Nothing's budget-friendly sub-brand CMF is gearing up for its next release, with new teasers hinting at significant camera improvements for the upcoming CMF Phone 2. The successor to last year's well-received CMF Phone 1 appears to be just around the corner, potentially bringing several enhancements to the affordable smartphone lineup.
Camera Upgrades Take Center Stage
CMF by Nothing has released a short teaser video showcasing what appears to be a camera lens on an orange device, accompanied by the tagline In search of the perfect shot and coming soon. This focus on photography suggests camera performance will be a key upgrade for the CMF Phone 2. While the teaser shows only a single lens, leaked prototype images on Reddit indicate the new model may feature a triple-camera array, a significant upgrade from the dual-camera system on the original CMF Phone 1. The current model offers a 50MP main lens with EIS and a secondary portrait lens, so the addition of a third camera could expand the phone's photographic capabilities considerably.
CMF Phone 1 Specifications (Current Model)
- 50MP main camera with EIS
- Secondary portrait lens
- Dual camera array
CMF Phone 2 Rumored Features
- Triple camera array (based on leaked prototypes)
- Model number: A001
- New orange color option
- Focus on photography improvements
Design Evolution
The teaser video displays a device with distinctive technological ridges and cuts on its rear panel, though it's unclear whether these are actual design elements or simply visual effects for the promotional material. The CMF Phone 1 was praised for its stylish design, and it appears the company aims to continue this design-forward approach with the sequel. The teaser shows the device in orange, suggesting CMF will maintain its colorful aesthetic philosophy.
Potential Improvements
The original CMF Phone 1 was widely considered an excellent value proposition, offering a quality display and solid performance at an affordable price point. However, reviewers noted several areas for improvement, including camera quality, IP rating for water and dust resistance, vibration motor performance, audio (it had only a single speaker), and battery life. The focus on camera improvements in the teaser suggests CMF has addressed at least one of these concerns, but it remains to be seen whether the other aspects will receive similar attention.
Release Timeline
While no specific launch date has been announced, the coming soon tagline indicates the official reveal may not be far off. The CMF Phone 2's existence has been rumored since December 2024, when its model number (reportedly A001) was discovered in the IMEI database alongside Nothing's Phone 3a and 3a Plus, which have already launched. This suggests the CMF Phone 2's release could be imminent.
Market Positioning
As Nothing's budget sub-brand, CMF aims to deliver compelling features at accessible price points. The original CMF Phone 1 successfully carved out a niche in the competitive budget smartphone market, and the Phone 2 will need to maintain this balance of performance and affordability to continue the brand's momentum. With smartphone competition fiercer than ever in the budget segment, the camera improvements teased could be a key differentiator for the CMF Phone 2.
What to Expect
While details remain limited, the teaser campaign suggests CMF will gradually reveal more information about the Phone 2 in the coming weeks. Based on the company's previous release, we can expect a device that prioritizes design and core functionality at an attractive price point, with the added benefit of improved camera capabilities. For budget-conscious consumers who appreciated the original CMF Phone 1, its successor could be one of the more interesting affordable smartphones of 2025.