Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro is one of the most anticipated budget smartphones of 2023. Since its inception in 2021, the company has garnered significant attention with its transparent design smartphones and wireless earbuds. In 2022, the subsidiary brand CMF launched the Phone 1, notable for its plastic build and modular design, which allowed users to easily attach kickstands, neck straps, and card wallet cases via a simple screw mechanism on the phone's back. The modularity was a standout feature, but the Phone 2 Pro, while retaining the modular aspect, has abandoned some of the earlier design elements. Upon unboxing, I tested the compatibility between Phone 1 accessories and the new Phone 2 Pro. The kickstand and neck strap seamlessly fit into the Phone 2 Pro’s circular wheel, but the card wallet, which required a special magnetic plate, did not work. Additionally, the Phone 2 Pro's non-removable back cover means that all custom back plates from the Phone 1 are incompatible. However, the company has left the four easily removable screws intact, providing users with the option to create and 3D print their own accessories or buy third-party designs from markets like Etsy. The overall design of the Phone 2 Pro remains appealing, with a sturdy feel and a more lightweight profile compared to other phones of similar size (185 grams and 7.8 millimeters thick). The screen is bright and supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making Nothing OS 3.2 (based on Android 15) user-friendly and responsive. The device is available in several colors, including a light mint green, white, black, and orange. The orange variant stands out with its dual-tone design, which adds a unique flair. Performance-wise, the Phone 2 Pro has seen minor but notable upgrades. The display has grown from 6.6 inches to 6.77 inches AMOLED, and the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset offers a speed improvement of about 10% over its predecessor. The battery capacity remains unchanged at 5,000mAh, but CMF claims an additional hour of use time. Significantly, the camera system has been enhanced. Unlike the single 50MP main camera on the Phone 1, the Phone 2 Pro features a triple-lens setup: a 50MP f/1.88 main lens, a 50MP f/1.85 telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. This provides a broader zoom range and wider field of view, though the actual photo quality requires further testing. The physical "Essential" button, originally introduced in Nothing's high-end models, is now included. Pressing the button takes a screenshot, while holding it activates the "Essential Space" mode, where AI organizes and processes photos, screenshots, and voice notes. While the Phone 2 Pro is primarily aimed at the Indian and European markets, it can only be purchased in the U.S. through Nothing's Beta program for $279 (8GB+256GB version), without official customer support. The company has also introduced a variety of official accessories, available in limited quantities in the UK and Europe, such as a universal back shell (£25/€25), interchangeable fish-eye and macro lenses (£35/€35), and a functional piece combining a card holder and stand (£35/€35). Two accessory bundles are offered: one with the back shell and a choice of wallet/stand or lens (£45/€45), and another with all functional pieces and lenses (£65/€65). One of the standout features of the Phone 2 Pro is the modular accessory ecosystem. Users can screw on various attachments to enhance the phone’s functionality. These include a kickstand, card holder, neck strap, and the newly introduced fish-eye and macro lenses. The latter can be easily clipped onto the plastic ring around the main camera, significantly improving close-up photography, an area often neglected in budget devices. The modularity also boosts the phone’s water resistance to IP54 from IP52. However, this system presents some challenges. For instance, certain combinations of accessories, like the card holder and neck strap, do not work together, which might inconvenience some users. On the software front, the Phone 2 Pro runs on Android 15, promising three years of OS updates and six years of security patches. The AI-driven "Essential Space" function, accessible via the dedicated button, helps organize and manage content like screenshots, photos, and voice memos. This integration of practical AI features adds value to the user experience and could be a selling point, especially since it hints at potential subscription-based services. Alongside the Phone 2 Pro, Nothing has introduced new earbud models: Buds 2, Buds 2 Plus, and Buds 2A. These headphones continue the company’s innovative design with a smart rotating dial, active noise cancellation, and water resistance. Both Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus support spatial audio, while the Plus version includes Hi-Res LDAC for superior sound quality. Prices range from £29/€39 for the Buds 2A to £49/€59 for the Buds 2 Plus, offering good value for money. Industry insiders generally view the CMF Phone 2 Pro as a continuation of the company’s commitment to modular design and affordability. Despite dropping some previous design elements and facing challenges with accessory compatibility, the new model still boasts strong hardware and software configurations. Nothing's strategy of differentiating itself through unique and fun design elements is clear, but the lack of expansion and compatibility in the modular ecosystem may impact long-term user satisfaction. Addressing these issues in future products could help Nothing gain even more traction in the market. As an emerging tech brand, Nothing has positioned itself well by focusing on innovative, affordable products designed to appeal to younger consumers. The release of the CMF Phone 2 Pro is likely to reinforce this positioning and solidify the company's presence in the budget smartphone and accessories market. With ongoing improvements and addressing existing limitations, Nothing has the potential to become a major player in the tech industry.