The CMF Phone 2 Pro, a new addition to the Nothing sub-brand, is making waves in the mid-range smartphone market. With a refined design, upgraded hardware, and competitive pricing, it aims to challenge the likes of Nothing Phone 3a and other rivals. In this article, we will explore every aspect of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, including its design, display, camera capabilities, performance, software experience, pricing, and how it fares against competitors.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Nothing has surprised everyone with its thoughtful inclusions in the CMF Phone 2 Pro packaging. Unlike previous releases, this model ships with a 33W charger and a transparent silicon case, a welcome move considering Nothing’s past approach of excluding chargers.
When you first hold the CMF Phone 2 Pro, you’ll notice its sleek and lightweight build. The phone weighs just 185g and has a 7.8mm thickness, making it the thinnest Nothing smartphone to date. It comes in four color options, including White, Light Green, and two more striking shades.
Nothing has opted for a non-replaceable back panel this time, unlike its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1, which featured interchangeable back panels. Instead, users can now attach a universal case that allows for custom accessories like Magsafe Wallets and detachable camera lenses.
Another notable design change is the rounded edges, ensuring better grip and comfort. The phone is also IP54 rated, offering dust and splash resistance, though it doesn’t match the higher waterproofing standards of flagship models.
Display: Brighter, Sharper, and More Efficient
The CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 1270 nits, significantly improving outdoor visibility.
One major upgrade is the Panda Glass protection, claimed to be as durable as Gorilla Glass 5. Additionally, the bezels are symmetrical, reducing the bottom chin and ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Always-On Display is now available, enhancing convenience.
Despite the improved screen quality, Netflix does not support HDR playback by default, though the display hardware is capable.
Camera: A Huge Leap Forward
The CMF Phone 2 Pro takes a bold step in photography, offering a triple rear camera setup:
- 50MP main sensor (without OIS)
- 8MP ultra-wide lens
- 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom
- 16MP front camera
This is a major improvement over the single-camera setup of its predecessor. However, the primary sensor lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), affecting low-light shots and video stability.
Photo and Video Comparison of CMF Phone 2 Pro
When compared to the Nothing Phone 3a, CMF Phone 2 Pro’s images have a slightly muted color tone, whereas Phone 3a captures more vibrant colors. The portrait mode performs well on both devices, but 3a’s image processing delivers better texture and dynamic range.
Night shots on CMF Phone 2Pro show good sharpness and detail, though Nothing Phone 3a excels in retaining highlights and depth. The ultra-wide lens on both phones produces comparable results, though color consistency varies.
Videos shot on CMF Phone 2Pro tend to have noticeable instability due to lack of OIS, while Nothing Phone 3a’s video stabilization is superior.
Despite some inconsistencies, CMF Phone 2 Pro offers one of the most versatile camera setups under ₹20,000, making it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.
CMF Phone 2 Pro Performance and Gaming
Powering the CMF Phone 2 Pro is MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro, paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. The performance is comparable to CMF Phone 1, though slight improvements are seen in gaming and multitasking.
Benchmark Scores
- AnTuTu: Comparable to CMF Phone 1
- Geekbench: Slightly improved single-core and multi-core scores
Gaming Performance
The phone supports high FPS gaming, delivering:
- 120FPS in BGMI
- 90FPS in COD Mobile
- 40-45FPS in Genshin Impact at max settings
While the chipset itself remains similar to last year, the higher RAM in base variant ensures smoother multitasking.
CMF Phone 2 Pro Software Experience: Minimal and Smooth
Running on Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.2, the CMF Phone 2Pro maintains Nothing’s clean, bloatware-free UI. The user experience is fluid, simple, and ad-free, enhancing usability.
New Features
- Private Space: Allows users to create a hidden storage area with separate apps, files, and even Google accounts.
- Essential Key: Functions similarly to Nothing Phone 3a, allowing customization for quick access.
Users get three major OS updates and six years of security patches, making it one of the best-supported phones in this segment.
Battery and Charging
The CMF Phone 2Pro retains the same battery life as its predecessor, delivering solid endurance throughout the day. The addition of a 33W charger in the box is a major plus, ensuring faster charging without requiring additional purchases.
CMF Phone 2 Pro Connectivity and Features
- More 5G bands than last year
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards remain unchanged
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Indian variant lacks NFC
Despite lacking NFC, the presence of a microSD slot and box-included charger adds practical value.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
The CMF Phone 2Pro is priced at ₹18,999, with bank discounts bringing it down to ₹16,999—a highly competitive price given its upgrades.
CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone 3a
- CMF Phone 2Pro wins in gaming, design, and customization.
- Nothing Phone 3a excels in camera stability, IP rating, and stereo speakers.
- Performance and battery are nearly identical.
If camera quality and stereo speakers are priorities, Nothing Phone 3a is preferable. But if you want customization, sleek design, and high-FPS gaming, CMF Phone 2 Pro is the better choice at a lower price.
Final Verdict
The CMF Phone 2Pro is an incredible mid-range offering, packing premium features at an affordable price. While the camera stability could be improved, the overall value is undeniable.
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