CMF announces the Phone 2 Pro, with modularity in mind

The Phone 2 Pro offers a surprisingly capable budget Android experience with a decent triple rear camera, a bright 120Hz OLED screen, and 128GB storage. Its key feature is the modular ecosystem: a screw-on case, a kickstand-card wallet, an orange lanyard, and swappable camera lenses.

Nothing has tweaked its modular approach. Unlike the Phone 1’s removable backplate, the 2 Pro uses covers screwed onto the rear for accessory attachment, potentially contributing to its improved IP54 water resistance. Accessories then attach to the cover, with the kickstand using a magnet and lenses clicking onto a camera ring.

The new lenses – a fisheye and a macro – are a notable addition. The subtle fisheye requires deliberate framing, while the macro lens offers superior close-up results compared to typical budget phone ultrawide macro modes.

The lanyard from the original Phone 1 remains compatible, attaching directly to a corner mount without needing a cover. While perhaps not for everyone, it highlights the modular concept.

The CMF ecosystem’s modularity is appealing, especially at an affordable price point. However, requiring the cover for most modules feels like a necessary extra purchase. The magnetic and plastic tech involved could arguably have been integrated into the phone itself.

A tension exists between Nothing’s modular ambition and CMF’s budget focus, leading to some inconsistencies. The included clear case isn’t compatible with the screw-on modular covers. Additionally, the lanyard and kickstand case are incompatible when used together in portrait mode, despite promotional images suggesting otherwise.

Long-term support for the modular ecosystem is also a concern. No new accessories have been added since the CMF Phone 1’s launch nine months ago, and the Phone 2 Pro uses a largely incompatible system. A thriving modular ecosystem needs ongoing accessory development, which hasn’t been evident.

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The core phone experience, however, is impressive. Initial use shows smooth performance, all-day battery life, and better-than-expected cameras, including a 50-megapixel 2x telephoto. Minor issues include muted viewfinder colours that don’t affect final photos.

The Phone 2 Pro runs the same software as other Nothing phones, based on Android 15 with three OS updates and six years of security patches. It includes the AI-powered “Essential Space” with a dedicated key for quick access to screenshots, camera captures, voice notes, and reminders. While the dedicated button’s necessity is debatable, the feature feels like a practical AI implementation.

Preorders are open now, with an official release on May 6th. European pricing starts at £219 / €249 for 128GB, rising to £249 / €279 for 256GB. In the US, it’s only available through a “beta program” with carrier compatibility warnings and no after-sales support, priced at $279 for the 256GB model. Modular accessories aren’t available in the US and will have limited European quantities, ranging from £25 / €25 for the lanyard to £65 / €65 for a cover, kickstand, and lenses bundle.

Alongside the phone, Nothing introduced budget earbuds: the Buds 2, 2 Plus, and 2A. They share the design of last year’s Buds Pro 2, including a decorative rotatable dial. Ranging from $49 / £29 / €39 to $69 / £49 / €59, all three offer active noise cancellation and water resistance, with spatial audio on the 2 and 2 Plus, and Hi-Res LDAC on the Plus.