CMF Phone 2 Pro Review: Redefining Budget Phones (Again)?

Finding a genuinely good budget smartphone often feels like navigating a minefield of compromises. You might get decent performance but a lackluster camera, or a great screen paired with sluggish software. It’s a challenge. Enter CMF by Nothing, a sub-brand laser-focused on shaking up the affordable tech space with design-led, value-packed products.

Following the buzz generated by last year’s CMF Phone 1, the brand is back with the CMF Phone 2 Pro. This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s positioned as a significant upgrade, aiming to address the criticisms of its predecessor while doubling down on value. With aggressive pricing announced – starting around ₹18,999 in India, £219 in the UK, €249 in Europe, and $279 for a beta program model in the US – the Phone 2 Pro promises premium features without the premium cost.

But does it deliver? This review dives deep into the CMF Phone 2 Pro, drawing on detailed specifications and real-world insights (synthesized from various expert sources) to provide a comprehensive, honest assessment. We’ll explore its design, display, performance, cameras, software, and battery life, comparing it against key rivals to help you decide if this truly is the budget smartphone champion of 2025. Our focus is on providing genuine value and trustworthy information, adhering to the principles of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).

Who is CMF by Nothing?

Before we dissect the phone, it’s worth briefly understanding the brand. CMF is a sub-brand of Nothing, the tech company known for its transparent designs and unique Glyph interface. CMF shares a focus on distinctive design but targets a more budget-conscious audience, prioritizing essential features and value engineering to deliver compelling products at lower price points.

Design & Build: Lighter, Slimmer, and Still Unmistakably CMF

The CMF Phone 2 Pro instantly signals its heritage. It retains the core CMF identity – hints of modularity, exposed screw elements – but presents a more refined and mature package compared to the Phone 1.

Aesthetics & Feel

The phone features eye-catching dual-tone finishes and varied textures across its color options: Black, Light Green, White, and Orange. The Black and Light Green variants sport a smooth, frosted “glass-like” plastic back, while the Orange option offers a subtle metallic sheen. The new White model introduces a tactile sandstone finish. These thoughtful material choices contribute to a surprisingly premium feel in the hand, belying its plastic construction.

Perhaps the most immediate physical improvement is the phone’s svelte profile. Measuring just 7.8mm thick and weighing 185g, it’s noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor (which was 8.2mm and 197g) and marks Nothing’s slimmest and lightest smartphone to date. This reduction significantly enhances ergonomics, making the phone comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

Adding to the refined feel are small but significant premium touches, like the aluminum camera block surround and the functional stainless steel screws.

Durability

CMF has addressed a practical concern by upgrading the phone’s ingress protection. The Phone 2 Pro boasts an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. This is an improvement over the Phone 1’s IP52 rating.

What does IP54 mean in practice? It signifies the phone is dust-tight and protected against water splashes from any direction. While you still shouldn’t submerge it, this offers better resilience against everyday hazards like rain, sweat, or accidental spills compared to the previous model, which was only rated for vertically dripping water. This tangible improvement enhances the phone’s perceived durability and builds user trust, showing a commitment to practicality even at a budget price. The screen is protected by Panda Glass.

Modularity Evolved

The CMF Phone 1’s headline feature was its easily swappable back panel. The Phone 2 Pro takes a different approach. The back panel is no longer designed for easy user swapping. Instead, the modularity focus shifts to the accessory point (the sleek rotating wheel/screw system) and a new Universal Cover system.

This cover, sold separately, acts as a magnetic adapter, allowing users to attach accessories like interchangeable camera lenses (Fisheye and Macro), a wallet/stand combo, or a lanyard. This evolution might slightly disappoint those who enjoyed the cosmetic customization of the Phone 1. However, this shift towards a sealed design likely contributes to the phone’s slimmer profile and improved IP rating. It represents a move towards more functional modularity through dedicated accessories, potentially reflecting a strategic decision based on engineering feasibility and cost allocation within the budget constraints.

Display: A Budget Screen That Looks Anything But

One of the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s most impressive features is its display. In a segment where screens are often an obvious area of compromise, CMF has equipped the Phone 2 Pro with a panel that punches significantly above its weight.

Specifications Breakdown

The phone boasts a large 6.77-inch Flexible AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels (resulting in a sharp ~388 PPI). It’s a 10-bit panel, capable of displaying over 1.07 billion colors, promising vibrant and accurate visuals.

Where the display truly shines, especially for a budget device, is its brightness. It achieves a remarkable 3000 nits peak brightness for HDR content, with a high outdoor brightness rating of 1300 nits and a typical brightness of 800 nits. This represents a 50% improvement over the CMF Phone 1 and ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, a common pain point with cheaper phones.

Smoothness and responsiveness are also prioritized. The display features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and animations. Gamers and power users will appreciate the incredibly high 1000Hz instant touch sampling rate (a massive 316% increase compared to Phone 1), which translates to near-instantaneous touch response. Additionally, 2160Hz PWM dimming helps reduce potential eye strain during prolonged use, especially in low light.

Real-World Experience

In use, the display delivers the rich colors and deep blacks expected from an AMOLED panel, making text sharp and media consumption a joy. What elevates the experience is the premium aesthetic created by the symmetrical bezels around the screen. This design choice, often compared favorably to more expensive devices like the Google Pixel 9a, significantly boosts the phone’s perceived value and visual appeal.

The high touch sampling rate isn’t just for gamers; it makes everyday navigation feel incredibly fluid and responsive. CMF appears to be strategically leveraging a high-specification display as a key differentiator. By focusing on aspects like exceptional brightness and premium bezel design – elements often sacrificed in budget phones – they cater to user desires for high-end aesthetics and usability. This focus on the primary interaction point creates a strong impression of quality that can significantly influence purchase decisions, potentially swaying buyers who prioritize visual experience and media consumption.

Performance: Smooth Sailing for Daily Use, Capable for Casual Gaming

Under the hood, the CMF Phone 2 Pro aims for a balance between capable performance and cost-effectiveness.

The Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro

Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro System-on-Chip (SoC). Built on TSMC’s efficient 4nm process, it features an octa-core CPU configuration: four performance-oriented ARM Cortex-A78 cores clocked at up to 2.5GHz and four efficiency-focused ARM Cortex-A55 cores at up to 2.0GHz. Graphics are handled by the ARM Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.

It’s important to contextualize the “Pro” designation. CMF claims this chip offers up to 10% faster CPU speeds and a 5% improvement in graphics handling compared to the standard Dimensity 7300 found in the CMF Phone 1. While an upgrade, benchmark comparisons and reviews suggest it’s a modest improvement rather than a massive leap in raw power.

Performance-wise, the Dimensity 7300 Pro sits comfortably in the mid-range tier. Benchmarks place its CPU performance in a similar league to competitors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, and Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. Its fabrication on TSMC’s node might offer advantages in sustained performance and efficiency compared to chips built on Samsung’s equivalent node (like the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2). GPU performance is respectable but generally trails slightly behind chips like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.

Everyday Experience

For typical daily tasks – browsing the web, scrolling through social media, streaming videos, and multitasking between apps – the CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Reviews indicate no significant lag or stuttering during general usage.

The phone comes standard with 8GB of RAM, providing ample headroom for multitasking. Storage options are 128GB or 256GB using the UFS 2.2 standard. A highly welcome feature, especially in this price segment, is the inclusion of a microSD card slot, allowing storage expansion by up to a massive 2TB.

Gaming & Thermals

While not positioned as a dedicated gaming phone, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is certainly capable of handling popular titles. Games like Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly, maintaining consistent frame rates at settings like Low graphics and 90FPS. For battle royale enthusiasts, the phone officially supports 120 FPS mode in BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) and 90 FPS mode in PUBG Mobile, although some frame rate dips below the target were noted during intense BGMI sessions. It might not satisfy hardcore gamers demanding maximum graphical fidelity, but it offers a solid experience for casual and moderate gaming sessions.

Thermal management appears effective. Reviews consistently mention that the phone doesn’t overheat excessively, even during extended gaming or demanding tasks, suggesting efficient cooling mechanisms are in place.

The choice of the Dimensity 7300 Pro seems like a calculated move. By opting for a moderate performance boost over the Phone 1, CMF likely achieved cost savings that were strategically reinvested into the more noticeable upgrades in the camera and display departments. The performance delivered is more than adequate for the target audience’s likely usage patterns, prioritizing a balanced overall user experience rather than chasing the highest benchmark scores.

Cameras: The Triple-Lens Surprise Package

Perhaps the most significant upgrade from the CMF Phone 1 lies in the camera department. The Phone 2 Pro moves beyond the basic setup of its predecessor to offer a surprisingly versatile triple-lens system.

Hardware Overview

The rear camera module houses three distinct lenses:

• Main Camera: 50MP sensor (large 1/1.57″ size), f/1.88 aperture, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). CMF claims this sensor captures 64% more light than the Phone 1’s main camera.
• Telephoto Camera: 50MP sensor (1/2.88″ size), f/1.85 aperture, 2x optical zoom, up to 20x digital zoom, EIS.
• Ultrawide Camera: 8MP sensor (1/4″ size), f/2.2 aperture, 119.5° Field of View (FOV).
• Front Camera: 16MP sensor (1/3″ size), f/2.45 aperture.

The inclusion of a dedicated 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom is the standout feature here. Such capability is virtually unheard of in smartphones under the $300 / £250 / €300 / ₹25,000 price bracket, immediately setting the CMF Phone 2 Pro apart from most competitors.

It’s crucial to note, however, that while the main and telephoto lenses feature EIS, none of the cameras offer Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This is a common cost-saving measure in budget phones but has significant implications, particularly for low-light performance. Imaging is supported by Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3.0 processing algorithms and features like Ultra XDR for enhanced dynamic range.

Image Quality Analysis

• Daylight (Main & Telephoto): In good lighting, both the main and 2x telephoto cameras generally produce pleasing results. Images exhibit good sharpness and detail, with decent dynamic range. Colors are often described as vibrant, though some reviewers noted a tendency towards oversaturation or warmer tones, and occasional slight color inconsistencies between the two lenses. The 2x optical zoom provides clean, detailed shots. Digital zoom remains usable up to around 5x or 6x in bright conditions, but quality degrades rapidly beyond that, despite the 20x maximum capability.
• Ultrawide: This lens is consistently cited as the weakest link. Reviews describe its performance as average at best, often lacking detail, exhibiting narrower dynamic range, and sometimes showing noticeable color shifts compared to the main camera, even in good light.
• Low Light: This is the camera system’s most significant weakness, largely due to the absence of OIS. Across all lenses, low-light images tend to suffer from noise, softness, lack of fine detail, and washed-out colors. The Night Mode can help brighten scenes but often struggles with sharpness and accuracy. Capturing usable shots in dim conditions requires very steady hands.
• Portraits & Selfies: Portrait mode generally offers decent subject separation and edge detection. Selfies from the 16MP front camera are considered adequate for the price, though some reviews mention potential issues with over-softening of skin textures or a slight yellowish color cast.

Video Capabilities

The CMF Phone 2 Pro can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) using the main camera. It also supports 1080p recording at 60fps. The front camera is limited to 1080p at 30fps. Electronic Image Stabilization helps smooth out footage. Video quality in good light is likely decent for the price, but the limitations of EIS compared to OIS will become more apparent in low light or with significant camera movement.

Modular Lenses (Fisheye & Macro)

The optional Fisheye and Macro lenses attach via the Universal Cover accessory.

• The Macro lens has received praise for capturing genuinely high-quality, detailed close-up shots, far surpassing the often-unusable 2MP macro sensors found on many budget phones.
• The Fisheye lens provides an extremely wide field of view, similar to the built-in ultrawide but potentially leveraging the main sensor’s quality (albeit with expected edge distortion and softness). Its appeal is likely more niche.

These modular lenses reinforce the CMF brand identity and offer fun creative possibilities. While the Fisheye might be a novelty, the Macro lens provides a tangible photographic benefit often missing at this price point, assuming the user invests in the necessary cover and lens.

Overall, the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s camera strategy is clear: prioritize zoom versatility in good lighting by including a capable 50MP telephoto lens. This makes a bold statement and offers capabilities usually reserved for pricier phones. However, this comes at the cost of compromising low-light performance (due to the lack of OIS) and settling for an average ultrawide camera. Potential buyers need to weigh this trade-off: excellent daylight flexibility versus limited low-light capability.

Software: Nothing OS 3.2 – Clean, Stylish, and Improving

The CMF Phone 2 Pro runs Nothing OS 3.2, which is based on the latest Android 15 operating system. This software experience is a key part of the brand’s appeal.

User Experience

Nothing OS is known for its distinctive aesthetic: minimalist design, optional monochrome interface, unique dot matrix fonts, and custom widgets. It offers extensive customization options for the home screen, lock screen, and quick settings. Crucially, it’s widely praised for being clean and relatively free of bloatware compared to the heavily skinned interfaces found on many competing budget phones. For those who prefer a standard look, an option for a Classic Android skin is available during setup.

The OS also includes features like Privacy Space for hiding apps and files, and integrates seamlessly with other Nothing/CMF ecosystem products via the Nothing X app.

Essential Key & Essential Space

A new addition, borrowed from the Nothing Phone (3a) series, is the Essential Key and Essential Space. The Essential Key is a dedicated physical button located below the power button. A double press launches Essential Space, described as an AI-powered hub that automatically gathers and organizes content like voice notes, screenshots, and photos using “Smart Collections”. A press-and-hold action directly starts an Essential voice memo.

Reception to this feature has been mixed. Some see potential value in its organizational capabilities, calling it a useful “second brain”. Others, however, find the current implementation somewhat “half-baked,” criticize the button’s placement (potentially causing confusion with the power button), and express concern about hints of potential future subscription fees for advanced features. A notable limitation is that the Essential Key’s function cannot be remapped by the user. This feature represents Nothing’s push towards unique AI integration, but its current practical utility compared to existing Android tools remains a point of discussion.

Software Updates

One of the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s strongest selling points is its software update commitment. Nothing promises three years of major Android OS upgrades (taking it potentially to Android 18) and an impressive six years of security patches from the device’s launch date.

This level of long-term support is exceptional for a phone in this price category. It significantly surpasses the promises of many competitors (for instance, the rival Motorola Edge 60 Stylus is slated for only 2 OS updates and 3 years of security patches) and approaches the longevity offered by much more expensive devices, though still short of Google’s seven-year commitment for Pixels. This generous update policy directly addresses a common frustration with budget phones, enhancing the device’s long-term value, security, and trustworthiness for potential buyers.

Battery Life & Charging: Power Through the Day (and Maybe More)

Reliable battery life is crucial for any smartphone, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro aims to deliver dependable endurance.

Battery Capacity & Endurance

The phone is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, the same capacity as its predecessor. CMF makes bold claims of up to two days of typical use on a single charge, citing specific metrics like 22 hours of YouTube playback or 47 hours of voice calls.

Real-world reviews generally suggest achieving a solid full day of use is easily manageable, even with moderate to heavy usage patterns involving social media, calls, browsing, and some media consumption. Screen-on-Time (SoT) figures typically land around the 6-hour mark or more under these conditions. The CMF Phone 1 was lauded for its excellent battery life, and the Phone 2 Pro is expected to offer similar, if not slightly improved, endurance despite its larger and brighter display, thanks to potential optimizations. Features like Auto power saving during nighttime idle periods also contribute to longevity.

Charging

The CMF Phone 2 Pro supports 33W wired fast charging. CMF claims you can get “a day’s power in just 20 minutes”. Based on the Phone 1’s performance, a more realistic expectation might be reaching around 60-65% charge in 30 minutes. While 33W is respectable, it’s not the fastest charging available in this segment, with some competitors offering 45W, 67W, or even higher speeds.

Crucially, addressing a significant point of criticism for the Phone 1, the 33W charging adapter IS included in the box, at least for units sold in India. This is a welcome, user-friendly decision that enhances the out-of-the-box value proposition. The phone also supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices in a pinch.

The overall battery strategy appears to prioritize reliable, all-day (and potentially longer) endurance, building on a known strength of the CMF line. While not chasing the fastest charging speeds, the focus on a large battery capacity and the inclusion of the charger (in key markets) demonstrates attention to core user needs and convenience.

The Little Things: Audio, Connectivity & Extras

Beyond the headline features, the CMF Phone 2 Pro includes several smaller details that contribute to the overall user experience.

Audio Quality

The phone features a single, bottom-firing speaker. While official materials mention an “Ultra volume speaker” capable of a 150% volume boost mode, the mono setup means it will lack the stereo separation and immersive depth offered by dual-speaker systems found on some competitors. This is a common compromise in budget smartphones, and users should expect audio that is likely loud but potentially lacking richness or bass. Some users of previous Nothing/CMF audio products have reported tinny sound, though specific reviews of the Phone 2 Pro speaker are needed for confirmation. The phone includes two high-definition microphones for calls and recording. Notably, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack.

Connectivity

A major upgrade is the inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication). This was a significant omission on the CMF Phone 1 and its presence on the Phone 2 Pro is crucial for enabling contactless payments via services like Google Wallet, making it a far more practical device in many regions.

Other connectivity standards are up-to-date, including Dual 5G (supporting both SA and NSA modes with a comprehensive list of bands), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.

Other Features

• Fingerprint Sensor: Security is handled by an in-display optical fingerprint scanner, reported to be fast and reliable. Face unlock is also available.
• Expandable Storage: As mentioned earlier, the microSD card slot supporting up to 2TB is a significant advantage, offering flexible and affordable storage expansion – a feature becoming increasingly rare.
• Haptics: The phone incorporates an X-axis linear haptic motor, which should provide more precise and nuanced tactile feedback compared to basic vibration motors.

The addition of NFC stands out as a critical functional upgrade, addressing a key weakness of the previous model and aligning the Phone 2 Pro with user expectations for modern smartphone utility. Combined with the valuable inclusion of microSD expansion, CMF demonstrates an understanding of practical user needs that are sometimes overlooked in the pursuit of headline specifications.

Facing the Competition: How Does CMF Stack Up?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro enters a crowded and competitive market segment. To understand its position, it’s essential to compare it against its key rivals.

Main Competitor Focus: Motorola Edge 60 Stylus

Especially in the crucial Indian market, a primary competitor is the Motorola Edge 60 Stylus. Launched around the same time (April 2025) and occupying a similar price bracket (starting around ₹23,000), it presents a compelling alternative.

Here’s a comparison of their key specifications to highlight the trade-offs:

This comparison highlights the different philosophies. The CMF Phone 2 Pro prioritizes camera versatility (telephoto), a unique design aesthetic, clean software, and crucially, superior long-term software support. The Motorola Edge 60 Stylus counters with its built-in stylus, significantly better durability (IP68), much faster wired charging, the convenience of wireless charging, potentially a better ultrawide/macro camera, and the inclusion of a headphone jack, but falls short on promised software updates. Processor performance between the Dimensity 7300 Pro and Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is expected to be broadly similar in daily use.

Broader Market Context

Beyond the Motorola comparison, the CMF Phone 2 Pro competes against a flurry of devices in the sub-₹25,000 / £250 / €300 range from brands like Realme (P series, Number series), iQOO (Z series), Xiaomi (Redmi Note series, Poco X series), and OnePlus (Nord Lite series). Against these, CMF’s unique selling points remain its distinctive design language, the inclusion of a telephoto lens (extremely rare in this segment), the clean Nothing OS experience, and the robust software update policy. Many competitors might offer slightly faster processors or faster charging, but often compromise on camera versatility (lacking a telephoto), software cleanliness (more bloatware), or update longevity.

For those willing to spend slightly more, the Nothing Phone (3a) (around £100 / €100 / ₹10,000 more) offers potential upgrades like OIS on the main camera (leading to better low-light shots) and possibly a slightly different processor tuning (Snapdragon 7s Gen 3), but shares many similarities including the display resolution and telephoto lens concept.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro carves out its niche effectively. It doesn’t aim to win every spec battle but offers a compelling package – a unique blend of style, a great display, clean software with long support, and that rare telephoto lens – all delivered at an aggressive price. This makes it a strong contender for users who value this specific combination over raw power or the absolute best main camera performance alone.

The Verdict: CMF Phone 2 Pro Pros and Cons

After examining its features and comparing it to the competition, let’s summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of the CMF Phone 2 Pro:

Pros (What We Like):

• Distinctive Design: Unique, stylish, impressively thin, and light build with premium-feeling textures and color options.
• Excellent Display: Large, bright, smooth (120Hz), and responsive AMOLED panel with slim, symmetrical bezels that look premium.
• Versatile Camera (in good light): The inclusion of a capable 50MP 2x optical telephoto lens alongside the 50MP main camera is a major advantage at this price.
• Clean Software Experience: Nothing OS 3.2 (Android 15) is smooth, customizable, and relatively free of bloatware.
• Outstanding Software Support: 3 years of Android OS updates plus 6 years of security patches is class-leading for the price.
• Reliable Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day for most users.
• Practical Essentials: Inclusion of NFC for contactless payments and a microSD card slot for storage expansion are highly valuable.
• Aggressive Pricing: Offers exceptional value for the features provided.
• Modular Accessories: Potential for fun and functional add-ons like the high-quality macro lens via the Universal Cover system.

Cons (What Could Be Better):

• Camera Limitations: Low-light photography suffers significantly due to the lack of OIS; the ultrawide camera performance is mediocre; some color inconsistencies noted between lenses.
• Moderate Performance: The Dimensity 7300 Pro is adequate for daily tasks and casual gaming but isn’t the most powerful chip in the segment; only a minor upgrade over Phone 1.
• Mono Speaker: The single bottom-firing speaker lacks stereo sound and likely depth, a common budget compromise.
• Essential Key/Space Utility: The dedicated AI button and associated software feature have received mixed reactions regarding practical usefulness and potential future costs.
• Build Materials: Primarily plastic construction (though well-executed); Panda Glass screen protection is less established than Corning’s Gorilla Glass.
• Charging Speed: 33W charging is decent but slower than several competitors offering 45W, 67W, or more.
• Limited US Availability: Primarily sold through a Beta Program in the US, limiting mainstream access.
• No Swappable Back: The easily swappable back panel gimmick from Phone 1 is gone, replaced by the accessory cover system.

Is the CMF Phone 2 Pro Right for You?

Choosing a smartphone is a personal decision based on individual priorities. The CMF Phone 2 Pro excels in specific areas, making it an ideal choice for some users but less suitable for others.

Who Should Buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro:

• The Value-Conscious Trendsetter: If you want a phone that looks and feels more expensive than it is, offers a unique design, and packs a solid feature set without breaking the bank (sub ₹25k/£250/€300), this is a top contender.
• Fans of Clean Android & Long Support: Users who despise bloatware, appreciate a smooth, customizable interface, and want the peace of mind that comes with years of guaranteed software and security updates will find Nothing OS and the update policy highly appealing.
• Daylight Photography Enthusiasts Needing Zoom: If you value camera versatility, particularly having usable optical zoom for daytime shots (portraits, landscapes, getting closer to subjects), the 50MP telephoto lens is a rare and valuable asset at this price.
• Media Binge-Watchers: Anyone who prioritizes a large, bright, vibrant, and smooth display for watching videos, browsing social media, or reading will be impressed by the 6.77-inch AMOLED panel.
• Users Needing Practicalities: If NFC for payments and expandable storage via a microSD card are high on your list, the CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers where many competitors cut corners.

Who Should Look Elsewhere:

• Mobile Gamers Seeking Peak Performance: If you need to run the most demanding games at the highest graphical settings without compromise, you’ll find more raw power in phones equipped with higher-tier processors (though likely at a higher price or with other trade-offs).
• Low-Light Photography Prioritizers: If capturing photos and videos frequently in dim environments (indoors, nighttime) is crucial, the lack of OIS significantly hampers the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s capabilities in this area. Phones with OIS on the main sensor will likely perform better.
• Audio Aficionados: Users who demand high-quality stereo speakers for media consumption or require a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack will need to consider other options.
• Buyers in the US (Mainstream): General availability outside the Beta Program is uncertain, making it difficult to purchase for most US consumers.
• Users Needing Maximum Durability or Fastest Charging: If top-tier water resistance (IP68) or the absolute fastest charging speeds are essential, competitors like the Motorola Edge 60 Stylus or others might be a better fit.
• Stylus Seekers: If a built-in stylus is a must-have feature, the Motorola Edge 60 Stylus is the direct alternative in this price range.

Final Thoughts & Your Turn

The CMF Phone 2 Pro successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, addressing key criticisms while retaining the core CMF philosophy of delivering style and value. It emerges as an outstanding proposition in the budget smartphone market, punching well above its weight in several crucial areas.

Its sleek design, exceptional display, clean software experience, and impressive software update commitment make it feel far more premium than its price tag suggests. The bold inclusion of a 50MP telephoto lens offers photographic versatility rarely seen in this segment, even if it comes with compromises in low-light performance and the quality of the ultrawide lens. Practical additions like NFC and microSD support further enhance its everyday usability.

Yes, there are trade-offs. Performance is solid but not chart-topping, the single speaker is basic, and low-light photography is a clear weakness due to the lack of OIS. However, viewed within the context of its aggressive pricing, these compromises feel calculated and reasonable for the target audience.

For users in markets like India, the UK, and Europe seeking a stylish, feature-rich, and reliable smartphone under ₹25,000 / £250 / €300, the CMF Phone 2 Pro presents a compelling and highly recommendable package. It’s a strong contender for the title of best budget phone of 2025 for those whose priorities align with its strengths.

Now, we want to hear from you!

• What are your thoughts on the CMF Phone 2 Pro? Does the combination of design, display, and that telephoto lens tempt you at this price?
• Are you considering buying the Phone 2 Pro, or are you leaning towards a competitor like the Motorola Edge 60 Stylus or something else? Share your decision-making process in the comments below!
• If you owned the original CMF Phone 1, do the upgrades in the Pro model convince you it’s time for a switch?

Let’s discuss! Share your experiences, questions, and opinions below.