CMF Phone 2 Pro Review: The Best Budget Smartphone You’ve Never Heard Of
Posted by Trent H on 20th May 2025
With smartphone prices continuing to climb, it’s refreshing to see a device like the CMF Phone 2 Pro enter the spotlight. Designed by Nothing’s budget-friendly sub-brand CMF, this phone manages to deliver a surprisingly premium experience in areas that matter most—display, performance, and everyday usability.
I’ve had the chance to go hands-on with the CMF Phone 2 Pro (256GB/8GB RAM, White), available in New Zealand through retailers like Parallel Imported, and I came away impressed by how much this phone gets right.
First Impressions: Subtle Design, Unique Character
The moment you pick up the CMF Phone 2 Pro, it’s clear this isn’t just another generic smartphone. The slim 7.8mm profile feels light but well-built, and the exposed screw design on the back gives it a bit of personality. The white model has a clean, almost frosted look that reflects light in a subtle, elegant way.
It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. CMF has carved out a niche for people who want something a little different without being over-designed.
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Easy on the Eyes
The 6.77-inch AMOLED screen was one of the biggest surprises. It supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which keeps animations fluid whether you’re scrolling through emails or playing games. Visibility outdoors is excellent thanks to a peak brightness of 3000 nits—this phone handles New Zealand’s bright summer days without breaking a sweat.
Colours are rich without being over-saturated, and the display feels far more advanced than you’d expect in a device at this level. Panda Glass adds a layer of durability, which is a nice touch.
Performance: Surprisingly Smooth, Even Under Pressure
Under the hood, the CMF Phone 2 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and expandable storage. I was genuinely surprised at how responsive the phone felt. App switching, multitasking, and even light gaming felt snappy.
In benchmarks, it scores over 700,000 in Antutu—impressive, but in daily use, what matters more is that it just rarely stutters. Even with multiple apps open and background tasks running, the phone held its own.
Camera System: Versatile and Better Than Expected
CMF hasn’t cut too many corners in the camera department. The triple-lens rear setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide. The inclusion of a proper telephoto lens (not just digital zoom) is a standout feature.
Photos in good light are sharp and well-balanced, and the TrueLens Engine 3 does a good job handling contrast and highlights. Night mode is usable, though not class-leading, and the lack of OIS can make low-light shots a bit tricky. The 16MP front camera is solid for selfies and video calls.
Overall, the camera system isn’t just decent for the price—it’s legitimately enjoyable to use.
Battery Life: Reliable and Efficient
With a 5000mAh battery, I was consistently getting a full day and then some—even with moderate use including streaming, social media, and occasional photography. On lighter days, I could comfortably stretch it into the second day.
Charging is handled via 33W fast charging, which isn’t record-breaking but definitely quick enough to be convenient. The phone also supports reverse wired charging, which is a rare bonus.
Software: Clean, Customisable, and Surprisingly Useful
Running Nothing OS 3.2 (based on Android 15), the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a clean, bloat-free experience. I appreciated small touches like the monochrome aesthetic, customizable widgets, and the Essential Space feature—a sort of AI-enhanced dashboard for organizing notes and screenshots.
There’s also ChatGPT integration for quick voice commands, which feels more like a nice-to-have than a must-use feature, but it’s executed well.
CMF promises 3 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches, which is reassuring—especially in this segment where long-term support is often overlooked.
A Few Limitations to Note
No phone is perfect, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro does have its trade-offs:
- No wireless charging
- IP54 rating (splash resistant, not waterproof)
- Mono speaker (no stereo setup)
- No optical image stabilization (OIS)
That said, these omissions are understandable. None of them felt like deal-breakers during my time with the phone, especially considering everything else it gets right.
Verdict: A Quietly Excellent Smartphone
The CMF Phone 2 Pro doesn’t try to compete with flagship phones on every spec—but it doesn’t need to. What it offers is a well-rounded, thoughtfully designed experience that covers the essentials and then some. The display is excellent, the performance is reliable, the cameras are versatile, and the software is genuinely enjoyable to use.
For users in New Zealand, it's good to know the phone is available locally through retailers like Parallel Imported, complete with full network compatibility and local support.
If you’re looking for a capable Android phone that feels more premium than its competition without leaning on gimmicks, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is absolutely worth a look.
Where to Buy in NZ
You can find the CMF Phone 2 Pro (256GB, White) and other colour options at Parallel Imported, one of New Zealand’s most trusted tech retailers. They offer fast shipping, Auckland-based click & collect, and great local support.