CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a) Comparison: Features, Performance, and More Differences

Nothing, a company known for creating visually striking smartphones, released the CMF Phone 2 Pro and the Nothing Phone (3a) in 2025. While CMF is a sub-brand, both models feature a 2x optical zoom camera and share many similarities in terms of specifications. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two devices.

Compare the body designs of CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a) side by side.

CMF Phone 2 Pro

Nothing Phone (3a)

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is designed around a concept of functional beauty, featuring a plain yet stylish aesthetic. Its stainless steel screws are deliberately exposed, highlighting a dedication to craftsmanship. These screws are actually removable, allowing users to attach optional parts and customize the phone. While the back panel is made of resin, it complements the minimalist design philosophy and gives the phone a deliberate, tool-like feel. Each camera is housed in an independent unit, framed by an aluminum camera ring. The device is available in four colors: black, orange, light green, and white. Notably, the orange and white variants feature a distinctive two-tone design on the back, underscoring the brand’s attention to detail.

The Nothing Phone (3a), on the other hand, aims for a unique industrial design unlike any conventional smartphone. Compared to the CMF Phone, it includes more decorative elements. Its standout feature is the “Glyph Interface,” a lighting system for notifications, which the CMF Phone lacks. The glass back adds a sense of premium quality that surpasses the CMF model, though it does not support physical customization. The available colors are black, white, and blue.

Both phones feature a dedicated Essential Space key positioned on the side of the device.

Thus, the differences between the two go beyond design alone. The CMF Phone 2 Pro allows for physical customization of the device, while the Nothing Phone (3a) offers a unique user experience through its Glyph Interface, marking a clear functional distinction between the two.

Compare the CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a) Body and Display at Actual Size

Let’s compare the two devices and their displays side by side at actual scale.

In terms of body dimensions, the Nothing Phone (3a) is slightly larger by about 0.5 mm in height, width, and thickness, but as you can see, the difference is almost negligible. However, as mentioned earlier, the Nothing Phone (3a) has a glass back and includes LED lights for the Glyph Interface, making it approximately 16 grams heavier.

The displays are nearly identical. Both models feature a 6.77-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, resulting in bright, smooth, and easy-to-read screens with virtually no noticeable difference between them.

Compare CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a) in a Specifications Chart

Let’s start by comparing the cameras.

The rear cameras are nearly identical in terms of specs, with both models featuring an optical 2x telephoto lens. They also share the same software enhancements, including the TrueLens Engine 3, which utilizes the Ultra XDR algorithm and intelligent image processing. As such, the rear camera systems are almost the same in both hardware and software.

However, the front camera on the Nothing Phone (3a) is superior, offering 32MP (f/2.2), which is twice the resolution of the CMF Phone 2 Pro. If you frequently use the front-facing camera, the Nothing Phone (3a) would be the better choice.

In terms of processors, the Nothing Phone (3a) is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro. Benchmark scores suggest that the Nothing Phone (3a) is about 10% faster, though the real-world difference is likely minimal. That said, despite both phones having 5,000mAh batteries, video playback time is up to 26 hours on the Nothing Phone (3a), compared to 22 hours on the CMF Phone 2 Pro. This suggests better power efficiency from the Snapdragon chipset.

As for water and dust resistance, the Nothing Phone (3a) is rated IP64, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro is rated IP54. While the water resistance level is the same, the Nothing Phone (3a) offers better dust protection. This difference is understandable, given that the CMF Phone 2 Pro has a user-customizable and semi-modular design that allows parts to be swapped out, making higher sealing more difficult.

The Nothing Phone (3a) also supports eSIM and FeliCa (for contactless payments in Japan), whereas the CMF Phone 2 Pro does not support either—though it does include standard NFC.

In conclusion, while both phones are nearly identical in size and display specs, the Nothing Phone (3a) edges out in several important areas, offering a more complete smartphone experience.

	CMF Phone 2 Pro	Nothing Phone (3a)
Manufacturer	Nothing	Nothing
Release Date
Screen Size	6.77 inch	6.77 inch
Resolution	1,080 x 2,392	1,080 x 2,392
Display Details	AMOLED	Flexible AMOLED
Max Refresh Rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Max Brightness	3000 nits	3000 nits
Body Size	78mm x 164mm x 7.8mm	77.5mm x 163.52mm x 8.35mm
Weight	185 g	201 g
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro	Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
OS	Android 15	Android 15
Main camera 1	50-megapixel(f/1.88)	50-megapixel(f/1.88)
Main camera 1 details	1/1.57", 24mm	Samsung, 1/1.57” sensor, OIS
Main camera 2	8-megapixel(f/2.2)	8-megapixel(f/2.2)
Main camera 2 details	1/4", 15mm, 119.5°	wide angle 120°
Main camera 3	50-megapixel(f/1.85)	50-megapixel(f/2)
Main camera 3 details	2x optical zoom, 1/2.88", 50mm	2x optical zoom, 1/2.75”
Main camera 4
Main camera 4 details
Main camera 5
Main camera 5 details
Sub camera 1	16-megapixel(f/2.45)	32-megapixel(f/2.2)
Sub camera 1 details	1/3", 22mm	1/3.44"
Sub camera 2
Sub camera 2 details
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Video playback time	22 hours	26 hours
RAM(GB)	8 G	8/12 G
ROM(GB)	128/256 G	128/256 G
Antutu	698,000 ver10	762,000 ver10
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Dust resistance	IP5X	IP6X
SIM	Dual nano SIM	2 nanoSIM/ nanoSIM + eSIM
NFC	NFC-enabled	Felica

In the end, which is better, CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a)?

Nothing aims to break away from the “boring smartphone” and instead focuses on creating an experience that users can enjoy just by holding the device. As a result, these two models can’t be fully judged by specs alone.

Both are smartphones that should be chosen based on their concepts. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a device that pursues functional beauty and simplicity. While the back panel is made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap—in fact, the texture and material give it a unique charm. Its ability to be physically customized is also a major selling point.

On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3a) offers a playful and exciting experience with its glowing Glyph Interface on the back. It does have a more premium feel, but not in the traditional sense. Its precisely crafted industrial design is likely to resonate deeply with those who appreciate that aesthetic.

Far from being just a novelty, the Nothing Phone (3a) also delivers strong day-to-day usability with its power-efficient Snapdragon chipset, eSIM support, and FeliCa compatibility.

Ultimately, the two phones embody clearly different concepts, and it’s best to choose based on what aligns with your personal values. One thing’s for sure—both are designed to bring joy simply by being in your hand.

Let's Compare CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a) in More Detail

We recommend comparing the CMF Phone 2 Pro vs Nothing Phone (3a) in more detail through the following link and making an informed purchase decision.