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 have almost identical specifications, including 2x optical zoom lenses on both. Both devices also feature the TrueLens Engine 3, which utilizes the Ultra XDR algorithm and intelligent processing. Thus, the rear cameras are nearly the same in terms of both hardware and software. On the other hand, the front camera of the Nothing Phone (3a) is superior, equipped with a 32MP (f/2.2) sensor—twice the resolution of the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Therefore, if you frequently use the front camera, the Nothing Phone (3a) is recommended.

As for the processor, the Nothing Phone (3a) uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro. Benchmark scores show the Nothing Phone (3a) is about 10% faster, but the difference is not substantial. However, despite both phones having a 5,000mAh battery, the video playback time is 26 hours for the Nothing Phone (3a) versus 22 hours for the CMF Phone 2 Pro. This indicates that the Snapdragon-equipped Nothing Phone (3a) is more power-efficient.

In terms of water and dust resistance, the Nothing Phone (3a) is rated IP64, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro is rated IP54. Although both have the same level of water resistance, the Nothing Phone (3a) offers better dust protection. It’s worth noting that the CMF Phone 2 Pro has a customizable and user-serviceable body, which naturally compromises its water and dust resistance to some extent.

Both devices support eSIM and mobile payment systems (Osaifu-Keitai).

In conclusion, while the body size and display are nearly the same, the Nothing Phone (3a) excels in various finer aspects and offers a more refined smartphone experience overall.

	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
Glass	Panda glass
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
Charge	33 W/Reverse 5W	50W
Video playback time	22 hours	26 hours
RAM(GB)	8G	8G/12G
RAM details
ROM(GB)	128G/256G	128G/256G
ROM details
Antutu	698,000 ver10	762,000 ver10
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Dust resistance	IP5X	IP6X
SIM	2 nanoSIM/ nanoSIM + eSIM	2 nanoSIM/ nanoSIM + eSIM
NFC	Felica	Felica

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

Nothing positions itself as a brand breaking away from the “boring smartphone,” placing emphasis on delivering an enjoyable experience users can feel the moment they pick up the device. For that reason, these two phones can’t be fully evaluated by specs alone.

Both should be seen as smartphones to choose based on their concept. 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—its design leverages the texture of the material to create a visually appealing finish. The ability to customize the body is also one of its key attractions.

On the other hand, the Nothing Phone (3a) offers a more playful experience with its glowing Glyph Interface on the back. In terms of premium feel, the Nothing Phone (3a) stands out—but not in the traditional sense of luxury. Its meticulously crafted industrial design is likely to resonate deeply with those who appreciate attention to detail.

Both models support eSIM and Felica, ensuring that despite their unconventional designs, they are well-equipped for everyday use.

Ultimately, due to their clearly different design philosophies, the best choice depends on your personal values. What’s certain is that both phones are designed to bring a sense of joy just by holding them.

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.