring stainless steel screws and an aluminum camera surround that add a touch of industrial elegance. The signature attachment point and exposed screws give it a distinct, customizable vibe that’s rare in the budget segment. It’s not just a phone—it’s a statement.

The phone comes with a plastic back, which some might see as a compromise, but it’s sturdy and feels well-built. Plus, the Panda Glass front and IP54 dust and water resistance (capable of withstanding splashes and up to 20 minutes in 25cm of fresh water) make it more durable than its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1. Available in eye-catching colors like Light Green (which some argue leans more toward light blue), the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro is a device you’ll love showing off.

What sets this phone apart is its modular design. The accessory point allows you to attach functional add-ons like lanyards, card holders, or kickstands, making it as practical as it is stylish. While the removable back cover of the CMF Phone 1 is no longer an option, the focus on customizability remains, encouraging creativity and personalization. It’s a phone that feels like yours.

A Display That Wows

The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, the largest and brightest in Nothing’s lineup to date. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color support, and HDR10+ compatibility, this screen delivers vibrant visuals and smooth interactions. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, binge-watching your favorite series, or gaming, the display ensures everything looks crisp and fluid.

Nothing claims a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, though tests suggest it reaches around 1,255 nits in auto mode and 702 nits with manual settings—still impressive for its price range. Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A26, the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s display is brighter and more colorful, making it a standout for outdoor use and media consumption. The adaptive refresh rate toggles between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz, optimizing battery life without sacrificing performance. It’s the kind of display you’d expect from a much pricier phone, making the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro a steal.

Performance That Punches Above Its Weight

Under the hood, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, a 4nm processor with an 8-core CPU clocked at up to 2.5 GHz. This is a slight upgrade over the CMF Phone 1’s Dimensity 7300, offering a 10% faster CPU and a 5% boost in GPU performance. Paired with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB (expandable via microSD), this phone handles everyday tasks with ease, from multitasking to mobile gaming.

While it won’t top performance charts, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers solid performance for its price. Benchmarks show it’s competitive with other mid-range devices like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo and Samsung Galaxy A26. It handles heat well, maintaining performance during extended use without getting uncomfortably warm. For casual users, students, or professionals who need a reliable device for work and play, this phone delivers without breaking the bank.

A Camera System That Impresses

Photography enthusiasts, take note: the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro steps up the game with a versatile triple-camera system. The 50MP main camera, featuring a large 1/1.57" sensor, captures 64% more light than the CMF Phone 1, delivering sharp, vibrant photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom (and up to 20x digital zoom) is a rare find in this price segment, making it perfect for portraits and zoomed-in shots. The 8MP ultrawide camera, while not as detailed, offers a 119.5-degree field of view for capturing landscapes or group shots.

Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3 enhances the camera experience with AI-powered features like Ultra XDR, AI Vivid Mode, Night Mode, and Portrait Optimizer. These tools ensure true-to-life colors, improved dynamic range, and professional-grade portraits. The 16MP selfie camera is solid, producing detailed shots with good color accuracy, though it can be a bit soft in low light. While the camera processing could be refined, the overall versatility and quality make the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro a standout for budget-conscious photographers.

Software That Feels Fresh

Running Nothing OS 3.2 on top of Android 15, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a near-stock Android experience with a unique twist. Nothing’s signature dot matrix font and minimalist design give the UI a distinct, cohesive aesthetic. With 24 custom widgets, an always-on display (a feature missing from the CMF Phone 1), and a Monochrome UI mode, the software feels fresh and user-friendly.

The phone comes with minimal bloatware, only including essential Google apps and Nothing’s Camera, Weather, and Recorder apps. The Essential Key, a dedicated button below the power key, adds a fun touch, launching an AI-powered hub for notes or voice memos with a double press or press-and-hold. Nothing commits to three years of Android updates and six years of security updates, ensuring the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro stays relevant for years to come.

Battery Life That Keeps Up

With a 5,000mAh battery, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro offers impressive endurance. Tests show it can last over 14 hours of active use, with standout performance in calls and video streaming. Features like Battery Saver (limiting charge to 90%) and Sleep Standby Optimization help extend battery life further. The phone supports 33W wired charging, though it lacks wireless charging and a charger in the box (a Type-C cable and clear case are included). While 33W isn’t the fastest, it’s sufficient for most users.

Why It’s a Bargain

Priced at £219/€249/$279 for the 8GB/128GB model and £250/€280/$279 (US Beta Program) for the 8GB/256GB variant, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro is a steal. It competes with phones like the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Motorola Moto G Power, which cost around the same but lack the telephoto camera and vibrant display. The inclusion of NFC in some markets, microSD expansion, and a premium design make it a compelling choice.

TechRadar’s review sums it up perfectly: “The CMF Phone 2 Pro has one of the most distinct and recognizable designs I’ve seen, but that design is also practical and extensible.” It’s not just a budget phone—it’s a device that feels special and rewards creativity.

Any Downsides?

No phone is perfect, and the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro has a few shortcomings. The single mono speaker is a letdown for media consumption, and the IP54 rating, while decent, doesn’t match the IP67 or IP68 ratings of competitors like the Galaxy A26. Charging speed is also relatively slow at 33W compared to rivals like the Poco X7 Pro’s 90W. Additionally, some users have noted that the ultrawide camera could be sharper, and the lack of a removable back (unlike the CMF Phone 1) disappointed fans of modularity.

However, these compromises are minor when you consider the price and what you’re getting in return. The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro nails the essentials while offering features typically reserved for pricier devices.

Who Should Buy It?

The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro is perfect for anyone looking for a stylish, capable smartphone without spending a fortune. It’s ideal for:

• Budget-conscious buyers who want premium features like a telephoto camera and AMOLED display.
• Tech enthusiasts who appreciate unique designs and customizable accessories.
• Students and young professionals needing a reliable device for daily tasks, photography, and entertainment.
• Creatives who value a phone that encourages personalization and stands out from the crowd.

Final Thoughts

The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro is more than just a budget smartphone—it’s a bold, innovative device that challenges the status quo. With its striking design, vibrant display, versatile cameras, and smooth software, it offers incredible value for money. While it has minor flaws, they’re overshadowed by its strengths, making it a top contender in the mid-range market. Whether you’re upgrading from an older phone or looking for a secondary device, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.

Ready to make a statement? Grab the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro and experience tech that’s fun, functional, and affordable. Check it out at Nothing’s official website or your favorite retailer today!