Nothing’s CMF Watch 3 Pro: Premium Looks, Budget Price
▼ Summary
– The CMF Watch 3 Pro is Nothing’s most refined budget smartwatch with a premium design, large display, and exceptional battery life.
– It features upgrades including a larger 1.42-inch screen, dual-band GPS, and compatibility with the new Nothing X app.
– The watch is more expensive than its predecessor without offering significant improvements, making it a tougher sell against competitors.
– Its large size may not suit smaller wrists, and it lacks swappable bezels, though it remains lightweight and stylish.
– Battery life lasts up to 13 days with reliable performance, but some features like Essential News had functionality issues during testing.
Nothing’s CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers premium aesthetics and impressive battery performance at an accessible price point, positioning itself as a compelling option in the crowded budget smartwatch market. This refined wearable boasts a larger, brighter display and enhanced GPS capabilities while maintaining the minimalist design language the brand is known for. However, with a noticeable price increase over its predecessor and increased competition from brands like Amazfit, potential buyers should carefully consider whether its particular blend of style and substance justifies the investment.
The naming convention might confuse some shoppers, as the CMF Watch 3 Pro actually succeeds the Watch Pro 2 rather than following numerical order. This latest iteration introduces several meaningful upgrades including a expanded 1.42-inch AMOLED display with slimmer bezels, dual-band GPS for improved location tracking, and compatibility with the new Nothing X application. The battery capacity has seen a slight boost as well, contributing to its exceptional endurance.
Not every change represents an improvement, however. The larger display dimensions might prove cumbersome for those with smaller wrists, and the previously popular swappable bezels have been eliminated from this model. Most significantly, the price has climbed to $99/£99 – a substantial increase over the Watch Pro 2’s launch price of $69/£69.
Visually, the Watch 3 Pro maintains the clean, circular aesthetic that defined earlier models, featuring a single rotating crown on the right side that also functions as a button. Available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange variants, the watch utilizes aluminum construction though some may find the finish slightly less premium than expected. The liquid silicon wrist straps remain replaceable, allowing for personalization.
The display itself represents a significant step forward with its 466×466 pixel resolution and 670 nits peak brightness. Navigation feels smooth thanks to the 60Hz refresh rate, and colors appear vibrant against the predominantly monochromatic interface. The always-on display functionality exists but operates at such a dim level that its usefulness becomes questionable compared to the battery drain it causes.
Functionally, the watch operates through Nothing’s proprietary software, which will feel familiar to existing CMF watch users. The shift to the Nothing X companion app provides a more polished experience with additional health monitoring options, including adjustable heart rate tracking frequency. With 131 exercise modes covering everything from running to niche activities like parkour, the watch caters to virtually every type of athlete.
New features include Essential News, which promises AI-curated news summaries but proved unreliable during testing, and Recording Transcription, which successfully converts voice memos to text but may have limited practical application for most users. The music controller now displays album artwork, though the absence of onboard storage means you’ll need your phone nearby for playback.
Performance highlights include the upgraded dual-band GPS, which delivered exceptional accuracy during testing, correctly identifying which side of the street the wearer was on. Sensor performance generally aligns with expectations for this price category, though optimal heart rate monitoring requires a snug fit. The standout feature remains battery life – Nothing’s claim of up to 13 days (or 4.5 days with always-on display) proved accurate even with heavy usage.
Charging takes approximately 90 minutes from empty to full, though the magnetic charging connection feels somewhat fragile and may disconnect with minor bumps.
When compared to direct competitors, the CMF Watch 3 Pro holds its own despite the price increase. The Amazfit Active 2 matches its price while offering advanced features like an AI assistant, and the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro undercuts it significantly while still providing substantial functionality.
For those seeking a stylish smartwatch with exceptional battery life that won’t strain their budget, the CMF Watch 3 Pro presents a strong case. However, existing Watch Pro 2 owners will find few compelling reasons to upgrade, and value-conscious shoppers might prefer alternatives that offer more features for similar or lower prices.
(Source: techradar)
