Why Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro might just bring the fun back to smartphones

There was a time—early in my career as a tech journalist—when smartphones felt magical. Every new launch came with a sense of excitement and wonder. But over the years, that excitement has faded. Today, reviewing a smartphone often feels like a chore. The innovation is slower, the designs feel repetitive, and bold ideas are rare.

But then came Nothing. Co-founded by OnePlus’s Carl Pei, this London-based brand is trying to shake things up. And their latest budget device, the CMF Phone 2 Pro, might just be what the industry needs: a phone that’s not just smart, but fun.

A Fresh Take on Budget Phones

I got my hands on the CMF Phone 2 Pro recently (starting at ₹16,999), and I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—genuine curiosity. This phone isn’t trying to take on the flagships. Instead, it’s embracing experimentation, just like its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1, which stood out last year for its quirky, semi-modular design.

This time, Nothing has refined that idea. You still get the DIY spirit, but with more polish and purpose.

Modularity—Reimagined

Back in the 2010s, companies like Motorola and LG tried modular phones. Google even had an ambitious concept called Project Ara. But most of these efforts failed. They were too complex or ahead of their time.

Nothing, however, is taking a lighter, more practical approach. With the CMF Phone 2 Pro, modularity isn't about swapping out processors or displays—it's about adding a touch of personalization and utility.

You can still remove four screws on the back of the phone with the included mini screwdriver, but now, instead of replacing the back panel, you attach a special screw-on case. This case becomes the base for attaching accessories—like a bright orange lanyard, a card holder that doubles as a kickstand, or even swappable camera lenses.

To me, it felt like building something out of LEGO—simple, satisfying, and nostalgic. Sure, it’s not game-changing, but it is different. And sometimes, different is exactly what we need.

What’s New?

One of the coolest features is the set of attachable lenses. Snap on a fisheye or macro lens, and suddenly your phone camera does more than usual. These lenses click into a plastic ring around the main camera, letting you shoot ultra-wide scenes or extreme close-ups with ease. It’s not professional-grade, but it’s playful and practical—especially for creators and curious minds.

Notably, the Phone 2 Pro also boasts IP54 water resistance—a bump up from last year’s IP52—possibly explaining why Nothing ditched the fully removable backplate this time around.

The Bigger Picture

Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro isn’t trying to be the most powerful phone. Instead, it’s trying to bring joy back to everyday tech. It’s affordable, flexible, and refreshingly bold in a sea of similar-looking smartphones.

And while I can’t say what the future holds for Nothing—whether they’ll continue to take risks as they grow—I do hope more brands take a page from their playbook. Because in an age where smartphones have become essential but boring, we need a little fun back in the equation.