Nothing’s sub-brand CMF is back with a bang, dropping a slew of new goodies that have tech fans buzzing. The star of the show? The CMF Phone 2 Pro, a refreshed take on their flagship smartphone that’s packing some serious upgrades. Alongside it, CMF’s tossing in a trio of earbuds—Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus—for those who want their audio game to match their phone vibes.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is being billed as Nothing’s lightest and slimmest smartphone yet, clocking in at just 7.8mm thin and tipping the scales at 6.5 ounces (about 185 grams). That’s impressively svelte, though it’s worth noting that Apple’s iPhone 16 undercuts it slightly at 6 ounces (171 grams). Still, for a budget-friendly phone, the CMF Phone 2 Pro feels like it’s punching above its weight class with a premium build that doesn’t skimp on style.

CMF’s all about that playful, industrial aesthetic, and the Phone 2 Pro delivers. It comes in four colors—black, light green, orange, and white—each with its own unique flair. The black and light green models sport a frosted glass-like back with a metallic frame, giving them a sleek, modern vibe. The orange version goes bold with a metallic sheen that catches the light, while the white model rocks a paneled sandstone finish for a textured, tactile feel. Oh, and those signature CMF screws and rotating dial are back, hinting at the modular, customizable back panels that made the CMF Phone 1 such a hit. You can swap out panels or attach accessories like lanyards, stands, or cardholders, making this phone as personal as it is practical.

Under the hood, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G processor, a step up from the Dimensity 7300 found in the CMF Phone 1. This sixth-generation chip boasts an 8-core CPU with clock speeds up to 2.5GHz, delivering a claimed 10% boost in CPU performance and 5% improvement in graphics over its predecessor. That means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and a better gaming experience. The chip also includes a 6th-gen NPU rated at 4.8 TOPS for AI tasks like image enhancement, making your photos pop with minimal effort.

Battery life is another highlight. The Phone 2 Pro packs a 5,000mAh battery, which Nothing claims can last up to two days on a single charge, thanks to the chip’s power efficiency and Nothing’s Battery Health tech. When it’s time to juice up, 33W fast charging gets you 50% power in about 20 minutes. And here’s a rare treat for 2025: in India, the phone comes with a charger in the box, a move that’s earned CMF some serious fan love. There’s also a transparent case included, perfect for showing off that modular back.

The 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display is a stunner, with a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. It hits up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, so you won’t be squinting in direct sunlight. Running Nothing OS 3.2 based on Android 15, the Phone 2 Pro promises a clean, bloat-free experience with three years of major Android updates and six years of security patches. Plus, there’s a new AI-powered “Essential Space” feature for smarter content management, though details are still a bit hush-hush.

Photography is where the CMF Phone 2 Pro really flexes. Ditching the dual-camera setup of the CMF Phone 1, this one rocks a triple-camera system that’s a first for its price segment. The star is a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.57-inch sensor, paired with a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom—rare for budget phones—and an 8MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera handles your video calls and mirror shots.

But the real kicker? Modularity. You can attach a fisheye or macro lens to the camera array, opening up creative possibilities for wide-angle shots or up-close details. This modular approach, combined with Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3.0 and Ultra XDR tech (co-developed with Google), aims to deliver vibrant, true-to-life photos even in tricky lighting. If the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s cameras match the quality of the Nothing Phone (3a), which shares a similar setup, budget-conscious shutterbugs are in for a treat.

Pricing and availability

Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit frustrating for U.S. buyers. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a steal at $279 for the 256GB model (with 8GB RAM, though higher RAM options might be available). In India, it’s expected to retail around ₹22,999 (roughly $260), potentially dropping lower with bank offers. For context, the CMF Phone 1 launched at ₹15,999 ($190), so the Pro’s upgrades come with a modest price bump.

Preorders kicked off today, April 28, 2025, with shipments starting May 6th, but there’s a catch: in the U.S., the phone is only available through Nothing’s beta program at launch. That means you’ll need to be part of their early adopter crew to snag one, and availability is limited. In contrast, it’s hitting shelves globally via platforms like Flipkart in India, where it’s expected to sell like hotcakes. If you’re in the U.S. and not in the beta program, you might have to wait for a wider release or hunt for gray-market imports.

CMF’s also dropping three new earbuds—Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus—each catering to different wallets and needs. Sadly, none are available in the U.S. at launch, but they’re worth a look if you’re elsewhere or planning to import.

• CMF Buds 2 ($59): These are the entry-level option, but they’re no slouch. You get Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 48dB, tech that mimics spatial audio for a 3D soundstage, and a boxy charging case with that signature rotating dial. Battery life is solid at up to 55 hours total (with case), with a 10-minute charge giving you 7.5 hours of playback (with case).
• CMF Buds 2 Plus ($69): Stepping things up, these add hi-res LDAC audio for richer sound and a customizable EQ via the Nothing X app. It has 50dB ANC and a dual-driver setup (12mm) for punchy, clear audio. These are aimed at audiophiles on a budget who want premium features without the premium price.
• CMF Buds 2a ($49): The budget-conscious pick, these still pack ANC and decent sound quality but skip the fancier features like LDAC. They’re perfect for casual listeners who want reliable earbuds without breaking the bank.

All three hit the market on May 6, 2025, alongside the Phone 2 Pro. The original CMF Buds earned praise for their value, so expectations are high for this new lineup.

CMF’s mission is to make tech fun, accessible, and customizable, and the Phone 2 Pro nails that ethos. It’s not just about specs; it’s about delivering a phone that feels personal, from swappable back panels to a camera system that lets you play with lenses. At under $300, it’s a direct shot at brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Motorola, who dominate the budget segment but rarely match CMF’s flair for design.

The earbuds, meanwhile, double down on CMF’s value-driven approach. With ANC, long battery life, and features like LDAC at these prices, they’re poised to shake up the affordable audio market. The only bummer? U.S. fans might feel left out, as the limited launch strategy prioritizes markets like India and Europe.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is shaping up to be a budget beast, blending a slick design, solid performance, and a versatile camera system that’s rare at this price. The modular touches and vibrant Nothing OS make it feel like a phone that’s as fun to use as it is functional. The new earbuds, especially the Buds 2 Plus, look like they’ll keep CMF’s audio rep strong, offering premium features for less.

If you’re in the U.S., the beta-only launch is a hurdle, but it’s worth keeping an eye on Nothing’s site for wider availability. For everyone else, mark May 6th on your calendar.