Nothing’s budget-focused sub-brand is gearing up for its second act. And this time, it’s adding more than just a fresh coat of paint.
After a quiet few months, CMF by Nothing is back in the spotlight. The company has officially confirmed it will launch the CMF Phone 2 Pro in India and global markets on April 28 at 6:30 PM IST. The upcoming smartphone will arrive alongside three new true wireless earbuds: CMF Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus. It’s shaping up to be a packed event, but all eyes are on the Phone 2 Pro—and for good reason.
Familiar Face, Subtle Redesign
The design of the CMF Phone 2 Pro won’t come as a total surprise. According to the teaser shared online, the phone keeps a layout similar to its predecessor but brings in a few small touches that could go a long way. There’s a visible screw on the back panel. Yes, a literal screw.
It’s a strange choice in a world of flush finishes and hidden seams, but it adds a unique flair. Pair that with plastic edges, a mix of glossy and matte textures, and the signature “CMF by Nothing” logo tucked into the lower corner—it’s minimal yet edgy.
One quick glance at the back, and you’ll know exactly which brand this phone belongs to. There’s no mistaking it.
Specs? Not Yet. Hype? Definitely.
Let’s be real. CMF hasn’t spilled much on the specs yet. Zero word on the chipset. Nothing on the display size or battery. Not even a peep about the cameras.
But here’s what we do know. The original CMF Phone 1 wasn’t a powerhouse, but it had a niche. It was cheap, clean-looking, and functional enough for folks who don’t need their phone to double as a gaming console.
So what can we expect from the sequel?
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A likely upgrade in processor—possibly a newer MediaTek chip.
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Slight bump in display quality—maybe AMOLED this time.
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Improved build materials while keeping it lightweight.
We’re speculating here, of course. But it wouldn’t make sense for Nothing to slap on a “Pro” label without at least nudging things forward.
Audio Product Overload Incoming
Interestingly, this launch isn’t just about the phone. CMF is also dropping three new audio products in the same breath: CMF Buds 2, Buds 2a, and CMF Buds 2 Plus. That’s a lot of earbuds for one event.
And that raises the question—why so many? Are they that different?
Hard to say yet. But Nothing has a reputation for segmenting features just enough to offer choice without confusing buyers too much. Think different battery lives, driver sizes, ANC options, and pricing tiers.
Here’s a quick guesswork breakdown:
| Product Name | Likely Features | Possible Price Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| CMF Buds 2 | Basic audio + passive noise isolation | ₹1,999 – ₹2,499 |
| CMF Buds 2a | Active noise cancellation + better drivers | ₹2,999 – ₹3,499 |
| CMF Buds 2 Plus | Everything above + longer battery, dual pairing | ₹3,999 – ₹4,499 |
Again, no official details yet—but this tiering would align with what we’ve seen from Nothing’s previous audio launches.
Competing in a Crowded Segment
Budget smartphones are everywhere in India. You don’t need to look far to find devices under ₹15,000 boasting great cameras, huge batteries, and smooth 90Hz displays. So, where does the CMF Phone 2 Pro even fit?
Well, Nothing doesn’t try to fight on specs alone. It sells an aesthetic, a vibe. You’re buying into a certain look and feel, more than just raw hardware.
It worked for the Phone (1), and even more so with the Phone (2). CMF hopes to recreate that at the lower end of the spectrum.
The timing also helps. The Phone 3a and 3a Pro just launched in India with the new Camera Capture feature—an intelligent tool that grabs text from images instantly. It’s surprisingly handy for copying Wi-Fi passwords, addresses, or quick notes without fiddling with a pen.
Chances are, this feature could trickle down to CMF’s new lineup as part of Nothing OS.
What It Means for the Brand
Nothing isn’t going mainstream, but it’s definitely expanding its circle. With the CMF range, it’s testing waters in budget tech while keeping its core premium aesthetic intact.
People who never cared about design are now talking about the shape of a volume rocker. That’s saying something.
So, when the Phone 2 Pro lands, it’s not just about whether the camera has a Night Mode or if the battery lasts 12 hours. It’s about continuing that conversation—about making budget phones exciting again.
