The $279 CMF Phone 2 Pro, launched by Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has been generating buzz for offering flagship-like features at a budget price point. At 7.8mm thick and 185g, it’s slim and lightweight, with a matte plastic back, exposed screws, and bold colors (light green, orange, black, white). Its aesthetic is distinctive, avoiding the generic look of most budget devices.
Its three-camera setup—a 50MP main sensor (1/1.57-inch, f/1.88, the biggest in its class), a 50MP 2x telephoto (f/1.85), and an 8MP ultrawide—uses Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3.0 for processing. Most budget phones under $300 have just one good sensor with cheap macro or depth lenses. Having a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and an ultrawide is unusual for this price, more like what you’d find on mid-range or top-tier phones like the Google Pixel 9 ($799) or Samsung Galaxy S25 ($799).
You’ll definitely notice its 6.77-inch AMOLED screen, with FHD+ (1080p), a 120Hz refresh rate, and 3000 nits peak brightness. AMOLED screens with fast refresh rates are common in high-end phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,299), but not in budget phones, which usually have LCDs or dimmer screens. The 3000-nit peak brightness is amazing, matching pricey devices and making it easy to see in bright sunlight.
There are a few things to know, though. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip is good for everyday tasks and light gaming but isn’t as powerful as top chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Galaxy S25 Ultra) or Tensor G4 (Pixel 9). It’s okay but not ideal for juggling lots of tasks or playing major games. The plastic body and IP54 rating (splash resistance) are tough but can’t match the glass or metal designs and IP68 ratings of top-tier phones. Plus, lacking OIS and struggling in low light, its camera isn’t as flexible as those on high-end models.
What really sets it apart from both budget and high-end smartphones alike is its modular ecosystem. This gives the CMF Phone 2 Pro the ability to be customized with accessories or 3D-printed parts, all of which fosters a DIY community, unmatched by competitors.
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