
Why Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro has the potential to make smartphones fun again
Although I have drastically reduced the number of phones I review these days, I have largely lost hope that established brands will make meaningful or drastic changes to modern smartphones. However, a newer brand like Nothing is attempting to make phones fun again—at least, that's what they are promising based on my interaction with the executives at the London-based company co-founded by OnePlus fame Carl Pei and the devices I have reviewed so far.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a different type of budget smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Last year, I tried the CMF Phone 1 (review)—the first phone launched under Nothing's sub-brand—and was impressed by its clever design and semi-modular elements, which made it the best budget phone of the year. Now, Nothing is once again attempting to create a different kind of budget phone—this time with a sequel: the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Story continues below this ad
While it's not exactly competing with high-end smartphones, Nothing is trying to recapture the modularity and accessible pricing that made the CMF Phone 1 stand out, while also adding a touch of novelty—or perhaps both—to its successor by once again exploring the fun side of using a smartphone.
After spending some time with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (starts at Rs 16,999), I can't help but wonder: can Nothing continue to experiment with hardware and software to maximise the fun at a time when innovation in smartphones is becoming a rare sight, and making bold, creative choices is no longer as easy—or as viable—as it once was? Nothing is still a relatively new brand, and perhaps that gives it the freedom to take risks with its products—much like Apple once did. But as the company grows, I can't predict the path it will take.
What I can tell you, however, is how I felt after using the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Making modularity mainstream but with lesser ambitions
I remember modularity being a trend in the early 2010s, with several phone brands showing interest in exploring the concept. Some, like Motorola and LG, went ahead with it, while others—like Google's Project Ara—ended up in the graveyard of failed ideas. Modularity in smartphones was complex, challenging, and ultimately too ambitious, which is why it never caught on. Now, after so many years, Nothing is once again attempting to bring modularity to smartphones—but with a different approach. It's a scaled-down version, at least from what I have experienced. The CMF Phone 2 Pro carries forward the modularity concept introduced with the CMF Phone 1, but within more confined boundaries.
Use the included screwdriver to pop off the screws and you can attach an external cover. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express)
The idea of add-on accessories is still alive (and kicking), though Nothing has tweaked the execution. On the previous version of the CMF Phone, if you recall—or not, no worries—it was possible to remove the backplate and attach accessories after manually unscrewing four screws with a provided screwdriver. That option is no longer available. Instead, accessories now attach to a screw-on case that fits over the back of the phone. Once the case is on, you can connect accessories like a kickstand–card wallet combo, a bright orange lanyard, or a pair of swappable camera lenses. You still need to remove four screws yourself using a screwdriver, though. I have loved fiddling with hardware since childhood, and this experience feels both nostalgic and satisfying. To me, it's like the simple pleasure of building a LEGO toy from scratch—even if just for a few moments—as you add and remove accessories.
I am not entirely sure what made Nothing change its approach from the Phone 1, but I suspect it could be due to the newly added IP54 water resistance (an upgrade from the IP52 rating on the original CMF phone). However, even with the concept of an external backplate with built-in magnets, I didn't see any drastically new accessories. The current ones are fine—like the lanyard, which was also available with the CMF Phone 1 (review). Then there's the magnetic wallet/kickstand combo accessory that attaches to the back of the phone.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a DIY smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
For me, the most exciting new additions are the two camera lenses. With the backplate attached, you can snap on either a fisheye or macro lens to the main camera. Just click them into the plastic ring around the main lens, and you are good to go. These lenses let you capture ultra-wide-angle shots or extreme close-ups.
The Macro lens requires you to get closer to the subject. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
I took several photos, and the results were satisfactory. Macro lenses on budget smartphones are typically underwhelming, so it's impressive to see Nothing finding a way to let users experience macro photography on a more affordable device. These lenses add new capabilities to the camera system, bringing a refreshing sense of versatility. However, I do wish Nothing had figured out a better way to carry or store the lenses—perhaps a pouch or some other solution—as they can be easily lost. That said, the concept of external lenses isn't entirely new; you can easily find 3-in-1 mobile camera lens kits online.
Story continues below this ad
The big question mark is that none of the accessories launched alongside the CMF Phone 1 work with the CMF Phone 2 Pro—except for the lanyard. The commonality between the two phones is the Accessory Point, a removable circular section on the bottom-right corner edge of the phone that can be used to attach accessories like the lanyard. It's a bit of a letdown because Nothing isn't creating a true modular accessory system—which is exactly what's needed to build a modular smartphone. Another concern is that Nothing hasn't introduced any new accessories since the launch of the CMF Phone 1, which makes me wonder whether the brand plans to release a new set of accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
I am not questioning the intent or criticising the current execution, but there needs to be consistency if Nothing truly wants to build a modular ecosystem and the platform to support it.
Nails the basics
One look at the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and you'll instantly know this isn't your typical budget phone. Nothing has distinguished its devices with a unique translucent design language—the latest examples being the Phone 3a and 3a Pro—and that design philosophy continues with the CMF Phone 2 Pro. However, unlike the Phone 3a, this budget smartphone features a glass-like frosted texture on the back (my review unit came in a lighter shade of green) paired with a metal frame. There are other colour options available as well, with the orange variant standing out as very summer(y) and vibrant.
The phone is impressively thin at 7.8mm—though that's without the backplate. It's also designed to be more durable, with an IP54 rating that offers some protection against water. The physical buttons on the side are well-positioned with good spacing between them.
Story continues below this ad
New to this phone is Nothing's Essential Key, which recently debuted on the Phone (3a) series. It activates Essential Space, an app that functions as a combination of a dictaphone and a note-taking tool. A short press captures a screenshot and lets you add a text note to it, while a long press allows you to record voice notes. All of this data is saved in Nothing's Essential Space app, and over time, the brand will add additional features and AI-powered optimisation. I like Nothing's AI implementation on a smartphone; it's practical and not in-your-face like others.
Geeks will love the NothingOS and the user interface. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
From the front, the phone features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. This isn't a fancy LTPO panel capable of dropping down to 1Hz, but Nothing does give you the option to choose between fixed 60Hz, 120Hz, or a dynamic setting. The display is pin-sharp and bright, and even under Delhi 's bright sunlight.
The performance of the phone is surprisingly impressive, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (expandable via a microSD card slot). There's more than enough power here for most everyday users. The device performs on par with other budget and mid-range phones, and I didn't experience any issues when switching between apps or playing games like Alto's Adventure. Most phones in this price range usually start to hang after a week, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro doesn't feel sluggish at all.
In terms of software updates, Nothing promises three years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. That's not bad, considering the price of this phone. It ships with Android 15, with Nothing OS layered on top. I am a big fan of Nothing's take on Android; it's mostly free of bloatware, features gorgeous widgets, and offers an interesting monochrome home screen. The user interface will likely be appreciated by geeks, nerds, and anyone with a penchant for vintage tech, especially fans of '90s computers like myself.
Story continues below this ad
Battery life is excellent. The 5,000mAh battery easily lasted a full day with heavy usage. I wouldn't be surprised if it stretched to a second day on a single charge. Unfortunately, there's no wireless charging, though the phone does come with a power brick included in the box, a rarity to find these days.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a triple-camera system, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. On the front, there's a 16-megapixel selfie camera. While some of the advanced features and photographic capabilities found on more expensive iPhones and Android smartphones are missing, the camera still delivers strong results in both stills and video. It's also great to see a proper telephoto lens on a budget phone like this.
CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web) CMF Phone 2 Pro camera sample. (Image resized for web)
A budget phone with a difference
There's something different about the CMF Phone 2 Pro in a sea of smartphones. I love the philosophy behind this device. It's truly unique, and you can't find anything quite like it elsewhere. It's very old-school, retro-chic, yet designed for modern consumers. Maybe the CMF Phone 2 Pro isn't particularly powerful or premium-feeling, but the way Nothing is positioning it—and the overall package—makes it a strong selling point in itself. I think that's because Nothing seems to understand that smartphones have become boring and predictable, and that the sense of playfulness has long been lost.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro has got a triple rear camera system. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
All said and done, I can see that the spirit of creative experimentation is still alive. Am I excited about modular smartphones? Absolutely—100 percent yes. As silly as it may sound, I would love to see someone step in and create some wacky accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro—something that could attach to the phone and offer useful features for specific situations.
A sincere request to Nothing: build a true modular ecosystem and continue launching new accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Only then will consumers gain confidence in a device like this. Otherwise, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may remain niche to the average smartphone user.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Print
44 minutes ago
- The Print
ITC to invest Rs 20,000 cr across businesses; ‘Bharat First' to anchor global aspirations: CMD
'As we continue to scale new horizons, ITC plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore across businesses in the medium term,' Puri said, without providing further details. 'Encouraged by the promise of the Indian economy, your company has invested in eight world-class manufacturing facilities in the recent past, with an outlay of nearly Rs 4,500 crore,' Puri informed shareholders at the company's Annual General Meeting held virtually. Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI) Diversified conglomerate ITC Ltd plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore across its businesses over the medium term to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and scale emerging growth vectors, Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said on Friday. He had earlier announced this investment plan during the 2024 AGM speech. The investment could span in areas such as FMCG, sustainable packaging and export-oriented value-added agricultural products. As we continue to scale new horizons. While he did not provide a specific timeline for the proposed capex, Puri said the investment will be directed toward areas aligned with the company's 'ITC Next' strategy, which seeks to build a future-ready portfolio through both organic and inorganic expansion. He said the company has built 40 state-of-the-art manufacturing assets, enriching ITC's robust ecosystem of 250 dedicated factories and 7,500 MSMEs. 'Across your company's businesses, over 90 per cent of value-addition takes place in the country, enlarging ITC's contribution to the economy,' he noted. A key pillar of this strategy is ITC's foray into the online food services space through a fast-scaling food-tech platform. 'A new vector of growth envisioned in the ITC Next strategy is your company's Food-Tech business, which leverages your company's strengths in foods, hotels and digital technologies to tap into the fast-growing online food services segment,' Puri said. The business has already scaled up to 60 cloud kitchens across five cities under four brands — ITC Master Chef Creations, Aashirvaad Soul Creations, Sunfeast Baked Creations, and Sansho by ITC Master Chef. 'This business has registered a CAGR of 108% in the 3 years since inception, setting new benchmarks in culinary innovation and tech-enabled operations, gaining increasing consumer franchise,' he said, adding that the platform is now being progressively introduced across the country. On ITC's global outlook, Puri reiterated that its global ambitions are anchored in a strong domestic foundation. 'It is our firm belief that Indian brands must adorn the global stage and towards that, establish an enduring legacy in Bharat first, before making an impact overseas,' he said. ITC's FMCG portfolio currently represents an annual consumer spend of over Rs 34,000 crore and reaches more than 260 million households across India, with a growing presence in over 70 international markets. 'The growing consumer patronage and trust over the years for your company's products emboldens our aspiration to expand our FMCG portfolio with the overarching ambition to serve domestic and global consumers with these world-class home-grown brands of impeccable quality,' Puri said. The company launched over 100 new products last year across categories such as health and nutrition, hygiene, naturals, convenience and on-the-go, while continuing to build on mega brands and pursue value-accretive acquisitions like 24 Mantra Organic, Prasuma, Yoga Bar and Mother Sparsh. Responding to shareholder queries, Puri said the company had introduced over 300 new products in the past three years, highlighting innovation as a continuing priority to meet dynamic consumer preferences. On the performance of the paperboards and packaging business, Puri acknowledged that it remains a 'cyclical industry' currently facing headwinds due to 'dumping of cheap imports and a surge in wood prices'. He added that the industry has sought 'safeguard measures' from authorities to address structural challenges. PTI BSM RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rs 40 lakh loss pushes man to seek Rs 15,000 job: When big dreams go wrong in risk vs stability battle
Stories of people chasing their passion and building something of their own often dominate social media feeds. But behind the spotlight, there are also stories that serve as cautionary tales—stories where dreams cost more than expected, and where the return to stability feels like the only way forward. A recent post on Reddit offered one such perspective, recounting the real-life account of a man who lost Rs 40 lakh trying to build his business and is now ready to accept even a Rs 15,000 job to get back on his feet. A Chance Encounter at a Tapri The incident came to light when a Reddit user shared an experience during a casual tea break at a roadside stall. The tea vendor approached him with a request for help regarding a friend who had fallen on hard times. That friend turned out to be a former telesales employee who once earned Rs 26,000 a month with incentives. Hoping to do better, he had quit his job to start a mobile phone shop in a well-known locality. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Data Science Cybersecurity Finance others Data Science MCA Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Technology Public Policy Degree healthcare Leadership Data Analytics Others PGDM CXO Project Management Product Management MBA Management Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Backed by big dreams, he invested heavily—hiring staff, setting up a fully-equipped shop, and buying costly tools. But despite all efforts, the business failed to pick up. In two years, he had lost Rs 40 lakh, with no staff left and his savings wiped out. The only thing he now had to show for the effort was a résumé, which he handed over in hopes of landing any job, even if it paid just Rs 15,000–Rs 20,000. The Other Side of 'Follow Your Dreams' The Reddit user, who was taken aback by the story, decided to share it not to discourage ambition, but to highlight the risks that often go unspoken. While social media is filled with phrases like 'go big or go home,' stories of loss and financial ruin rarely find a voice. He emphasised that taking risks is not wrong, but going all-in without proper planning or backup can have lasting consequences. In his reflection, the Reddit user stressed that it's okay to move slowly, especially when one is the sole earning member of the family. He pointed out that if the man had limited his investment to Rs 5–6 lakh, there may have been room for recovery. But by putting everything into the venture, the margin for error disappeared.


United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Mahindra launches XUV 3XO REVX series; starting @ Rs 8.94 lakh
Hyderabad, July 25 (UNI) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, India's leading SVU manufacturer, unveiled the new XUV 3XO REVX series, starting at an attractive price of ₹ 8.94 Lakh here today. The XUV 3XO recently achieved a milestone of over one lakh sales in 11-month of launch, making it Mahindra's fastest SUV to reach this milestone, the company Zonal head – Sales (South) Arunangshu Roy said on the occasion. The REVX series enhances the XUV 3XO portfolio with premium features, styling and best in segment performance, he said. All the three variants of the REVX – REVX M (Ex-Showroom Price: Rs 8.94 Lakh); REVX M(O) (Ex-showroom price at Rs 9.44 lakh) and REVX A (ex-showroom price starting at Rs 11.79 lakh) – are available in five colours –Galaxy Grey, Tango Red, Nebula Blue, Everest white and stealth black, he informed. We are present in South Africa, where we have a company called Mahindra South Africa and we are also present in Australia, which is Mahindra Australia, he said that in both the markets, we have launched the Mahindra 3X. Since launch, the sales of 3XO in AP and Telangana together have already crossed more than 10,000 vehicles, he said in India, REVX series was launched in Mumbai earlier and today, for the entire South region, we have launched it first in Hyderabad and tomorrow is in Bangalore. We have already started the booking for REVX series and delivery is starting. He said that these vehicles are manufactured at a state-of-the-art plant at Pune, the largest automotive plant in India, he added. REVX M : This variant is powered by a 1.2L mStallion TCMPFi engine delivering a power of 82 kW and torque of 200 Nm. It comes with six airbags, ESC with Hill Hold Control (HHC), and four disc brakes. REVX M(O)– This model has a single-panel sunroof REVX A – This variant is powered by 1.2L mStallion TGDi engine, delivering power of 96 kW and torque of 230 Nm paired with manual and automatic transmissions. It's features include a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, dual-tone interiors, auto-dimming IRVM. It has body-colored front grille, R16 Painted Black Alloys, and a dual-tone roof. The REVX A is equipped with twin HD screens: one 26.03 cm infotainment and the other 26.03 cm full digital cluster. UNI KNR GNK