CMF Phone 2 Pro Review

The CMF Phone 2 Pro, from Nothing's cheaper CMF label, is proof of how good an inexpensive phone can now be. For 279 dollars it gives you a 6.77 inch AMOLED that reaches 3,000 nits, a refined aluminum framed design with swappable accessories, and a weight of just 185 grams. Held next to phones costing twice as much, it does not look or feel outclassed.

Performance comes from a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro. It is a midrange chip, so it will not chew through the heaviest games at top settings, but for messaging, video, browsing and casual play it is smooth and quick. The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a day, and the clean Nothing OS software is a pleasant change from the clutter often found at this price.

The cameras are a triple 50MP setup led by a brighter main sensor, and in good light they punch above the price. Push into dim rooms or long zoom and the limits show, which is fair for the money. An IP54 rating means splash resistance rather than full waterproofing, and updates are shorter than a flagship gets.

At 279 dollars the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the value champion of its moment. It is not a flagship and does not pretend to be, but as the most phone you can get for the least money, it is very hard to beat.