The CMF Phone 2 Pro has officially launched in India with a starting price of Rs 18,999. With notable upgrades in design, camera, and display brightness, this new release by CMF aims to improve upon its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1. But is it worth the price jump? Here’s a full comparison to help you decide.

Design and Display

The CMF Phone 2 Pro brings a refreshed aesthetic, now slimmer and more premium in-hand. Its standout design element is the triple-camera ring layout on the rear, replacing the pill-shaped dual module of Phone 1. New colour options and accessory support — like lanyards, universal covers, and attachable macro/fisheye lenses — also give it an edge in versatility.

Both phones feature a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the 2 Pro takes a huge leap in brightness, reaching up to 5,000 nits compared to its predecessor’s modest levels. Thinner, symmetrical bezels add to the immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Software

While both phones are powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 series, the Phone 2 Pro uses the newer 7300 Pro chip, which offers slightly better efficiency. You also get Nothing OS 3.2 based on Android 15 out of the box, with a promise of 3 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches — a rare commitment in the budget segment.

A shared 5,000mAh battery powers both devices, but only the 2 Pro includes the 33W charger in the box. That’s a welcome fix after user criticism of the missing charger in the Phone 1.

New Features: Essential Key

The 2 Pro introduces a dedicated Essential Key — a smart shortcut for quick access to screenshots, notes, and voice recordings. Powered by AI, it can summarise content and set reminders, though its placement below the power button might lead to accidental presses.

Camera Comparison

This is where the 2 Pro shines. It replaces the Phone 1’s dual-lens setup with a triple-rear camera system: a 50MP main sensor, 50MP telephoto lens, and 8MP ultra-wide camera. This setup vastly improves zoom and wide-angle photography, giving users more flexibility. The 16MP front camera remains unchanged.

Price in India

• CMF Phone 1: Rs 15,999 (6GB + 128GB), Rs 17,999 (8GB + 128GB)
• CMF Phone 2 Pro: Rs 18,999 (8GB + 128GB), Rs 20,999 (8GB + 256GB)

While the price has gone up, the added features — including better cameras, accessories, and included charger — make the 2 Pro a much better overall value.

Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a significant improvement over the Phone 1. With upgraded cameras, a brighter display, improved software support, and added features like the Essential Key and accessory compatibility, it’s worth considering for new buyers or those looking for a more capable daily driver.

If you already own the Phone 1 and are satisfied with its performance, an upgrade may not be necessary. But for users focused on photography, display quality, and long-term updates, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is clearly the better choice under Rs 20,000.

Want more options? Check out our curated list of best budget smartphones under Rs 20,000.