CMF Phone 2 Pro Review - Next-Gen Modular Phone!

Summary

The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro, successor to the budget-friendly CMF Phone 1, introduces improvements like a third camera, a slimmer design, and enhanced features. While it maintains the unique accessory ecosystem, including interchangeable lenses, the new phone sacrifices the modular design for a more streamlined build. Despite this, it offers a remarkable experience with an AMOLED display, long battery life, and smooth software. The new essential key and camera upgrades further elevate the phone's appeal. However, some accessories, like the magnetic wallet stand, aren't as game-changing as expected. Overall, it remains an excellent, highly recommendable budget option.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro builds on the success of the original CMF Phone 1, offering enhanced features and accessories.
• 😀 The price for the CMF Phone 2 Pro is £219, a bit higher than the previous model, but it's packed with new features.
• 😀 The new wallet and stand accessory combines two functions into one, and the interchangeable lenses are an intriguing addition to the ecosystem.
• 😀 The back of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is glued on for a slimmer, more refined design but sacrifices the modular replaceability of the previous model.
• 😀 While the new phone is slimmer and lighter, it also means losing the ability to easily replace the back plate and the freedom to use the phone without a case.
• 😀 The phone now supports NFC, allowing for Google Pay functionality, which was missing in the original model.
• 😀 The display is a 120 Hz AMOLED panel with good brightness, offering a high-end viewing experience for a budget phone.
• 😀 The CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts a 5,000 mAh battery with better efficiency, offering up to 7.5 hours of screen-on time or up to two days of use.
• 😀 The new 'essential key' introduces unique functionality like taking screenshots, adding voice notes, and opening the essential space, though it still needs further refinement.
• 😀 The camera system has been upgraded significantly, with a larger main sensor, a new ultrawide camera, and a telephoto lens, making it one of the best in its class for budget phones.

Q & A

What makes the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro stand out in 2025?

The Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out due to its unique ecosystem of accessories, solid performance for its price, and improvements over its predecessor, including a third camera, better body design, and essential key functionality.

How does the CMF Phone 2 Pro compare to the previous model, the CMF Phone 1?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is slightly thinner, lighter, and more refined than the CMF Phone 1. It also introduces a third camera and an essential key, but the back plate is now glued, unlike the replaceable back in the Phone 1.

What is the significance of the 'essential key' on the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

The essential key is a new, unique button that helps users take screenshots, add notes, and access an 'essential space' for organizing important information. However, its functionality is still a work in progress and sometimes unreliable.

How has the camera system improved on the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a 50 MP main camera with a larger sensor for better image quality, an 8 MP ultrawide camera, and a new 50 MP telephoto lens. This setup significantly enhances its photography capabilities, especially for portrait mode and zoom.

What challenges does the new magnetic wallet and stand accessory face?

The magnetic wallet and stand are useful but limited in functionality. It can hold only two cards comfortably, and the stand lacks multiple orientation options, making it less versatile compared to other phone stands.

Does the CMF Phone 2 Pro support any new accessories?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro supports new accessories like interchangeable lenses and a magnetic wallet stand. However, the universal cover required to attach these accessories adds bulk and complexity, diminishing the phone's thin design.

How does the CMF Phone 2 Pro handle software and updates?

The phone runs on Nothing OS, which is smooth, light on bloatware, and includes features like customizable widgets and a smart app drawer. It also promises three years of OS updates, making it a strong contender in the budget segment.

What are the performance improvements on the CMF Phone 2 Pro compared to the first model?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a slightly faster MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip and better software optimization, resulting in a smoother user experience. It is capable of playing games on medium settings and performs well in daily tasks.

What is the battery life like on the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a 5,000 mAh battery that lasts up to 7.5 hours of screen time, with the potential to last two days on moderate use, thanks to its more efficient display and software.

Are the interchangeable lenses for the CMF Phone 2 Pro effective?

Yes, the interchangeable lenses are effective, particularly the macro lens, which provides excellent close-up photography. The fisheye lens is interesting but results in some softness around the edges when used on the main camera.