The CMF Buds Pro 2 are the latest offering from Nothing's CMF sub-brand, designed to elevate the budget earbud market with premium features at an affordable price. Priced at just $59/€59/£59/₹4,299, these earbuds aim to compete with high-end models from Apple, Sony, and Samsung while providing an exceptional user experience.
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| CMF Buds Pro 2 |
Design and Build Quality
The CMF Buds Pro 2 stand out with their bold and vibrant color options, including a rich blue hue that is both eye-catching and sophisticated. The design adheres to the CMF philosophy—Color, Materials, and Finish—ensuring a premium look and feel. The earbuds and their case are primarily made of plastic, with a matte finish that effectively resists fingerprints, a welcome departure from the glossy plastics commonly found in budget earbuds.
The charging case features a unique Smart Dial, a first in the true wireless stereo (TWS) market. This dial is a metal ring with tactile clicks, allowing users to control volume, media playback, and manage calls. The Smart Dial can also be remapped to perform different functions, making it a versatile tool for daily use.
Key Features and Technological Advancements
Dual-Driver System
One of the most significant upgrades in the CMF Buds Pro 2 is the dual-driver system, which includes an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm planar tweeter. This setup delivers a richer, more detailed sound with better instrument separation compared to its predecessor.
Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC has been upgraded to block out up to 50dB of noise, a noticeable improvement over the 45dB offered by the first-generation CMF Buds Pro. This feature is particularly effective in muting lower-frequency sounds like air conditioning and fan noise, making the Buds Pro 2 suitable for use in various environments.
Spatial Audio and LDAC Support
The addition of spatial audio creates an immersive listening experience, making music and movies feel more dynamic and engaging. LDAC support is also included, allowing for high-resolution audio streaming from platforms like Tidal HiFi and Amazon Music Unlimited.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has been extended to 43 hours with the case, providing up to 11 hours of playback from the earbuds alone when ANC is turned off. With ANC on, the earbuds offer around 6.5 hours of use. The case charges via USB-C, with a full charge taking approximately 70 minutes.
Companion App and Smart Features
The Nothing X app, available for both iOS and Android, enhances the user experience by offering customizable EQ profiles and button remapping. The app also allows users to tweak the Smart Dial’s functionality, making it a useful companion for those who want to personalize their earbuds.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 also support dual-device pairing, making it easy to switch between devices like a smartphone and laptop. Additionally, wear detection pauses playback when the earbuds are removed, ensuring that you never miss a beat.
Performance and Sound Quality
The sound profile of the CMF Buds Pro 2 leans towards a bass-heavy V-shape, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced low-end. The Dirac Opteo EQ profile offers the best sound quality, providing a more balanced and natural audio experience. However, the three-band EQ limit is a downside compared to the more advanced customization options available on other Nothing earbuds.
While the ANC is effective for its price range, it doesn't match the performance of higher-end models. The transparency mode, although useful, is accompanied by a slight hissing sound, a common issue in budget earbuds.
Call Quality and Connectivity
Call quality on the CMF Buds Pro 2 is adequate but not exceptional. In quieter environments, the sound can be muffled, but the earbuds still perform reasonably well for casual use. Connectivity remains stable, with the earbuds maintaining a strong connection across various devices.
Final Verdict
The CMF Buds Pro 2 offer a compelling package for anyone looking for feature-rich earbuds at an affordable price. With a unique design, advanced features like dual drivers, LDAC support, and a smart dial, they provide excellent value for money. While there are areas for improvement, such as ANC performance and call quality, the overall experience is highly satisfying for the price point.
In the highly competitive budget earbud market, the CMF Buds Pro 2 stand out as a top contender. They offer a feature set that rivals more expensive models, making them an easy recommendation for anyone seeking quality audio without breaking the bank. As Nothing continues to innovate, the CMF Buds Pro 2 set a high standard for what budget earbuds can achieve.
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