Is the Nothing CMF Buds 2a worth the upgrade from the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Nothing CMF Buds 2a actually scores 5.2 points below the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in sound (7.5 to 8.0) and noise cancelling (7.0 to 7.5). You do give up ground on battery (8.0 to 7.0) and calls (7.0 to 6.5). On paper: driver size 11 mm to 12.4 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 10 h to 8 h and codecs goes SBC, AAC, LDAC to SBC, AAC. And it costs $15 more for a lower score, which is hard to justify on the data alone. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound7.58.0
- Noise cancelling7.07.5
- Battery8.07.0
- Calls7.06.5
- Value9.09.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | P31i/R60i NC | CMF Buds 2a | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 10 h | 8 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC | |
| Bluetooth | 6.1 | 5.4 | |
| Water resistance | IP55 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 50 h | 35.5 h | |
| Full charge time | 60 min | 89 min | |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 12.4 mm | |
| Microphones | 6 | 4 | |
| ANC type | adaptive | feedforward | |
| Quick charge | 10 min → 3.5 h | 10 min → 5.5 h | |
| Driver | 11 mm dynamic | 12.4 mm driver |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "P31i/R60i NC to CMF Buds 2a". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.