Nothing's CMF sub-brand has thrown down the gauntlet with the CMF Phone 2 Pro, stepping directly into the path of its own cousin, the Nothing Phone (3a). Both offer distinctive styles, but with a small price gap between them, which one shapes up as the better value buy? Let's compare the key features.
CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone 3a: Which phone deserves a space in your pocket?
Your cash, your call
Display Duel
No clear winner here – both phones pack a vibrant 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 1080 x 2392 pixel (Full-HD+) resolution, a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ visuals. They share a high 3000 nits peak brightness figure and Panda Glass protection. You’re getting a top-notch screen experience for the price bracket with either device.
Processor, RAM & Storage Rumble
The CMF Phone 2 Pro features the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro. It pairs 8GB RAM (boostable to 16GB virtually) with 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Crucially, storage is expandable up to 2TB via microSD. Nothing Phone (3a): Uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 with 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable UFS 2.2 storage. The CMF potentially offers more RAM via its booster feature (but in our opinion, virtual RAM is never as fast as traditional RAM), but CMF takes a big win with its expandable storage – a major value plus for users needing extra space without splurging on the higher storage model.
Camera Configuration Comparison
CMF Phone 2 Pro's rear setup consists of a 50MP main (EIS) + 50MP telephoto (2x optical / 20x digital zoom, EIS) + 8MP ultra-wide. The front has a 16 MP camera and includes Nothing’s TrueLens Engine 3.0. Video can do up to 4K@30fps.
Nothing Phone (3a) has a 50MP main + 50MP telephoto (2x optical zoom) + 8MP ultra-wide rear camera set up, and the front is a 32 MP camera. Video: 4K@30fps or 1080p@60fps.
While the rear camera arrays look similar in megapixel count, the Nothing Phone (3a) offers double the resolution on the selfie camera and slightly more flexible video options. However, we haven’t tested these two side by side in a proper camera showdown, so come back when we test the camera quality for both.
Battery & Charging Battle
Both phones come equipped with a solid 5000mAh battery.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro charges at 33 W (wired) and includes the charger in the box and supports 5W reverse wired charging. The Nothing Phone (3a) charges faster at 50W (wired) but requires a separate charger purchase, it also supports reverse wired charging. The CMF offers convenience out of the box, while the 3a provides faster top-ups if you invest in a compatible power brick.
Other Bits & Bobs
Both run Android 15 (Nothing OS 3.2 on CMF, 3.1 on 3a) with identical update promises (3 years OS / 6 years security). In terms of build, the CMF is slightly slimmer/lighter (7.8mm / 185g) with IP54 resistance. It’s also got that tinkering-friendly back panel. Nothing (3a) has IP64 resistance and comes with a Glyph light interface.
Both have 5G and Wi-Fi 6. CMF uses Bluetooth 5.3, while the 3a uses Bluetooth 5.4.
Prices
CMF Phone 2 Pro is priced at Rs. 18,999 (128GB) and Rs. 20,999 (256GB). The Nothing Phone (3a) is priced at Rs. 24,999 (128GB) and Rs. 26,999 (256GB).. That's a hefty Rs 6,000 saving with the CMF Phone 2 Pro at both storage tiers.
Which Offers Better Value?
Looking purely at the specs versus the price, the CMF Phone 2 Pro appears to offer outstanding value. For Rs. 6,000 less, you get expandable storage and a charger included while matching the Nothing Phone (3a) in key areas like display quality and battery size.
The extra cost for the Nothing Phone (3a) gets you faster charging capability (though you need to buy the charger), a higher-resolution selfie camera, slightly better IP rating, potentially different Bluetooth performance, and the unique Glyph Interface. Whether those extras are worth the significant price premium depends on your priorities.
Of course, this comparison doesn't factor in real-world performance, camera quality, or build feel elements that can significantly impact value. For the final word on how the CMF Phone 2 Pro truly stacks up, keep an eye out for our full review.
In the meantime, you can read our review on The Nothing Phone 3a right here.