CMF Buds Pro 2 Review : These Earbuds Have A Customisable Dial On Its Case?!
The standout feature of the Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 is its customisable "Smart Dial" control knob. This analog dial on the earbud case allows users to adjust various functions with intuitive twisting and clicking motions. Within the Nothing X companion app, you can program the dial to control playback, volume, or even calls.
This tactile dial control is a refreshing alternative to the touch-based gestures common on many true wireless earbuds. The dial provides a satisfying, "clicky" feel when adjusting settings, reminiscent of vintage audio equipment. It's a fun, novel input method that adds an analog charm to the digital earbud experience.
Beyond the dial, the CMF Buds Pro 2 follow a fairly standard true wireless design. The earbuds themselves have a compact, slightly elongated stem shape. Touch controls on the buds allow for basic playback and call management, though these are less reliable than the precise dial controls.
Audio performance aims for an energetic, bass-heavy sound profile out of the box. The dual driver setup, featuring an 11mm bass driver and 6mm tweeter, is capable of powerful low-end rumble. However, the "Ultra Bass" setting can be overpowering, and the default "Pop" EQ may not suit all music tastes. Thankfully, the companion app provides sound customization options to tame the bass emphasis.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) on the CMF Buds Pro 2 is surprisingly effective for the price point. Nothing claims 50dB of noise reduction, and in real-world testing, the earbuds handled a wide range of ambient sounds, from office chatter to train noise. Only the most sudden, high-pitched sounds seemed to overwhelm the ANC.
Battery life is decent, with up to 6.5 hours on the earbuds themselves and 26 hours total with the charging case. However, engaging the high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec reduces battery considerably, down to 4.3 hours. Quick charging is available, with 10 minutes netting up to 3 hours of playback.
Other features include Bluetooth multipoint for seamless device switching, low-latency mode for mobile gaming, and an in-ear detection sensor for automatic pause/resume.
At SGD$99, the Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 pack a surprising amount of functionality and customization into an affordable true wireless package. While the sound may not appeal to all tastes, the unique dial control and capable ANC make these an intriguing budget-friendly option. The dial alone sets the CMF Buds Pro 2 apart in a crowded earbud market, offering an engaging, tactile twist on touch-based controls.