Nothing is back with another budget-friendly disruptor, and leaks of the CMF Phone 2 suggest that it’s aiming straight at Samsung’s Galaxy A26. With a fresh design, a possible camera upgrade, and a price tag that could shake up the entry-level market, this phone might just be the sleeper hit of 2025.
A familiar yet upgraded design
The leaked renders show that Nothing is sticking to its minimalist aesthetic, but there are some noticeable upgrades. The biggest change? A third rear camera sensor, replacing the dual-lens setup from the original CMF Phone. That alone hints at better photography capabilities, which could be a game-changer in the budget segment.
The back panel also looks nearly identical to its predecessor, down to the placement of the screws. This suggests accessory compatibility—a smart move that lets users reuse cases and other add-ons from the first-gen model.
Display & Performance—what to expect
While Nothing hasn’t spilled the official specs yet, the phone is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, keeping it compact yet functional. If the brand sticks to a high refresh rate panel like before, scrolling and gaming should feel smooth.
Under the hood, rumors point to a MediaTek Dimensity or Snapdragon chip, but the exact model is still unclear. If Nothing wants to go head-to-head with the Galaxy A26, it’ll need at least 6GB of RAM, solid optimization, and a 5,000mAh battery for all-day use.
One major thing that needs fixing? NFC support. The first-gen CMF Phone lacked it, which was a letdown for users who rely on Google Pay and tap-to-pay features. Hopefully, Nothing listens this time around.
Can it beat the Galaxy A26?
Samsung’s Galaxy A26, which launched earlier this year, packs a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, an Exynos 1380 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. But at around $300, it’s not exactly cheap for a budget phone. If Nothing can price the CMF Phone 2 closer to $200, it could steal the spotlight as the best affordable smartphone of 2025.
Final thoughts
Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 is shaping up to be an exciting budget alternative. With a refined design, potential performance upgrades, and a competitive price, it has a real shot at challenging Samsung’s budget lineup. If Nothing plays its cards right, this could be the budget phone to beat this year.
Would you pick the CMF Phone 2 over the Galaxy A26?
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