Title: The CMF Phone 2 Pro: A Semi-Modular Regression?
The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing generated significant excitement in the smartphone industry due to its groundbreaking approach to modularity. With a design that invited customization and experimentation, it quickly became popular among tech enthusiasts and DIY fans. Its successor, the CMF Phone 2 Pro, aimed to enhance that legacy. However, while it boasts improvements in durability and functionality, it takes a step back in one crucial aspect: modularity.
Let’s examine how the CMF Phone 2 Pro stacks up against its predecessor, what changes have been made, and why some fans are feeling somewhat disappointed.
A Comparison of Two Modular Phones
The CMF Phone 1 was a refreshing change in a market filled with sealed, non-modifiable devices. It had an external screw system that allowed users to detach the back panel and replace it with custom 3D-printed designs. This led to a vibrant community of creators selling distinctive backplates and accessories on platforms like Etsy. The phone’s modularity wasn’t merely a marketing gimmick—it was integral to its identity.
Enter the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Initially, it seems to adhere to the same philosophy. It still employs screws and provides some level of customization. However, the situation is more complex.
The Facade of Modularity
When unboxing the CMF Phone 2 Pro, many users—particularly those acquainted with the first generation—may think the back panel is removable. After all, it’s fixed with screws, just as before. But attempting to detach it exposes a stark reality: the back isn’t intended to come off. One unfortunate user learned this the hard way, damaging the plastic while attempting to open it.
Nothing later clarified that the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s rear is not designed for removal. This design alteration was implemented to enhance the phone’s ingress protection rating, increasing it from IP52 to IP54. That’s a notable enhancement regarding water resistance, but it sacrifices the phone’s modular appeal.
The Universal Cover: A Fresh Perspective
Instead of a fully removable back, the CMF Phone 2 Pro features a “Universal Cover” system. This cover secures with five screws and accommodates accessories like MagSafe-compatible mounts and clip-on camera lenses. It’s an innovative concept, leading to a new form of modularity—but it’s not quite the same.
The main challenge? Availability. These accessories are presently restricted to Nothing’s European and UK websites, with very limited inventory. U.S. users, including those in the beta program, have found it extremely difficult to access them. Consequently, the community that once thrived on customizing the CMF Phone 1 is now left in limbo.
A Community-Driven Prospective?
With official accessories in short supply, the 3D printing community might again come to the rescue. Etsy sellers and hobbyists are already investigating ways to produce compatible accessories for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. While this grassroots movement is encouraging, it’s disheartening that Nothing didn’t provide stronger support for the phone at launch.
A Lesson in Anticipations
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is still an excellent phone, especially with its sub-$300 price point. It delivers solid performance, a distinctive design, and enhanced durability. Yet for fans of the original’s modularity, it’s a disappointment.
The essential point? Don’t presume the CMF Phone 2 Pro is as modular as its predecessor. If you plan to customize it, ensure you have the proper components—and a hefty amount of patience.
Final Thoughts
The CMF Phone 2 Pro signifies a shift in Nothing’s design philosophy. While it retains some modular elements, it emphasizes durability and broader appeal over complete customizability. For some, that’s a reasonable trade-off. For others, it’s a missed chance.
As accessory creators catch up and the community adjusts, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may yet fulfill its semi-modular promise. But for now, it serves as a reminder that not all upgrades are equivalent—and that sometimes, progress arrives with a crack in the plastic.
