The CMF Watch 3 Pro is a bargain smartwatch if you can live without one thing

Price When Reviewed

$99

Best Prices Today: CMF Watch 3 Pro

The CMF Watch 3 Pro marks a significant return for Nothing’s line of budget-friendly wearables, bringing new features while losing some key aspects of its predecessor.

In a relatively short span of two years, the CMF smartwatch line has undergone impressive transformations. The original CMF Watch Pro was designed to be a cost-effective alternative to higher-end models like the Apple Watch, while the subsequent CMF Watch Pro 2 ventured into a unique modular design with interchangeable bezels. With the introduction of the Watch 3 Pro, however, CMF shifts focus again, aiming to enhance smart functionality while dropping the swappable bezels.

Initially skeptical about how much the Watch 3 Pro could offer without modularity, my experience over the past week has pleasantly surprised me, showcasing CMF’s ability to innovate.

Design & Build

• No more swappable bezels
• Not designed for aquatic activities
• CMF excels in aesthetic design

At a glance, the CMF Watch 3 Pro appears quite similar to its predecessor, the Watch Pro 2, maintaining a circular chassis and similar color schemes, with the addition of an elegant Light Grey option.

The major change is the removal of its modular design, a feature that allowed users to customize their device extensively. Swapping bezels was a standout characteristic of the Watch Pro 2, and while the Watch 3 Pro embraces a more unified design, it loses a measure of customizable flair. However, the overall look remains appealing, especially for its price point—by far the best aesthetic in this budget range.

Housed in a stylish brushed stainless steel body, the watch conveys sophistication. The solitary rotating crown adds to its minimalist appeal, although I found it slightly small for comfortable navigation, often preferring to use the touchscreen instead.

Despite its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, it’s worth noting that the watch is not suited for swimming or vigorous water sports, as advised by the manufacturer.

Screen & Audio

• 1.43-inch display offers more viewing space
• Screen visibility is poor in sunlight
• Onboard speaker quality is decent

The Watch 3 Pro boasts a slightly larger 1.43-inch AMOLED display, which enhances usability and visual experience. The increased display size allows for clearer presentation of data and notifications.

While the display features CMF’s stylistically monochrome watch faces that are both attractive and well-designed, brightness remains a concern. Though peak brightness has been improved to 650 nits, I found it challenging to read the screen in direct sunlight.

The built-in speaker, while not overly loud, provides clear audio for notifications and phone calls.

Software & Features

• No support for third-party applications
• Core features include notifications, calendar synchronization, and alarms
• Essential News feature needs further refinement

The CMF Watch 3 Pro runs on Nothing’s proprietary operating system, which lacks compatibility with third-party applications, a notable limitation for those accustomed to expanded functionality in other smartwatches.

However, it does offer useful features such as voice assistant activation and basic notification management. One unique offering is the ‘Essential News’ feature that uses AI to provide curated news updates based on user preferences, although its accuracy remains questionable.

The interface is user-friendly, though some gravitate towards a more colorful and vibrant menu system.

Fitness & Health Tracking

• Comprehensive activity tracking options
• Includes a running coach feature
• No swimming or water sports tracking

The Watch 3 Pro is robust in fitness and activity tracking capabilities, supporting a wide range of workouts and including a built-in running coach. Its dual-band GPS ensures reliable tracking without needing a smartphone.

While sleep tracking functionality is present, it lacks in-depth analysis tools, forcing users to interpret their results without much context.

The heart rate monitor performs reasonably well, though it may not be as precise as dedicated heart rate devices, suggesting users should treat its readings as estimates.

Battery Life & Charging

• Can last up to 13 days
• About four days of active use with features engaged
• Charging takes about 1.5 hours

With a larger battery, the CMF Watch 3 Pro boasts a potential 13-day battery life; however, with active features like the always-on display, users can expect around four days of typical usage.

The recharge time is somewhat lengthy, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach full capacity, but a quick 30-minute charge can maintain sufficient battery life for day-to-day use.

Price & Availability

The CMF Watch 3 Pro is available in multiple colors, including Dark Grey, Light Grey, Light Green, and Orange, at an appealing price of $99.

You can purchase it from Nothing’s official store, Amazon, or various retailers.

In its price bracket, few competitors can match the features and aesthetics offered by the CMF Watch 3 Pro. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE and Huawei Watch Fit 4 are notable alternatives, but they sit at a higher price point.

Should You Buy the CMF Watch 3 Pro?

Despite the removal of customizable bezels, the CMF Watch 3 Pro stands out as a commendable budget smartwatch. It balances style, affordability, and functionality excellently, making it suitable for individuals seeking more than a basic fitness tracker without a hefty price tag.

Tracking capabilities for various workouts and essential smartphone functionalities paired with an attractive display make it a worthwhile investment. However, users must consider its limitations, including lack of waterproofing and NFC payment options.

Specs

• 1.43-inch display
• AMOLED panel
• Peak brightness of 650 nits
• 350mAh battery capacity
• Battery life up to 13 days
• Dual-band GPS functionality
• Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
• IP68 rated for dust and water resistance
• Compatible with Android & iPhone devices