Introduction to the Phone 2 Pro
Nothing has announced the second phone under its colorful subbrand CMF: the Phone 2 Pro. Just like the first CMF phone, this is a modular handset with extra accessories you can screw into place. The Phone 2 Pro is a surprisingly well-specced budget Android handset, with a decent triple rear camera system, a bright 120Hz OLED screen, and 128GB of storage.
Modular Add-ons and Design
The real appeal of the Phone 2 Pro is the array of modular add-ons: a screw-on case, a kickstand-card wallet combo, a bright orange lanyard, and a pair of swappable camera lenses. The extra lenses pop on and off without much work, and the BB-8 orange card wallet doubles as a kickstand. However, the Phone 2 Pro’s design has changed slightly since the Phone 1, with the backplate no longer removable. Instead, covers are screwed on top of the phone’s existing rear, which may have contributed to the improved water-resistance.
New Accessories and Features
The lenses are the biggest new addition to the Phone 2 Pro. Sold as a pair, you get a fisheye and a macro, each of which simply sits on top of the existing main lens. The fisheye is a little subtler than expected, while the macro lens provides much better results than the usual ultrawide cameras found in budget phones. The lanyard is the only accessory from the original Phone 1 that still works with the 2 Pro, but it’s also the only one that doesn’t require the cover to work.
Software and Performance
The Phone 2 Pro runs on Android 15 and promises three years of OS updates along with six years of security patches. It also includes the AI-powered “Essential Space” introduced with the Nothing Phone 3A devices, with a dedicated key to activate it. The Essential Space allows users to take screenshots and camera captures, save them, and add optional voice notes and reminders. The phone’s performance has been smooth, with a battery that comfortably lasts until the end of the day, and cameras that are better than expected at this price.
Availability and Pricing
The Phone 2 Pro is available to preorder now, with an official release on May 6th, starting at £219 / €249 in Europe for 128GB of storage, rising to £249 / €279 for 256GB. In the US, it can only be bought through Nothing’s “beta program,” which comes with caveats about potential hiccups on US carriers and no after-sales support, and it’ll set you back $279 for the 256GB model. The modular accessories aren’t available in the US at all, and there’ll only be “limited quantities” in Europe.
Other Products: Buds 2, 2 Plus, and 2A
Alongside the new phone, Nothing has also revealed a trio of budget earbuds. The Buds 2, 2 Plus, and 2A all borrow the aesthetic — and rotatable “smart dial” — seen on last year’s Buds Pro 2. Ranging from $49 / £29 / €39 for the 2A up to $69 / £49 / €59 for the 2 Plus, all three models include active noise cancellation and water-resistance, with spatial audio on the 2 and 2 Plus, and Hi-Res LDAC support on the Plus.
Conclusion
The Phone 2 Pro is an impressive budget Android handset with a range of modular add-ons. While the execution of the modular ecosystem has some qualms, the phone itself is a great device with smooth performance, good cameras, and a long-lasting battery. However, the lack of availability of the modular accessories in the US and the limited quantities in Europe may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Phone 2 Pro is a great option for those looking for a budget phone with a unique design and features.
