CMF Phone 2 Pro review: The best budget phone (again)

Value When Reviewed

$279

Finest Costs Right this moment: CMF Cellphone 2 Professional

The CMF Cellphone 1 was my favorite finances cellphone of final yr, and actually, most likely my favorite finances cellphone ever. It’s an extremely fashionable cellphone with a enjoyable modular design, which are typically issues reserved for expensive flagship units – and never a cellphone that prices simply over £200 or simply below $200 within the US.

Now, lower than a yr later, its successor has landed. The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has every part that made the unique a success, however it now comes with a greater primary digicam, two new auxiliary lenses, a speedier chip, added NFC and lots extra in addition to.

The “Professional” moniker hints {that a} non-Professional mannequin could possibly be on the horizon, however there’s no official phrase on that up to now. Fortunately, although, the brand new mannequin doesn’t include a lot of a value hike. It has an MSRP of £219, simply £10 greater than the unique CMF Cellphone.

The CMF Cellphone 1 was already extremely simple to advocate, and all indicators level to this mannequin being even higher, however the one option to know for positive is to try it out. After residing with it for nearly per week, right here’s every part I discovered.

Nothing has caught to the identical core idea and easily made every part higher

Design & Construct

• Various textures on rear panels
• 185g, Panda Glass
• Modular swappable equipment and rear casing

The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has the same design to its predecessor. You continue to get the identical Accent Level screw within the bottom-right nook, together with the identical uncovered screws in related areas throughout the again panel.

That is no dangerous factor, from a design standpoint, the CMF Cellphone 1 was already considered one of my favourites. I’m happy to see that Nothing is leaning in the identical rugged utilitarian route for this mannequin.

not solely do you get extra color choices to select from, however you get some extra selection in the way in which that every again feels

The obvious change is with the cameras. The 2 bigger lenses get their very own round aluminium-effect rings, whereas the ultrawide and flash unit sit on a separate elongated island. It’s not a drastic change, however it’s instantly noticeable, and it’s a transparent indicator that the CMF staff has put some work into the optics.

One other huge change is with the end of the rear panels. Nothing describes the Black and Mild Inexperienced choices as having a frosted glass-like end with a metallic body. In the meantime, the Orange model has a metallic sheen, and the White possibility has a “panelled sandstone end.”

So, not solely do you get extra color choices to select from, however you get some extra selection in the way in which that every again feels. In fact, for those who’re having bother deciding, there’s nothing to fret about, as you may swap casing to your coronary heart’s content material. All you want is a screwdriver and some minutes of fiddling.

I’ve the Mild Inexperienced mannequin in for testing, and it feels a contact extra premium than the matte black CMF Cellphone 1 that I examined beforehand. It’s nonetheless constructed from plastic, however it’s a lot more durable to inform. Whereas I fairly favored the fingerprint-resistant matte end of the older mannequin, it felt prefer it might get scuffed up simply, and this new end looks like it is going to fare higher in the long run.

it feels a contact extra premium than the matte black CMF Cellphone 1 that I examined beforehand

The Accent Level cap has been slimmed down on this mannequin, and it doesn’t stick out as a lot because it did on the unique CMF Cellphone. It makes the general look somewhat extra cohesive, however it additionally makes it more durable to take away. This could possibly be a superb or a nasty factor. I by no means had bother with the cap loosening by itself, however it’s simple to think about that occuring – the slimmer model looks like it’ll keep put a lot better.

Except for the dimension change, the Accent Level itself is unchanged. I used to be in a position to make use of the identical lanyard accent with each fashions with out difficulty. As for the opposite equipment, sadly, I wasn’t in a position to attempt them myself, however the lineup appears to be very related. There’s a pockets, a kickstand, and the aforementioned lanyard. Nevertheless, the positioning of the screws and the form of the cameras imply that CMF Cellphone 1 rear panels received’t work with the newer cellphone.

There are a few new equipment which have been added to the roster, too. Now you can connect both a fisheye or macro lens adapter. I haven’t tried these, so I can’t converse to the standard, however the two lenses can be offered as a set for £35, and could possibly be value investigating if you wish to add selection to your pictures and may’t afford one thing just like the Xiaomi 15 Extremely.

With these huge uncovered screws watching me, I couldn’t resist whipping the again off, and the expertise was somewhat totally different than I anticipated. It’s so much more durable to take away the rear casing this time, and I needed to seize a spudger to separate it. As soon as inside, there’s additionally some adhesive maintaining the rear panel in place. I’d assume that is all to do with the upper IP54 ranking of the Cellphone 2 Professional.

What was much more shocking, although, is that the battery is quickly accessible as quickly because the again is eliminated – it’s not shielded below further panelling. It’s not hot-swappable, and also you’ll nonetheless want some experience to carry out the operation, however for those who ever want to exchange the battery, it will nonetheless be so much simpler to restore than your common handset.

The Important Key that debuted with the Cellphone (3a) collection has arrived right here, too

The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has the identical button format as the remainder of the Nothing household, with the quantity rocker on the left aspect and the lock button on the fitting. Nevertheless, this time round, you get an additional button. The Important Key that debuted with the Cellphone (3a) collection has arrived right here, too, and we’ll speak extra about what it does in a while.

In relation to sturdiness, I’ve already talked about the IP54 ranking, which is an enchancment over the IP52 ranking of its predecessor. However you additionally get Panda Glass on the display screen, which is a extra inexpensive Chinese language-made various to Gorilla Glass. 

It ought to do an honest job at defending the display screen from scratches and cracks, however the Cellphone (3a) has the identical glass, and I’ve already managed to make some mild scratches on that, so your mileage could differ.

In the event you prefer to err on the aspect of warning, there’s a primary plastic display screen protector utilized you can depart in place, and also you additionally get a primary clear TPU case for added peace of thoughts.

Display & Audio system

• 6.77-inch, 1080 x 2392, OLED, 120Hz
• 3000 nits peak brightness
• Single speaker

The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has a barely bigger display screen than its predecessor, however the distinction is tiny. I feel it’s primarily as a result of slimmer chin bezel, however in any case, similar to final yr, this can be a huge, spacious show that’s nice for watching content material and gaming.

There are two key variations that make this an enchancment on the older mannequin. The primary is that it now helps 10-bit color, relatively than 8-bit. This makes a giant distinction, not solely in color accuracy, however it additionally drastically reduces the looks of color banding when there’s a gradient being displayed.

The second change is that the display screen is brighter, now boasting a peak brightness of as much as 3000 nits, whereas the older mannequin maxed out at 2000 nits.

nearly definitely the most effective screens on this value bracket.

To be trustworthy, I didn’t have many complaints concerning the display screen on the unique, however when viewing them aspect by aspect, the advance is obvious to see. It’s a really welcome improve, and nearly definitely the most effective screens on this value bracket.

The show is absolutely flat, however there’s now a delicate chamfered trim across the edge. I’m particularly happy to see this, because the CMF Cellphone 1 had a tiny raised lip across the edge.

It’s a really minor change, however it’s a change for the higher, and gesture controls really feel a lot smoother while you swipe from the sting.

Sadly, the audio state of affairs hasn’t actually improved. You continue to solely get a single speaker, so there’s no stereo impact. And whereas the sound could be very clear, it lacks low-end response, so it sounds somewhat extra tinny than I’d like. It’s removed from the worst speaker round, however don’t get your hopes up.

Maybe Nothing is angling so that you can purchase a pair of its earbuds.

Specs & Efficiency

• MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Professional
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB storage

The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional runs on an upgraded model of the identical chip that powered the Cellphone 1. At its core, it’s the identical environment friendly 4nm chip, however Nothing says you may count on 10% sooner processing in addition to a 5% enchancment in graphics efficiency.

The cellphone is obtainable in two totally different configurations, each have 8GB of RAM, however you may select both 128- or 256GB of storage. I’ve the bigger capability mannequin for testing, however by way of efficiency, each ought to ship the identical outcomes.

It’s additionally value noting that there’s a microSD card slot, which is a uncommon discover as of late. So, in any case, the storage might be expanded as much as a whopping 2TB.

the change in gaming efficiency is slight – it’s higher, however not sufficient to make a tangible distinction.

I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I might discover a distinction between the 2 processors in real-life utilization, however in benchmark scores, it’s extra obvious. Certainly, as Nothing claims, the processing energy has clearly been bumped up a notch, however the change in gaming efficiency is slight – it’s higher, however not sufficient to make a tangible distinction.

Simply as I discovered with the earlier mannequin, day-to-day efficiency was completely sufficient. The cellphone by no means feels gradual, even whereas multitasking, and it’s solely when performing a system-wide search you can really feel the distinction between this and a higher-end chip. It simply takes a second longer to populate the outcomes.

Gaming is nice on much less graphically intensive titles, however for those who push the bounds with one thing like Genshin Influence, you’ll want to make use of the bottom preset to get a steady 30fps. Nonetheless, it’s spectacular {that a} cellphone this inexpensive can play such a demanding sport within the first place, and it doesn’t get too scorching within the course of.

One other huge change with the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional is that it now helps NFC, so you can also make contactless funds with Google Pockets. I’m actually happy to see this, because it was one of many greatest drawbacks to the unique mannequin.

CMF Cellphone 2 Professional benchmarks

Cameras

• 50 Mp f/1.88 primary digicam
• 50 Mp f/1.85 2x telephoto
• 8 Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide
• 16 Mp, f/2.45 selfie digicam

The digicam system is arguably the most important improve on the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional. Final yr, we solely acquired one usable lens on the rear, joined by a depth sensor that appeared to largely exist for aesthetic causes.

Now, although, there are three correct cameras: a 50Mp primary, an 8Mp ultrawide and a 50Mp 2x telephoto.

It’s not simply additional cameras which have been added right here, the primary digicam has been considerably upgraded, too. It now has a 1/1.56-inch sensor, one of many largest sensors you’ll discover on this value class. Which means it’s far more succesful in low-light circumstances and may create some genuine bokeh while you stand up shut.

As ordinary, the primary sensor does the heavy lifting, and if you need the best-looking pictures, it’s the most secure wager. It’s additionally the perfect for macro pictures. That mentioned, the telephoto lens is nearly as spectacular.

Personally, I might have liked to see a barely longer attain, however 2x is simply sufficient to present a unique vibe to your pictures. It’s the default lens while you change into Portrait mode, and it appears nice for that, with a lot much less distortion than the broad primary sensor. 

You additionally get choices to digitally zoom additional in Portrait mode, with 4x and 6x buttons within the UI. It’s an sudden addition, and a helpful one, however you’ll see a slight loss in high quality for those who zoom additional.

In relation to longer digital zooms, I discovered that pushing it as much as round 6x yielded usable outcomes, however any additional would flip pictures right into a pixellated mush. So, it’s not the perfect for tremendous telephoto pictures, however given the value, these outcomes are nothing to sneeze at.

I actually like the way in which close-ups look on the telephoto, the longer focal size creates some compression with clean bokeh within the background. Sadly, the digicam app is somewhat aggressive with switching to Macro mode (which makes use of the primary lens). I discovered I wanted to change into Skilled mode to pressure the cellphone to make use of the telephoto for close-ups, however the outcomes appeared nice after I did.

The ultrawide digicam is by far the weakest of the trio. The photographs lack element with a muddied, over-processed look to them, and it solely will get worse at night time. Certain, it’s higher than not having one, however for pictures that you just actually care about, you need to change to the primary digicam and take just a few steps again for those who can.

The selfie digicam could be very respectable, too. It’s not going to blow your thoughts with its high quality, however it’s definitely adequate for an off-the-cuff snap. I really feel like Nothing has been engaged on its portrait results these days, they usually’re far more dependable and convincing than they had been on earlier fashions.

For video capturing, you may seize at as much as 4K/30fps on each the primary and telephoto cameras. The ultrawide is proscribed to 1080p/30fps, whereas the selfie digicam can shoot 1080p at as much as 60fps.

Don’t count on flagship-level stabilisation, however the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional does an honest sufficient job, particularly at 1080p. For social media posts, it will get the job finished properly.

Battery Life & Charging

• 5000mAh battery
• 33W wired charging
• No cost within the field

The battery and charging specs are unchanged from the earlier mannequin, which suggests you get an ample 5000mAh cell and 33W wired charging. Nevertheless, in response to Nothing, the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional ought to final for about an hour longer than its predecessor.

Presumably, that is all because of software-based effectivity positive factors. In our normal PCMark Battery Life take a look at, the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional truly did so much higher than that, it saved going for about 2 hours longer than the earlier mannequin. 

if I used to be cautious, I might make it final two days between expenses

In actuality, although, the battery efficiency felt about the identical with my regular use. Most days, I’d go to mattress with 40% or extra cost remaining, and if I used to be cautious, I might make it final two days between expenses.

In any case, the battery will final lengthy sufficient to get even the heaviest customers to the tip of the day.

As earlier than, there’s no charger within the field (until you reside in India), however you do get a relatively fetching Nothing-branded USB-C cable. In the event you like your gear to match, you may at all times decide up the CMF 65W GaN charger for £39, however that’s fairly an expensive add-on for a £219 cellphone.

I used my Ugreen Nexode Desktop charger for testing, and I discovered the cellphone was in a position to cost as much as nearly 60% in half an hour. It’s not the quickest we’ve seen, however it’s definitely fast sufficient as to not really feel like a trouble.

Software program & Apps

• Nothing OS 3.2, based mostly on Android 15
• Important House
• 3 years of Android updates, 6 years of safety patches

The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional runs Nothing OS 3.2, Nothing’s newest customised model of Android 15. It’s the identical software program that you just’ll discover on the remainder of the Nothing lineup, and from an aesthetic standpoint, it’s by far my favorite Android pores and skin.

In fact, such a closely stylised OS received’t be to everybody’s style, however for those who admire Nothing’s {hardware}, I feel it’s protected to say you’ll like the way in which the software program appears, too. I really like being able to make my apps monochromatic for a slick, minimal look.

Arguably, the perfect factor about this software program, although, is that it’s free from bloatware

Arguably, the perfect factor about this software program, although, is that it’s free from bloatware. That’s one thing nearly unattainable to search out on this value bracket, the place manufacturers normally load up units with junk to offset the {hardware} prices. But one way or the other, Nothing has managed to ship a bloat-free expertise but once more.

On the threat of sounding like a damaged document, the one factor I actually don’t like about Nothing OS is that I can’t transfer my apps in bulk. Nothing isn’t the one model to lack this potential; Google Pixels are surprisingly the identical, for instance, however it makes maintaining your homescreen organised an actual chore, and I’ll maintain moaning about it till the characteristic is added.

Nothing could introduce a paid subscription plan sooner or later

What’s new this time is the Important House (which debuted with the (3a) collection), in addition to the devoted {hardware} button to entry it. In essence, this characteristic lets you accumulate screenshots and voice notes as option to shortly keep in mind issues. Then, AI will summarise the contents of your screenshots and robotically organise them, generate to-do lists and make them searchable.

It’s a fairly helpful characteristic, and one I might see myself utilizing so much if I had been a full-time Nothing cellphone person. Nevertheless, there’s a relatively giant shortcoming. It’s not cross-platform, and there’s no option to entry it from a desktop, so your vital notes are constrained to your cellphone solely. It may not matter to some, however for me, that’s a little bit of a dealbreaker.

And that’s earlier than we get to the associated fee. It’s at present fully free to make use of, however phrase on the road is that Nothing could introduce a paid subscription plan sooner or later. Except the characteristic set is vastly expanded, I can’t think about too many individuals being onboard with the paid plan. If it comes into impact, I sincerely hope the Important Key turns into remappable.

The software program assist phrases have been elevated, too. Nothing is now promising 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of safety patches, up from 2 years of Android updates and three years of safety patches. It may not rival the newest flagship units, however for a finances handset, these phrases are very aggressive, and I like to see it.

Value & Availability

The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional goes on sale 6 Could, and it’s obtainable by way of Nothing’s web site to pre-order now. You’ll additionally be capable to purchase it from Amazon and different chosen retail companions.

It’s launching in most areas, however for those who’re within the US, you’ll solely be capable to entry the 256GB mannequin by way of the Nothing Beta Program.

The bottom mannequin with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage will promote for £219 within the UK and €249 in Europe. The 256GB mannequin will go for £249/€279/$279.

Two accent bundles can be obtainable solely on the Nothing web site within the UK and Europe. One bundle comes with a canopy, and both a pockets stand or lenses for £45 / €45, and the opposite bundle consists of all the above for £65 / €65.

Try our listing of the perfect finances telephones for extra choices.

Do you have to purchase the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional?

I liked the CMF Cellphone 1, and it has been the highest Tech Advisor finances cellphone advice since launch. With the launch of the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional, Nothing has caught to the identical core idea and easily made every part higher.

It prices an additional £10 (at MSRP), however that’s a small value to pay for a a lot better show, a sooner processor and a way more versatile set of cameras. In the event you’re on board with the (admittedly divisive) styling – each bodily and for software program – and also you’re searching for a cellphone on this value vary, this can be a splendidly full bundle.

In fact, it received’t be the right match for everybody, and the fitting cellphone for you all is determined by your priorities. In the event you’re a gamer and you’ll stretch the finances barely, the highly effective Poco F6 can at present be had for simply £249, now it’s a yr outdated. You may want the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G for class-leading software program assist.

In the meantime, if you need one thing with extra understated appears and also you’re not too choosy along with your pictures, the Motorola G85 is perhaps an ideal match.

For me, although, the enjoyable modular design and quirky appears of the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional win out each time.

Specs

• Nothing OS 3.2, based mostly on Android 15
• Show: 6.77-inch, 1080 x 2392, OLED, 120Hz
• Below-display optical fingerprint sensor
• MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Professional
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB storage
• Cameras:
• 50Mp primary sensor
• 8Mp ultrawide
• 50Mp 2x telephoto
• 16Mp selfie digicam
• As much as 4K @ 30fps rear video
• Single speaker
• Twin-SIM
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Bluetooth 5.3
• 5000mAh battery
• 33W wired charging
• 164 x 78 x 7.8 mm
• IP54 licensed
• 185g
• Colors: White, Black, Orange, Mild Inexperienced