Hey everyone!
I had the opportunity to test the CMF Phone 2 Pro for 28 days as my primary photography device. As someone who relies heavily on smartphone cameras for daily shots, I was particularly interested in how this budget-friendly device would perform.
Priced aggressively at ₹18,999 (8+128GB) and ₹20,999 (8+256GB), it boasts a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP telephoto lens—a rarity in this segment. But does it deliver for mobile photography? Here’s my detailed take after 28 days of real-world use.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The unboxing experience is satisfying, with a 33W charger, USB-C cable, and a transparent case included—uncommon for budget phones. The phone itself feels surprisingly premium despite its plastic build, weighing just 185g. The standout design features include metallic camera rings and a unique dual-tone matte finish that resists fingerprints well.
Display Quality
The 6.77″ AMOLED display is a highlight, offering 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 1300 nits peak brightness. Colors pop in the “Vivid” mode, and the 10-bit panel ensures smooth gradients—great for photo editing. However, the 1080p resolution isn’t as sharp as higher-end panels, and the bezels could be slimmer. Outdoor visibility is good, though reflections can be an issue under direct sunlight.
Camera Performance: Strengths
The 50MP main sensor captures detailed, well-exposed shots in daylight, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The 50MP telephoto (2x optical zoom) is impressive for portraits and distant subjects, offering natural bokeh without excessive edge artifacts. The 8MP ultrawide is usable for landscapes, though softer at the edges. The preset filters (LUTs) add creative flexibility, and the manual controls are decent for enthusiasts.
Camera Performance: Weaknesses
The lack of OIS is a major drawback—low-light shots often turn out blurry without a steady hand. The telephoto struggles in dim lighting, producing noisy images, and the camera app frequently switches to the main sensor for close-ups, limiting macro versatility. Video recording is limited to 4K@30fps without stabilization, making handheld footage shaky.
Performance & Software
Powered by the Dimensity 7300 Pro and 8GB RAM, the phone handles photo editing apps like Lightroom smoothly. Nothing OS 3.2 (based on Android 15) is clean and fluid, with no bloatware. The promise of 3 major OS updates is a big plus. Gaming performance is adequate—BGMI runs at 60FPS smoothly, though the phone warms up after extended sessions.
Battery & Charging
The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy camera use (8-9 hours SOT). However, the 33W charging feels slow, taking over 90 minutes for a full top-up. Reverse wired charging (5W) is a niche addition but too slow to be practical.
Audio & Extras
The mono speaker is loud but lacks depth, and the absence of NFC (in India) is disappointing. Haptics are excellent, providing precise feedback, and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable. The IP54 rating offers basic splash resistance, though I wouldn’t test its 25cm water resistance claim.
Shots Taken On CMF2 Pro
👍 Pros:
✔ Great daylight photography (main + telephoto).
✔ Standout design & lightweight (185g).
✔ Excellent AMOLED display (HDR10+, 120Hz).
✔ Clean software with long-term updates.
✔ Good battery life.
👎Cons:
❌ No OIS → Blurry low-light shots.
❌ Telephoto struggles with macro.
❌ Mono speaker, no NFC.
Final Verdict
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a compelling option for budget-conscious photographers, thanks to its versatile telephoto lens and vibrant AMOLED display.If you prioritize daylight photography and software longevity over low-light performance, it’s a great pick. For more demanding users, saving up for a device with OIS might be worth it. The best Phone in this Price Range 🔥🔥🔥.
Rating: 8.5/10
Best for: Casual photographers, content creators, and users who value software polish over absolute camera performance.
Thank you ❤️
