Nothing Phone (3a) Lite vs. CMF Phone 2 Pro: Which budget twin should you buy?

A new mid-range device from Nothing has just hit the market: the Phone (3a) Lite. However, spec-wise, the phone looks very similar to the CMF Phone 2 Pro, a mid-range phone from Nothing's own sub-brand. So, you might be confused about which is the better option since they even occupy a similar price point. To clear up your doubts, here you'll find the few—but crucial—main differences between the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite and the CMF Phone 2 Pro.

The identical engine under the hood

Before we look at the differences, it's worth noting the core features both devices share:

• Display: A 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, featuring impressive brightness (3,000 nits peak, 1,300 nits HBM) and protected by Panda Glass.
• Performance: The capable MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip built on the efficient 4nm process, paired with 8GB of RAM.
• Battery: A robust 5,000 mAh cell with 33W fast wired charging.
• Durability: Both carry an IP54 rating for water resistance.

If your decision relied solely on performance or display quality, you could flip a coin. But these small differences are where your personal priorities come into play.

Main differences between the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite and CMF Phone 2 Pro

The first major differentiator is the material and overall feel.

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite leans into the brand’s recognizable aesthetic. It uses a curved glass back, giving it a more premium texture reminiscent of its flagship siblings. If you love that signature transparent design language and want a phone that feels expensive, this phone is your choice.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro takes a more functional approach. Its build primarily uses plastic, making it practical rather than premium. Its unique selling point is a modular accessories system that locks onto a universal screw-on case—ideal for users who want to attach grips, interchangeable lenses, or other peripherals.

However, the biggest functional split occurs in the camera system. Both share a good 50MP main sensor and a not-so-good 8MP ultrawide lens, but the final, third sensor forces a clear choice:

• Nothing Phone (3a) Lite: Includes a 2MP macro sensor. This lets you capture extremely close-up shots but offers no optical zoom capability.
• CMF Phone 2 Pro: Replaces the macro sensor with a 50MP telephoto lens capable of 2x optical zoom. While this isn't a long-range zoom, it is perfect for taking cleaner portrait photos and getting closer to a subject without losing detail.

The final verdict

Choosing between the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite and the CMF Phone 2 Pro comes down to two situations: If you prioritize design and premium materials at the expense of zoom capabilities, opt for the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite. On the other hand, if you prefer to have 2x optical zoom at the cost of a plasticky design, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the clear winner.