CMF Phone 2 Pro Review: Budget Smartphone with Premium Style

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a smartphone that offers as much personality and value as the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Nothing has crafted a device that feels like a love letter to you, the user, delivering a unique experience without cutting corners. For under $300, £300, or AU$525, you get a phone that’s not just affordable but genuinely exciting. Its standout design, practical features, and customizable options make it a bargain that feels premium.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro catches your eye immediately. Its bold, distinctive look sets it apart from the sea of predictable smartphones. But it’s not just about aesthetics—this design is functional and invites creativity. You’ll find yourself imagining all the accessories you could pair with it, from custom cases to unique add-ons. While its modular system is slightly less flexible than the original CMF Phone, it still lets you personalize your device in ways that iPhone or Samsung Galaxy owners can only envy. You can truly make this phone your own.

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Even if you’re not into designing your own accessories, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out as one of the best phones in its price range. Its performance is reliable, easily surpassing other budget competitors. You’ll enjoy smooth scrolling and quick app launches for everyday tasks. The battery life is another win, keeping up with your busy day without needing a recharge. Whether you’re texting, streaming, or browsing, this phone has your back.

Durability is solid, though it’s not quite as rugged as a Samsung Galaxy A26 or Motorola Moto G Power 2025. With an IP54 rating, it handles rain and splashes without issue. Nothing also claims it can survive 25cm of water for 20 minutes, so you won’t stress if it gets wet. It’s tougher than you’d expect for the price, giving you peace of mind.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro runs NothingOS, the same sleek interface found on the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro. It’s a breath of fresh air, with a minimalist black-and-white design that skips app labels and focuses on simplicity. You’ll love the clean home screen and matching widgets that keep distractions to a minimum. It’s one of the most unique Android experiences you’ll find, making your phone feel fresh and personal.

There are AI features, but they’re not the main draw. They mostly involve screenshots, which might not excite you if you don’t use them often. You can tap into Google Gemini for basic AI tasks, but don’t expect the advanced tools found on pricier Samsung or Pixel phones. For you, the real appeal lies in the phone’s style and performance, not its AI tricks.

At this price, compromises are inevitable. The cameras are a weak point, lagging behind even the budget-friendly Pixel 9a (which costs nearly twice as much). You’ll notice decent shots in good lighting, but low-light photos and videos fall short. Performance can also stutter occasionally, with slight delays when you’re multitasking or switching apps. These hiccups are minor but noticeable if you’re coming from a flagship device.

Using the CMF Phone 2 Pro as your daily driver is a joy. NothingOS feels refreshing, with fewer bloatware distractions than you’d find on a Galaxy phone. You’ll appreciate the bright orange lanyard accessory, which screws into the back for easy carrying. After a week of slinging it over your shoulder, you’ll wonder why more phones don’t offer this. It’s practical and fun, adding to the phone’s charm.

The biggest downside? Availability. In the US, you’re limited to the 256GB model through Nothing’s Beta program. You might see a warning from AT&T about compatibility, but it works fine after setup, as tested near New York City. In the UK, Australia, and beyond, you’ll find a cheaper 128GB version, making it more accessible. Still, Samsung and Motorola phones are easier to grab at a carrier store, often free with a contract. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a steal, but you’ll need to seek it out.

Accessories are another hurdle for US buyers. You won’t get the back cover for macro or fisheye lenses or the magnetic wallet stand. If you’re not into snap-on lenses, this isn’t a huge loss, but you might wish for more options. Luckily, you can head to a 3D printer at your local library and create custom accessories to suit your style.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a phone that feels special. Its design, performance, and unique NothingOS make it a standout choice. You’ll love its personality and the freedom to customize it. Despite minor flaws, it’s a device that respects your individuality and delivers far more than its price suggests. If you’re ready to hunt one down, this phone will reward you with an experience that’s as delightful as it is affordable.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Price and Availability

You’ll find the CMF Phone 2 Pro to be a fantastic deal, with prices that make it hard to beat. Nothing offers this phone in two storage options: 128GB for £219 or AU$449, and 256GB with 8GB of RAM for $279, £249, or AU$509. If you’re in the US, you’re limited to the 256GB model, as the 128GB version isn’t available. The 256GB option is still a steal, giving you plenty of space for apps, photos, and more.

You can choose from white, black, or a vibrant orange color, but the stylish light green—paired perfectly with the bright orange lanyard—is only available in the UK, not in the US or Australia. It’s a shame, as the green adds a fresh, unique vibe to the phone. You’ll love how it stands out, especially with the lanyard attached for easy carrying.

If you’re in the US, don’t count on getting the lanyard or other accessories, as they’re only sold in the UK and Europe, and even there, supplies might be limited. This could be a bummer if you’re excited to customize your phone.

For comparison, a Samsung Galaxy A26 or Motorola Moto G Power with 128GB costs around $300, £299, or AU$499. These phones offer better water resistance with IP67 or IP68 ratings, but they don’t outshine the CMF Phone 2 Pro in performance or style. If you rely on cloud storage, the 128GB model is a budget-friendly choice where available. Wherever you are, the CMF Phone 2 Pro gives you premium value at a price that’s tough to match.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Specification

The CMF Phone 2 Pro gives you solid performance at a price that won’t break your budget. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chip, which is faster than the Galaxy A26’s Exynos 1380 and the Moto G Power 2025’s MediaTek 6300. You get 8GB of RAM, enough to handle apps and multitasking without lag. Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 256GB, and if that’s still not enough for you, there’s a microSD card slot behind the SIM tray.

What really stands out here is the camera setup. The 50MP main camera has a 0.63-inch sensor — much larger than what you’ll find on most other phones at this price. There’s also a dedicated 2x optical zoom camera and a third lens for ultra-wide and macro shots. While the actual image quality may not blow you away, the specs give you flexibility and detail that’s hard to find in this category.

The display is impressive too. It’s a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and bright visuals — up to 3,000 nits of brightness. That means you’ll have no trouble seeing your screen even in direct sunlight. The phone runs NothingOS 3.2 on Android 15, offering you a clean and modern user experience.

There’s no wireless charging, which is typical in this range, but if you grab a 33W charger, you’ll get faster charge times. And with a 5,000mAh battery inside, the phone can easily get you through a full day and beyond.

Available in Black, White, Light Green, and Orange, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a stylish and capable pick if you want performance and features without paying flagship prices.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Display

You’ll be impressed by the display on the CMF Phone 2 Pro, especially for the price. It’s brighter and more colorful than you might expect, and in our lab tests, it even outshone the Samsung Galaxy A26. That’s a big deal, considering Samsung is known for making some of the best phone displays out there.

Now, if you’re wondering whether the screen reaches 3,000 nits of brightness—no, it doesn’t. But during regular use, you’ll find it bright enough for most situations. Whether you’re snapping photos outside in the sun or just scrolling through your favorite apps, the display holds up well. I had no trouble seeing content clearly, and everything from movies to photos looked vibrant and sharp.

Still, if having a super bright display is your top priority, you might want to consider spending a little more. Phones like the Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a or 3a Pro offer screens that are easier to see in direct sunlight. They cost more, but the bump in brightness may be worth it if you use your phone outdoors a lot.

If you’re thinking about upgrading one feature, I’d say the display would be the one. Brighter screens just make everything easier—from watching videos to reading messages in bright light. Still, the CMF Phone 2 Pro does a good job for its price, and it’s perfectly usable in most lighting conditions.

Durability is also a plus here. The phone uses Panda Glass, made by Chinese company Tengshu, which gives you strength similar to Gorilla Glass. After using it daily for over a week, I didn’t see any scratches or damage. You don’t have to baby this phone—it’s tough enough to handle light drops and everyday wear.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro gives you a good mix of display quality and durability without breaking your budget. If you want something that looks good and holds up well, it’s a solid pick.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Design

The CMF Phone 2 Pro design is truly something you won’t forget. If you’re tired of phones that all look the same, this one is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Like the Nothing Phone series, this phone dares to be different. On the back, you’ll spot exposed screws, a circular removable panel, and camera lenses that look like they’ve been pulled straight from the inside of a gadget. It gives off a techy, industrial vibe, but in a way that’s clearly deliberate — not sloppy.

You might be wondering whether this bold design choice impacts the phone’s durability. It actually helps. While you can’t remove the entire back panel like you could with the first CMF Phone, the design is now sturdier and more sealed. That makes it less prone to damage if you drop it or use it out in the rain. There’s a small screw you can still remove, letting you attach accessories like a lanyard or a charm loop. It’s a small touch, but if you like adding your personal style to your phone, you’ll love this feature.

As for protection from the elements, the phone comes with an IP54 rating. That means it’s protected against dust and water splashes — think light rain, not submersion. But Nothing says they’ve tested it beyond the official rating. According to them, the CMF Phone 2 Pro can survive underwater in 25cm of water for up to 20 minutes. So, no, don’t take it swimming or drop it in the sink on purpose. But if you accidentally drop it into a puddle or even the toilet (hey, it happens), chances are your phone will be just fine.

That’s a step up from last year’s CMF Phone, which had a fully removable back and didn’t offer much in the way of water resistance. This change is a big improvement in both design and durability. Of course, it’s not the most rugged phone out there. The Samsung Galaxy A26 has a better IP67 rating, meaning it can handle more serious water exposure. And the Moto G Power 2025 goes even further, with military-grade toughness (MIL-STD 810H certification). But for everyday life, your CMF Phone 2 Pro should hold up just fine.

Now, let’s talk about color. My phone came in a soft, light green that I instantly fell in love with. This shade is having a moment — even the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in it as a special edition. Sadly, you can’t buy the light green version in the US right now. You’re limited to black, white, or orange. I haven’t seen the orange version in person, but judging from the lanyard I got, it’s a very bold, bright shade. If you like to stand out, that one might be for you.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Cameras

Lots of megapixels and big sensors don’t always mean you’ll get great photos. If photography really matters to you, you’ll probably need to spend more or think about getting a proper camera.

The cameras on the CMF Phone 2 Pro show how many things can go wrong with smartphone photography. Most of your shots will look soft, lacking real detail. The phone tries to make up for this by using strong digital sharpening, which just makes things worse. Instead of looking natural, your photos will end up looking like still frames from an old, low-quality video. Backgrounds come out rough and messy, with dark edges around objects that shouldn’t be there. Even when I took a photo of something simple, I had trouble figuring out what I was trying to capture.

And if you want to take pictures of anything red, don’t bother. The camera’s cheap sensors just can’t handle the color well. Red flowers, even in bright daylight, turn into a blurry, confusing mess. I also tested the zoom lens and took some photos of birds, but the results were muddy and unclear—I honestly couldn’t tell if the birds had feathers or were made of plastic.

The wide-angle lens doesn’t help much either. It bends straight lines, so buildings will come out looking curved and strange. I noticed lots of color fringing along high-contrast edges too. And forget about using this phone’s camera in low light. When there’s not enough light, the quality just falls apart completely.

It’s not easy to find a great camera on a phone this cheap. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A26 can give you better photo quality in most situations. But if taking good pictures is important to you, you should consider stepping up to something like the Pixel 9a. Or better yet, grab an affordable point-and-shoot camera to go with your phone. That’s what I did during my time with the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and I barely touched the phone’s camera for anything serious.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Software

If you’re someone who prefers a phone that helps you stay focused rather than constantly grabbing your attention, then the CMF Phone 2 Pro might be right up your alley. It runs on NothingOS layered over Android 15, offering a unique look that’s simple, clean, and unlike anything you’ll find on a Samsung or Motorola. This is not the phone for you if you’re chasing endless features, bright colors, and software clutter. But if you want something more minimal and stylish, NothingOS has a lot to like.

Right when you turn it on, you get the choice between a regular Android-style interface and the signature Nothing layout. If you choose the Nothing experience, you’ll notice right away how calm and clean your screen feels. You’ll see fewer colors, simpler icons without labels, and smooth monochrome wallpapers. It’s designed to cut down on distractions, not flood you with endless options. And honestly, it feels refreshing.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing extra. You still get a bunch of useful widgets that fit perfectly into the minimal style. These are fun and functional—whether it’s weather updates, music controls, or battery stats, you can drop these right onto your home screen without making things look busy. It all feels very intentional.

Now, let’s talk about the built-in AI feature called Essential Space. There’s an “Essentials key” on the side of the phone, which is like a shortcut button. Press it once and you take a screenshot. Hold it, and you can snap a screenshot with an added voice memo. These all go into Essential Space, where the AI scans and saves them to offer smart suggestions later.

But here’s the catch—I didn’t really use it. I don’t take screenshots of everything I see, and I don’t save calendar events, texts, or emails this way. Those already live in their apps. If you’re someone who screenshots everything, though, this feature could be more useful to you. You might actually get value from it if you’re willing to change how you use your phone.

Still, even without using the AI features, I never felt like I was missing anything. The CMF Phone 2 Pro does a great job at staying sleek, focused, and functional. It’s a phone that respects your attention—and that’s something you might really appreciate.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Performance

Budget phones often mean slower performance, and that’s something you’ll notice with the CMF Phone 2 Pro. But don’t worry—it’s still very usable, and if you’re not pushing it too hard, you probably won’t see many issues. The phone runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chip, which is actually a small upgrade from the chip used in last year’s CMF Phone. In testing, it outperformed phones like Samsung’s Galaxy A26 and Motorola’s Moto G Power 2025. It even kept pace with the more expensive Galaxy A36, which uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3.

But benchmarks don’t always tell the full story. In everyday use, the CMF Phone 2 Pro can feel sluggish, especially when you’re doing more than just basic tasks. For example, when I tried downloading a bunch of apps at once, the phone lagged badly. It even stopped responding to taps entirely. I also ran into trouble when I tried to move a large number of photos into a single album. The phone gave me an error and wouldn’t complete the task, no matter what I tried.

That said, most daily activities worked just fine. If you’re just browsing the web, texting, or jumping on a video call, the phone handles it without breaking a sweat. I tested it on AT&T’s network in New York City, and while web pages loaded a bit slowly, everything else ran smoothly. Video calls, messages, and basic work tasks were handled without any issues.

This phone won’t wow you with speed, but it works, even for light professional tasks. I was able to use BongoInfo’s AirTable system and open the app without trouble. It’s clear the phone can get things done—you just need a little patience. And honestly, if you’re already thinking about spending more money, I’d recommend putting that toward a better camera or display before worrying about a faster processor. As long as you’re not gaming heavily, you’ll be fine. And while you’re waiting for your apps to open, you might as well admire the phone’s unique design.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Battery

The CMF Phone 2 Pro gives you excellent battery life, making it one of the best performers in its price range. Whether you’re using it for work, scrolling through social media, or just browsing the web, you can count on it to last all day. During my time testing it, the phone easily made it through a full day on a single charge. I didn’t do much gaming or use the cameras heavily, but even if I forgot to plug it in at night, I still had enough battery left to get me through to lunch the next day.

In Future Labs battery tests, the CMF Phone 2 Pro lasted just over 16 hours, which is outstanding. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A26 only managed about 10 hours, while the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e both gave out after around 12 hours. That puts this phone clearly ahead when it comes to battery endurance.

One reason it lasts so long is because it has a slower processor. That might sound like a downside, but it actually helps reduce battery usage. Phones like the Moto G Power 2025, which is even slower, also perform well in battery tests for the same reason. Plus, you’re not likely to be using the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s camera as much as you would on a phone with better photo quality, which also saves power.

Cheaper phones often come with better battery life, just like smaller cars tend to get better gas mileage. It’s one of the nice benefits of choosing a more affordable device. You save money, and you get more time between charges.

Charging isn’t quite as impressive. The phone supports up to 33W wired charging, which is decent, but there’s no charger included in the box—unless you’re in India. There’s also no wireless charging, but at this price, that’s not surprising. Overall, if battery life matters to you, the CMF Phone 2 Pro won’t let you down.

Should you buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

Buy it if…

You have a 3D printer and love customizing your phone
If you’re into DIY projects or simply enjoy adding your own personal touch, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a perfect match. It lets you design and print accessories that actually work with your phone. This isn’t just for looks—it’s about functionality too. You can create useful add-ons that enhance your experience in ways no other phone allows.

You want something original, not a copy of another phone
The CMF Phone 2 Pro isn’t trying to be an iPhone or a Galaxy clone. It stands out with its bold, fresh look and unique design. When you carry it around, people notice. If you like to be different and hate blending in, this phone fits your style.

You prefer a clean, focused phone experience
With NothingOS, you can strip away all the extra clutter. Turn down bright colors, remove app distractions, and focus only on what matters to you. If you’re tired of apps fighting for your attention, this phone helps you take control again.

Don’t buy it if…

You care a lot about taking great photos
This phone has a high megapixel count, but the picture quality just doesn’t deliver. If taking sharp, vibrant photos is important to you, you might be disappointed. The camera system falls short in most lighting conditions.

You play graphic-heavy games on your phone
While the CMF Phone 2 Pro handles basic tasks pretty well for its price, it struggles with demanding games. You’ll notice lag and slowdowns, especially in action-packed or 3D-heavy titles. If gaming is a priority, look elsewhere.

You tend to drop or damage your phone a lot
This model is more durable than its predecessor, but it’s still not built like a tank. If you’re rough on your devices or need something rugged, you’re better off with a phone made for durability.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Also consider

You’re looking for a budget phone that balances style, durability, and performance. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A26, and Motorola Moto G Power 2025 each bring something unique. The CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out with its bold design and modular accessories, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chip. Its cameras include a 50MP wide, 50MP 2x zoom, and 8MP ultra-wide, but its IP54 rating means it’s only splash-resistant.

The Samsung Galaxy A26 offers a vibrant AMOLED display and OneUI with AI features. Its IP67 rating lets it survive a dunk in 1m of water, and its Exynos 1380 chip keeps things smooth. The Motorola Moto G Power 2025, with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300, prioritizes toughness with an IP68 rating and MIL-STD 810H durability. Its vegan leather back comes in Pantone-approved colors, but it skips the ultra-wide camera.

Check the table below to compare their specs and pick the one that fits your needs best.