CMF Phone 2 Pro
After much leaks and teasers, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is now finally in the Philippines. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Phone 2 Pro aims to solidify CMF’s position as a design-forward brand offering accessible technology, acting as an affordable gateway into the broader Nothing ecosystem. Its arrival, marked by a special pre-order period, brings a refined design, upgraded camera capabilities, and enhanced features to the midrange segment, promising flagship-style elements at an aggressive price point.
Set to be available locally through Digital Walker and open_source by Beyond the Box stores, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is poised to capture attention with its unique blend of aesthetics, performance, and modularity.
Specifications: A Closer Look Under the Hood
The CMF Phone 2 Pro boasts a technical sheet that punches above its weight class. Dominating the front is a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display, offering a Full HD+ resolution of 2392 x 1080 pixels (394 ppi). This screen isn’t just big; it’s packed with features typically found on higher-end devices, including a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a highly responsive 480Hz touch sampling rate, and eye-comfort considerations like 2160Hz PWM dimming. It supports 10-bit color depth and HDR10+ for vibrant visuals, reaching an impressive peak brightness of 3,000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility, all protected by Panda Glass.
Driving the experience is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, an octa-core processor built on an efficient 4nm process, offering a modest performance boost over the previous generation. This is paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU and 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal memory, which can be further expanded up to 2TB via a microSD card slot (sharing space with the second SIM).
The camera system sees a significant overhaul. The rear features a triple-lens setup headlined by a 50MP main sensor (Samsung GN9, 1/1.56″, f/1.88 aperture) with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF). This main camera is complemented by a versatile 50MP telephoto lens (Omnivision OV50D40, 1/2.88″, f/1.85 or f/1.9 aperture depending on source) providing 2x optical zoom and up to 20x digital zoom, ideal for portraits and getting closer to subjects. An 8MP ultra-wide camera (GalaxyCore GC08A8, 1/4″, f/2.2) with a 119.5° field of view completes the rear array. For selfies, a 16MP front-facing camera (GalaxyCore GC16B3C, 1/3.1″, f/2.0 or f/2.45 aperture) is employed. Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps from the rear cameras, supported by AI stabilization.
A robust 5,000mAh battery powers the device, supporting 33W wired fast charging – capable of reaching 50% charge in roughly 20 minutes – and 5W reverse wired charging to top up other gadgets. Running the show is Android 15, skinned with Nothing OS 3.2, which includes ecosystem-wide ChatGPT enhancements.
Nothing commits to substantial software support, promising three years of major Android OS updates and six years of security patches. Connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, dual SIM support with 5G SA/NSA and Dual 4G VoLTE, NFC for contactless payments, multi-system GPS (including L1+L5), and a USB-C port. Other notable hardware includes stereo speakers with a 150% volume boost function, an X-axis linear vibration motor for enhanced haptic feedback, and an in-display fingerprint sensor for security.
Design: Refined Aesthetics and Enhanced Durability
The CMF Phone 2 Pro evolves the design language established by its predecessor, retaining the industrial aesthetic with visible screws but introducing significant refinements. Unlike the CMF Phone 1‘s swappable back covers, the Phone 2 Pro features a fixed, fully sealed back panel. This change contributes to a noticeably thinner (7.8mm) and lighter (185g) profile, making it Nothing’s thinnest phone to date and improving the overall in-hand feel. Despite being constructed primarily from plastic, the build quality feels sturdy and well-executed.
This sealed design also allows for improved durability, boasting an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, an upgrade from the Phone 1’s IP52 rating. The phone maintains key visual elements like the exposed screws along the edges and the signature wheel screw in the bottom-left corner, which remain functional for accessory attachment. Comfort is also enhanced thanks to more rounded edges compared to the sharper frame of the first generation. It arrives in the Philippines in three distinct colorways: Black and Light Green featuring a frosted glass finish, and Orange with a metallic sheen, alongside a White option boasting a unique sandstone texture.
Hardware: Beyond the Spec Sheet
While the specifications paint a picture of capability, certain hardware elements contribute significantly to the user experience. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro, while not positioned as a high-end gaming powerhouse, provides a smooth and responsive experience for daily tasks and general use, offering tangible improvements over the chip in the CMF Phone 1. The display is a clear highlight, with its combination of size, AMOLED technology, high refresh rate, and exceptional peak brightness making it stand out in its price category.
The inclusion of NFC is a welcome addition, addressing a notable omission from the first CMF Phone and enabling convenient contactless payments via services like Google Wallet (helpful if it ever becomes available in the Philippines). Another practical improvement is the inclusion of a 33W fast charger and a transparent TPU case directly in the box, adding immediate value and convenience for the user. The audio experience is enhanced by stereo speakers that can push volume significantly higher when needed, complemented by the precise feedback from the X-axis linear vibration motor. Security is handled by a reliable in-display fingerprint sensor.
Changes From the Previous Generation: A Leap Forward
The CMF Phone 2 Pro represents a significant evolution rather than a minor iteration of the CMF Phone 1. The most substantial upgrade lies in the camera department, moving from a basic dual-camera setup to a far more versatile triple-lens system featuring capable main, telephoto (with 2x optical zoom), and ultra-wide sensors. The main sensor itself is larger, capturing more light for better performance.
The fundamental approach to design and modularity has shifted. The move from a swappable back panel to a sealed design enhances the phone’s sleekness, premium feel, and water resistance (IP54 vs IP52). Consequently, the modularity system has been adapted, now relying on a new Universal Cover accessory. Key connectivity features like NFC, absent on the Phone 1, are now included. Users will also appreciate the charger being included in the box this time around.
Performance sees a moderate upgrade with the Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset. The display quality is also improved with better color depth, HDR support, higher brightness, and more advanced PWM dimming. Furthermore, the software commitment is stronger, shipping with a newer Android version (Android 15) and promising a longer support window with three years of OS updates and six years of security patches. Overall, the Phone 2 Pro presents a thinner, lighter, more feature-rich, and more refined package compared to its predecessor.
Modularity and Accessories
While the back panel is no longer removable, the spirit of modularity lives on in the CMF Phone 2 Pro through a redesigned system. The phone retains its functional screws, particularly the distinctive wheel screw. These attachment points work in conjunction with a new “Universal Cover” system. This cover, which attaches via the screws, incorporates magnetic coils, enabling the seamless attachment of further accessories.
Specific accessories designed for this new system include a magnetic “Wallet and Stand” combo and “Interchangeable Lenses” (such as macro and fisheye options) that slot into the camera module area of the Universal Cover. It’s important to note that due to these design changes, most accessories created for the original CMF Phone 1 will not be compatible with the Phone 2 Pro. The primary exception is the CMF Phone 1 Lanyard, which can be attached directly to the Phone 2 Pro’s wheel screw point without needing the Universal Cover, and is even included as a pre-order bonus for online purchases. This new system represents a more refined and potentially more user-friendly approach to modularity compared to the first generation’s more experimental feel.
3D Printing Possibilities: Unleashing Creativity
Embracing the maker community, Nothing has confirmed official support for 3D printing custom accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro, specifically leveraging the new Universal Cover system. A key advantage of this redesigned approach is that custom-printed Universal Covers can be designed with working buttons, as the core smartphone remains fully operational even with a custom cover attached. This overcomes a limitation of community designs for the previous model and offers greater freedom for creators to develop unique and functional accessories without compromising the phone’s usability. Nothing actively encourages this creativity and has even made the .stp file for the Universal Cover available for download, inviting users to design and build their own custom additions. You can check out the file provided by CMF Phone at Printables on this link.
The Essential Key
Borrowing a feature from the Nothing Phone 3a series, the CMF Phone 2 Pro incorporates a dedicated physical button known as the “Essential Key”. Located below the power button on the right side and distinguished by a rounder shape, this key provides quick access to the “Essential Space”.
A double press launches this AI-powered hub designed for organizing notes, screenshots, and other important information. A press-and-hold action instantly starts an Essential voice memo, which is then saved within the Essential Space. Currently, the functionality of the Essential Key is fixed and cannot be customized by the user. While convenient for its intended purpose, some initial impressions suggest its current functionality might feel somewhat limited, though Nothing has indicated that additional AI features for the Essential Space are planned for the future.
Pre-order Price and Availability in the Philippines
Filipino consumers eager to get their hands on the CMF Phone 2 Pro can take advantage of a special pre-order period running from May 5th until May 11th, 2025, starting at 10 AM each day. The phone is offered in two configurations: the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant priced at PHP 16,490, and the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage model priced at PHP 18,490. Available colors in the Philippines are Black, White, and Orange.
Pre-orders can be placed through the Digital Walker website and the official Digital Walker Shopee Mall store. Those pre-ordering online will receive exclusive freebies: a CMF 65W GaN Charger (Dark Grey) and a CMF Phone 1 Lanyard (which is compatible with the Phone 2 Pro). Alternatively, pre-orders can be made in person at all Digital Walker physical stores and all open_source by Beyond the Box stores. Customers pre-ordering through these retail channels will receive the CMF 65W GaN Charger (Dark Grey) as their exclusive gift. Digital Walker emphasizes that pre-orders operate on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited stock availability.
Pre-ordered units and their accompanying gifts are expected to be available within 14 to 21 working days from the pre-order date. Following the pre-order window, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is scheduled for open sales starting May 17, 20251. This launch strategy, complete with attractive pre-order bundles, signals CMF by Nothing’s strong push into the competitive Philippine midrange market.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
