Nothing’s budget-focused sub-brand CMF is preparing for a major unveiling on April 28, with not just a new phone in tow, but also a trio of second-generation wireless earbuds: the CMF Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus.
Ahead of the event, CMF has dropped a teaser video for the Buds 2, showing off a refreshed design — and thanks to a recent leak, we also know quite a bit about what’s inside.
A refreshed Smart Dial with Nothing’s transparent flair
The Smart Dial is back and we love it! | Image credit – CMF
The teaser, posted by CMF’s official channels, shows that the CMF Buds 2 will retain the familiar square-shaped case from their predecessor — complete with the brand’s trademark rotating Smart Dial.
The transparent aesthetic is back as well, aligning the design more closely with Nothing’s unique visual identity. Interestingly, this new dial appears to include two circular cutouts, though their purpose remains unknown for now.
The case will be available in three colors: Black, Orange, and Green.
Three beautiful colors. | Image credit – CMF
Design and build
Renders from the recent leak suggest the earbuds themselves will feature a stem-based, in-ear design with magnetic charging pins and microphones at the base. A pairing button is also visible inside the case.
Durability shouldn't be a concern either — the Buds 2 are tipped to carry an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, which is quite generous for budget earbuds.
What’s inside: ANC, bass boost, and long battery life
Image credit – CMF
Despite being the standard model, the CMF Buds 2 aren’t cutting corners. According to the leak, they’ll come equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers and a PMI diaphragm, tuned by Dirac Opteo for a more refined sound signature. Other audio-focused features include Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, spatial audio, and an HRTF-based immersive sound mode.
The Buds 2 will also offer hybrid active noise cancellation up to 48dB, matching the number teased in the video. They’ll include Environmental Adaptive ANC, Clear Voice Technology 3.0, Wind Noise Reduction 3.0, and possibly even AI features powered by ChatGPT via the Nothing X app.
For connectivity, expect support for Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair — a welcome lineup for quick device switching.
Battery life that lasts
Battery specs are promising on paper: up to 13.5 hours of playback without the case, and up to 55 hours with it. Full charging time is said to be 93 minutes.
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Expected pricing
The leak also pegs the price at €59, slightly higher than the first-gen CMF Buds, but still comfortably within the budget range. Given the number of upgrades in audio quality, ANC, and smart features, this could still make the Buds 2 one of the best bang-for-your-buck options on the market.
What's next?
CMF will officially unveil the Buds 2 alongside the Buds 2a, Buds 2 Plus, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro on April 28 at 2:00 BST. With the Buds Pro 2 already on shelves, the Buds 2 appear to be the sweet spot for everyday users who want solid performance without crossing the €100 line.
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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.
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