The CMF Phone 2 Pro once again showcases Nothings impressive capability to deliver high-quality budget smartphones. This latest iteration features a fully sealed back, meaning that the back cover is now non-detachable. However, this has been cleverly addressed with the introduction of a new universal case that allows users to utilize various accessories, proving to be an effective workaround. Packed with enhancements, the phone boasts a triple-camera setup on the rear, a flexible AMOLED display with ultra-thin bezels, remarkable battery longevity, and a streamlined software experience paired with an eye-catching design and broad customizability. For those in the market for a budget phone in 2025, there seems to be no better option that offers such great value.

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Last year, Nothing made a significant impact with the launch of the CMF Phone 1, which gained acclaim for its unique design and modular capabilities while successfully addressing essential smartphone functionalities. The brand is now aiming to build upon this success with the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which introduces notable upgrades across the board. Among the most significant improvements is the addition of a 50MP telephoto lens and an 8MP wide-angle module that complements the primary 50MP camera, offering unparalleled versatility for a budget-friendly smartphone available today.

Furthermore, the CMF Phone 2 Pro features an AMOLED display with ultra-thin bezels akin to those seen in the Phone 2 and 3a Pro. It also boasts a generous battery life, IP54 ingress protection, and superior software, making it the best budget phone software available on the market today. Notably, Nothing continues its commitment to providing exceptional value, with the Phone 2 Pro commencing at a price that is only slightly above its predecessor.

So, is this the ultimate budget phone of 2025? Without a doubt, the answer is yes.

Pricing and Availability

Nothing officially unveiled the CMF Phone 2 Pro during a global launch event held in India on April 28, and the phone is set to hit the shelves in the country starting May 5. The entry-level variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage will retail for just 18,999 ($223), which is a modest increase of 1,000 ($12) compared to the launch price of the Phone 1 last year. Additionally, an upgraded version offering 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage will be available for 20,999 ($246). Both models conveniently include a MicroSD card slot, a notable perk for budget-conscious consumers in 2025.

However, its worth noting that the device will not launch in the U.S. market. Instead, Nothing is offering the 8GB/256GB variant as part of a beta initiative for $279. Fortunately, it will be accessible in the U.K. and other regions, retailing at 219 ($293) for the 8GB/128GB model and 249 ($333) for the 8GB/256GB variant. In Germany, pricing starts at 249 ($283) for the 8GB/128GB version and 279 ($317) for the 8GB/256GB configuration.

Specifications

Design

Nothings devices are well-known for their distinctive designs, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro is no exception. While it doesnt strictly follow the same design language as its predecessors, the bold colors and vibrant accents ensure that the phone makes a statement. For those who desire a device that garners attention, the orange model is particularly striking.

The green variant of the CMF Phone 2 Pro features a frosted-glass finish, while the black version shares this textured appearance. In contrast, the white model offers a sandstone-like matte texture, and the orange version possesses a unique metallic sheen, setting it apart in a crowded market.

This phone is also the thinnest model produced by Nothing to date at just 7.8mm, and at 185g, it is 12g lighter than the CMF Phone 1. Users will appreciate the noticeable difference in hand feel. The back of the device smoothly curves into the mid-frame, providing a balanced weight distribution that enhances comfort during use.

A new feature included in this model is the Essential Key, a dedicated button that debuted with the Phone 3a Pro this year. This button allows users to easily access Essential Spacea dashboard for organizing notes, images, and a variety of other content.

The camera design on the back stands out with bright rings framing each lens, further elevating the phone's aesthetic appeal. A significant update this year is that the back is fully sealed, enabling the brand to achieve IP54 ingress protection. During a recent briefing, Akis Evangelidis, co-founder of Nothing, mentioned that while the device is water-resistant, it did not undergo the formal IP testing process.

Although the back cover is now non-detachable, which compromises some of the modularity seen in previous models, Nothing has introduced a universal case that attaches to the phone, facilitating the use of various accessories. These accessories include a kickstand that magnetically connects to the universal case, as well as a macro lens, fisheye lens, and a lanyard.

While attaching these accessories is straightforward once the universal case is attached, there are minor issues, such as the case not perfectly conforming to the backs curves and a somewhat plastic feel. Nonetheless, it serves as an effective means of enabling custom accessories, and the overall design of the Phone 2 Pro presents a much more polished look.

Display

The CMF Phone 2 Pro sports a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel that is similar in size to the previous years model but utilizes a flexible AMOLED display. This change allows for thinner and more uniform bezels around the screen. According to Evangelidis, the switch to a flexible AMOLED has increased manufacturing costs, but the brand was determined to maintain consistency with its mainline phones, thus opting for the more expensive display solution.

This display also offers impressive refresh rate flexibility, allowing the Phone 2 Pro to toggle between 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. Additionally, it boasts 2,160Hz PWM dimming, making it the standout AMOLED panel in the budget segment. My experience during regular usage and gaming proved free of issues, demonstrating that Nothing has effectively optimized this aspect.

In tests conducted by my colleague, Nick Sutrich, it was noted that the PWM dimming performance was over double that of the CMF Phone 1 at lower brightness levelsa significant improvement. Upon increasing the brightness beyond 50%, users benefit from DC dimming as a standard feature.

Hardware

This generation continues with MediaTeks Dimensity 7300 Pro chipseta platform that is starting to show its age with older Cortex A78 and A55 clusters. Nevertheless, Nothing has managed to optimize the platform well enough that everyday use remains smooth without noticeable lag.

Performance during gaming is acceptable; while it doesn't deliver perfectly smooth framerates, theres minimal jitter, and the experience remains usable by lowering the settings. However, I recommend the Phone 3a Pro for those specifically seeking a budget-oriented gaming device, as it significantly outperforms in that arena.

Notably, the device retains the same battery as its predecessora robust 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging capabilities. An interesting development for the Indian market is that the model now includes a charger in the package, responding to feedback from users who expressed a desire for this feature. In other regions, however, customers will need to use any compatible USB PD charger. Overall, I found that the device comfortably lasts a full day of usage.

Cameras

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is equipped with a triple-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50MP main lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP wide-angle lens. This configuration is significant, as most phones in this budget category typically offer just one usable camera, making it refreshing to see a brand prioritizing versatility.

The camera interface is straightforward, providing easy access to various shooting modes and toggles. It supports 4K30 video recording, and although the video quality isnt industry-leading, it remains sufficient for casual use. Additionally, there are multiple shooting modes available, and the phone performs adequately with portrait photography.

In terms of daylight photography, the CMF Phone 2 Pro excels, capturing images with impressive detail and vibrant colors. What particularly stands out is its capability to handle low-light conditions; even in challenging environments, the camera produces images with good color accuracy and minimal noise. The wide-angle and 2x telephoto lenses also deliver satisfactory performance, and users will appreciate the availability of macro and fisheye lens attachments for extra creativity.

While the fisheye lens adds an element of fun to photography, the macro lens is somewhat less useful in practice. Overall, the camera system on the CMF Phone 2 Pro is arguably the best you can find on a sub-$300 smartphone, and Nothing deserves commendation for assembling such a strong package.

Software

Out of the box, the CMF Phone 2 Pro runs Nothing OS 3.2, which is based on Android 15. The brand continues to impress with its user interface, offering a clean design with unique visual elements that elevate the overall user experience. The exclusive widgets offered by Nothing add to the appeal, making the OS not only visually attractive but also highly functional.

Users will find a good level of customizability in the interface, which operates fluidly without any sluggishness in daily use. It also includes AI-enabled utilities for on-device tasks such as transcribing notes, and the brand has integrated ChatGPT for cloud-based requests. A notable new feature is Essential Space, designed to help users organize information such as notes, memos, and even bill payment details.

This utility adds significant value and distinguishes Nothings devices from the competition. Regarding updates, the CMF Phone 2 Pro will receive three Android OS updates in addition to six years of security updatesmaking it one of the best options in terms of longevity in the budget phone market.

Alternatives

If youre considering other budget smartphones, the POCO X7 remains a solid alternative. It utilizes the same MediaTek Dimensity 7300 platform but comes with a larger 5500mAh battery and 45W charging, in addition to achieving IP68 ingress protection. Although its software may not match the quality of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, it is still a reasonable option for those prioritizing battery life.

Additionally, last years CMF Phone 1 remains a viable alternative, especially if you can find it at a favorable price. While it lacks some of the latest upgrades found in the CMF Phone 2 Pro, it still stands out as a commendable device.

Should You Buy It?

Consider purchasing the CMF Phone 2 Pro if:

• You are looking for a budget phone with an attractive design.
• You value good camera capabilities.
• You prefer clean software on an affordable device.
• You appreciate timely software updates.

On the other hand, you might want to look elsewhere if:

• You specifically need a gaming phone.

Nothing has consistently set itself apart from other budget brands, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out as my top recommendation for anyone seeking a new sub-$300 smartphone in 2025. With its impressive design, unique accessories, high-quality AMOLED display, and solid camera performance, its hard to find fault.

Overall, you receive a well-rounded package that includes exceptional battery life and the best software experience available in the budget category. While gaming performance may not be optimal, opting for the Phone 3a Pro provides a more powerful alternative for those needs. In summary, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is an outstanding choice for a budget smartphone.