Nothing has officially launched the Phone 2 Pro, the second smartphone from its vibrant subbrand, CMF. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, this modular handset offers a range of exciting accessories that users can easily attach. However, it's important to note that, similar to the first CMF phone, the Phone 2 Pro will not be available through official channels in the United States.
When purchased on its own, the Phone 2 Pro stands out as a well-equipped budget Android handset. It boasts a robust triple rear camera system, a vibrant 120Hz OLED display, and comes with a generous 128GB of storage. The true selling point, however, lies in its array of modular add-ons. These include a screw-on case, a kickstand-card wallet combo, a bright orange lanyard, and innovative swappable camera lenses.
Unlike its predecessor, the Phone 1, which featured a removable backplate for easy accessory attachment, the Phone 2 Pro adopts a different approach. Users can now purchase separate covers that screw onto the existing rear of the device. This change may be a factor in the device's improved water resistance, moving from IP52 to IP54. The new accessories attach to the cover, with the kickstand utilizing a built-in magnet while the camera lenses click into a specially designed plastic ring surrounding the main camera.
The most notable additions to the Phone 2 Pro's ecosystem are the new camera lenses. Sold as a pair, these include a fisheye and a macro lens, both of which simply attach to the main lens. Users may find the fisheye lens to be less pronounced than expected, requiring some effort to capture shots that highlight its effect. In contrast, the macro lens delivers impressive results, especially for a budget device, outperforming typical ultrawide cameras found in other affordable smartphones.
Among the accessories available, the lanyard from the original Phone 1 remains compatible with the Phone 2 Pro, but it is the only one that does not require the new cover for use. The lanyard screws into a circular accessory cover located at the bottom corner of the phone. While this accessory is fun, it does present some challenges, such as when attempting to prop the phone up in portrait mode, which can lead to an unsteady setup with the lanyard attached.
Despite the excitement surrounding the CMF ecosystem, there are some concerns regarding its implementation. The necessity of purchasing the cover to use most modules raises questions about the overall user experience, especially when the technology required is relatively simple. Furthermore, the Phone 2 Pro includes a clear plastic protective case that is not compatible with the screw-on covers, which may frustrate users.
Another pressing concern is the longevity of the CMF accessory range. Since the launch of the first CMF Phone 1, there have been no additional accessories introduced, and the new Phone 2 Pro utilizes a different system that is not interoperable with the original accessories. A successful modular ecosystem requires a diverse selection of options that can be expanded over time, and there has been no indication that this is part of Nothing's strategy.
On a positive note, the Phone 2 Pro performs admirably on its own. After just a few days of testing, the device exhibits smooth performance, with the battery lasting a full day without issue. The camera quality, including a 50-megapixel 2x telephoto lens, exceeds expectations for a budget smartphone. While some colors may appear muted in the viewfinder, the final images are generally impressive.
Running on Android 15, the Phone 2 Pro promises three years of operating system updates and six years of security patches. It also features the AI-powered “Essential Space”, introduced with the Nothing Phone 3A, allowing users to take screenshots, capture photos, and save voice notes and reminders conveniently.
The Phone 2 Pro is currently available for preorder, with an official release date set for May 6th. Prices start at £219 / €249 in Europe for the 128GB model, increasing to £249 / €279 for the 256GB variant. In the United States, the phone can only be purchased through Nothing's “beta program,” which comes with specific limitations regarding carrier compatibility and after-sales support. The price for the 256GB model in the U.S. is set at $279.
Unfortunately, the modular accessories are not available in the U.S., and even in Europe, they will be offered in limited quantities. The pricing for these accessories starts at £25 / €25 for the lanyard and goes up to £65 / €65 for a bundle that includes the cover, kickstand, and lenses.
In addition to the Phone 2 Pro, Nothing has also unveiled a new line of budget earbuds: the Buds 2, 2 Plus, and 2A. These models share the same aesthetic and rotatable “smart dial” design as last year’s Buds Pro 2. Prices range from $49 / £29 / €39 for the 2A to $69 / £49 / €59 for the 2 Plus, with all three models featuring active noise cancellation, water resistance, and enhanced audio options.
In summary, the Phone 2 Pro presents an intriguing offering in the budget smartphone market, particularly with its modular accessories and solid performance. However, potential buyers should weigh the importance of the modular ecosystem against the current limitations and compatibility issues that may affect their overall experience.
