The CMF Phone 1, launched by Nothing last year, was praised for its unique design, solid performance, and outstanding value for money. However, it faced criticisms, particularly regarding its camera performance and the absence of a power adapter in the box. This year, the CMF Phone 2 Pro seeks to address these concerns, while offering even more impressive features. Here’s a detailed review of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Unboxing and Box Contents
An important point of improvement for Nothing this year is the inclusion of the power adapter in the box. Last year’s omission of the charger was met with backlash, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro ships with a 33W charger. Additionally, the phone includes a transparent case, a standard offering in this price range, but a first for Nothing. This small, thoughtful addition marks a positive shift in the brand’s approach to packaging.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the CMF Phone 2 Pro continues to stand out, much like its predecessor. Available in bold colours such as White, Black, Orange, and Light Green, the Light Green variant I reviewed immediately caught my eye with its vibrant finish. The signature screws on the back remain, adding a distinctive touch. Users can also swap out the back panel with a universal cover accessory, allowing for greater customization and compatibility with other Nothing products.
The phone’s slim profile at 7.8mm and lightweight build (185g) contribute to its comfortable feel in hand. It’s the thinnest smartphone from Nothing yet, and this reduction in thickness enhances its overall ergonomics.
Display
The CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Unlike its predecessor, which had a fixed 60Hz-120Hz refresh rate toggle, this model introduces an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, making for a smoother and more efficient viewing experience.
With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, visibility outdoors, even under the harsh Delhi summer sun, is no longer a concern. The display is capable of reproducing over 1 billion colours, thanks to its 10-bit panel. Watching videos, streaming IPL matches, or enjoying movies is a treat on this screen.
Performance
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and the option for an additional 8GB of virtual RAM. While the chipset is not a drastic upgrade over last year’s Dimensity 7300, it remains highly capable, handling daily tasks with ease.
From web browsing and video streaming to gaming with titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Pokémon Unite, the phone delivers smooth performance. Even under stress, such as playing Pokémon Unite on high graphics with low battery, the phone showed no signs of lag or frame drops. The efficient thermal management ensures that the device doesn’t overheat during prolonged use, a notable improvement over other smartphones in this range.
In terms of storage, users also have the option to expand it up to 2TB, which is a useful feature for those who require significant space for apps, media, and files.
Camera
Camera performance was a significant area of improvement for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Last year’s CMF Phone 1 lacked both ultra-wide and telephoto sensors, an issue that has been addressed with a triple rear camera setup on this model. The configuration includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor.
The camera system delivers decent results overall, especially in terms of colour reproduction. Portraits, for example, come out well with good colour accuracy. However, the softness of the shots, particularly in selfies, and the underwhelming low-light performance (with washed-out images) left me wanting more. Thankfully, Nothing has a reputation for pushing regular software updates, and improvements to the camera software are likely to come in the future.
Battery Life
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power to last through a full day of usage. This is further supported by the inclusion of a 33W fast charger in the box, which is a significant improvement over last year’s offering. Indian users, in particular, will appreciate the fact that they no longer need to purchase a separate charger to get the most out of their device.
Software and UI
Running on Nothing OS 3.2, based on Android 15, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a smooth, bloatware-free experience. One notable feature is the “Private Space,” which allows users to secure their apps, files, and photos with a separate password or biometric unlock method. The “Essential Space,” which acts as a secondary space for organizing notes, reminders, and tasks, is also included and is a great productivity tool.
Nothing promises 3 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates, ensuring that the phone stays secure and receives vital system improvements over its lifespan. While a longer support cycle for OS updates would have been ideal, the extended security updates go a long way in addressing this concern.
Pricing and Verdict
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is priced competitively, starting at ₹18,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant, with the 8GB/256GB model priced at ₹20,999. On launch day, there is an additional ₹1,000 discount, further enhancing the phone’s value for money.
In conclusion, while the camera performance may not be groundbreaking, the CMF Phone 2 Pro impresses with its sleek design, smooth performance, excellent display, and the inclusion of a charger in the box. Given the aggressive pricing and Nothing’s commitment to improving the software experience, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a solid choice for those looking for a budget smartphone that doesn’t compromise on style or performance. The camera improvements are expected to arrive via updates, making this phone a compelling option in the budget smartphone category.
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