When it comes to budget smartphones, it is rare to find a device that dares to stand out — not just in terms of specs, but with personality and design that breaks the mold. Enter the CMF Phone 2 Pro, the latest offering from Nothing’s budget sub-brand, CMF. Priced aggressively yet packed with features, this phone promises a lot on paper. But does it live up to the hype when put through its paces in real life? After spending some time with the CMF Phone 2 Pro, here is my detailed take on its strengths, compromises, and who it might be for.
Design: Bold, Modular, and Unapologetically Unique
The CMF Phone 2 Pro doesn’t shy away from being different. Its design language is instantly recognizable, marrying a minimalist approach with exposed stainless steel screws on the back and a modular vibe that few phones in any price category attempt. The model I tested came in the black finish, featuring a glass-like frosted back with a metallic frame. This finish balances sophistication and fun without feeling gimmicky.
At just 7.8mm thick and weighing 185 grams, it’s one of the slimmest and lightest phones I’ve used in the budget category.
Despite this slender profile, the phone houses a generous 5,000mAh battery, which is no small feat. Handling the device, it feels sturdy yet surprisingly light.
What really caught my attention were the modular aspects — the circular screw-in accessory point on the back, designed for add-ons like the magnetic wallet or camera lenses. This openness to customization is refreshing compared to the cookie-cutter approach of most manufacturers.
The phone carries an IP54 rating, meaning it resists dust and splashes, but don’t expect it to survive full submersion. That said, Nothing claims it can withstand 25cm of water for 20 minutes, offering some peace of mind for accidental spills.
Display: Bright, Vibrant, but Not Perfect
The CMF Phone 2 Pro sports a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED display, a standout feature for a device in this price bracket. The screen pushes a Full HD+ resolution with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making for buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. Colors are punchy and vibrant, and viewing angles are excellent.
In outdoor tests, the panel reached peak brightness levels up to 3,000 nits, making it legible even under direct sunlight — a big win compared to many rivals that often struggle outdoors. Watching videos and browsing photos was a pleasure thanks to the wide color gamut and deep blacks inherent to AMOLED technology.
That said, it is not the brightest or most color-accurate display I’ve seen. Premium phones or even mid-range flagships like the Pixel 9a outshine it in this regard. Also, the phone uses Panda Glass for protection, which held up well in my opinion even though it may not be quite as tough as Corning Gorilla Glass found on pricier devices.
Performance: Snappy for Everyday Use, But Not a Powerhouse
Under the hood sits the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, an incremental upgrade over last year’s model. Paired with 8GB of RAM and the streamlined Nothing OS 3.2 (based on Android 15), the Phone 2 Pro feels surprisingly responsive for everyday tasks. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and general navigation rarely stutters.
I tested common activities such as messaging, web browsing, and streaming without issue. Even moderate gaming, like “Pako Forever,” ran decently well. However, for intensive multitasking or large batch operations—like moving dozens of photos at once—the phone did show signs of lag and occasional hiccups. This is understandable given the price segment, but it is worth knowing if you rely on heavy workflows.
The fingerprint sensor under the display is quick and accurate, and facial recognition adds a convenient secondary option for unlocking.
Software: Minimalist Charm with a Dash of AI
Nothing OS is a breath of fresh air in the crowded Android skin market. It embraces minimalism with monochrome home screens, sleek black-and-white icons without labels, and tasteful widgets. The interface is clean, distraction-free, and easy to navigate, appealing to users who want a more straightforward experience.
One notable feature is the Essential Key — a dedicated button that launches the Essential Space, a smart AI-driven organizer. You can save screenshots and voice memos, which the AI then analyzes to create to-do lists and summaries. While innovative, this feature felt a bit underutilized for me since it relies heavily on screenshot usage, which is not a habit I have. Still, it holds promise for those who want an intelligent way to manage captured content.
Software updates are promising, with CMF pledging three Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches — a rare commitment in this price range.
Camera System: Versatile Triple-Camera Setup
The CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, headlined by a 50MP main sensor that captures 64% more light than the original Phone 1. Supplementing this are a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and an 8MP ultra-wide camera, plus a 16MP front shooter.
On paper, this is impressive for a budget phone — especially the presence of a telephoto lens, a rarity in this category.
In good lighting, photos are decent, with vibrant colors and satisfactory dynamic range. Portrait shots are pleasant when conditions cooperate. The telephoto zoom is useful but lacks optical image stabilization, making handheld shots prone to blur beyond 2x zoom.
Overall, the camera system offers flexibility but not excellence — a compromise that’s understandable at this price. Here are the photos taken on the phone:
Battery Life: Two Days Without Breaking a Sweat
The CMF Phone 2 Pro’s 5,000mAh battery consistently delivered excellent endurance during my testing. On moderate usage — including messaging, browsing, video streaming, and occasional photo taking — the phone comfortably lasted two days on a single charge.
Even on busier days, I found myself ending with around 40% battery remaining at bedtime. This is a real strength of the device and adds to its appeal as a reliable daily driver.
Charging tops out at 33W, which is decent but not the fastest. Keep in mind, the phone does not include a charger in the box (except in certain regions), and wireless charging is absent — another understandable omission at this price level.
Audio and Connectivity: Solid
Audio output through the phone’s speaker is loud and clear enough for calls and casual media consumption, with a 150% volume boost over typical budget phones. Dual microphones aid in voice clarity during calls.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for contactless payments, and 5G support via the MediaTek chipset. I experienced stable reception on T-Mobile’s network in the U.S., though some band limitations may affect users on other carriers.
Verdict: A Budget Phone That Breaks the Mold, with Some Trade-offs
The CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers remarkable value for its price, blending stylish design, modularity, a bright AMOLED screen, solid battery life, and a competent processor. It is a phone that refuses to blend into the budget category by offering premium touches and a distinct personality.
Where it falters is in the camera department and the occasional software lag during heavy multitasking. If photography is your top priority or you demand flagship-level performance, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you want a daily phone that looks and feels unique, runs smoothly for everyday use, and can comfortably last through long days, the Phone 2 Pro is a compelling choice.
Modular accessories add a fun customization layer, though availability varies regionally. Nothing OS is a neat, minimalist skin that offers a fresh take on Android without bloatware.
Pricing and Availablity
CMF Phone 2 Pro is available in Orange, White, and Black, 8 + 256GB at SGD $399
CMF Phone 2 Pro in White and Black will be available starting 22 May, while the Orange variant will be available from July.
Customers who purchase during the open sales period will receive free CMF Buds and a one-year extended warranty.
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