A reviewer tested a $99 smartwatch to see if it could compete with the Pixel Watch.
Can you get by with a $99 smartwatch?
Could a smartwatch deliver a satisfying user experience for only $99? The CMF Watch 3 Pro aims to do just that.
This wearable is the latest from CMF, Nothing's sub-brand that was established in 2023 with the goal of offering excellent design and functionality at a lower cost.
The third version of the watch includes several notable upgrades that are quite impressive given its affordable price.
It features a larger display, increased battery capacity, and dual-band GPS. The design has also been updated with new color options.
The CMF Watch 3 Pro's design stands out from other smartwatches. Its 47 mm size feels substantial, enhanced by its angular shape. The watch incorporates metal in its body, bezel ring, and rotating crown.
The CMF Watch 3 Pro reflects Nothing's stylish and minimalist aesthetic.
The watch's streamlined interface complements its industrial appearance, and it remains comfortable to wear despite its 51-gram weight.
Inside the box, you'll find the watch, bands, and a standard 2-pin magnetic charger.
Nothing has equipped the CMF Watch 3 Pro with a larger 1.43-inch AMOLED display that includes an always-on feature. Its peak brightness reaches 650 nits, which is less than the Pixel Watch 4's 3,000 nits and the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2's 3,500 nits.
During normal use, the CMF Watch 3 Pro's brightness was adequate. The always-on display is dimmer, but the screen is clear when activated.
The display has a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi, which is quite good for its price.
The CMF Watch 3 Pro offers 120 free watch face options.
Beyond basic fitness tracking, the CMF Watch 3 Pro provides a wide array of functions.
Like most smartwatches, it monitors vital signs. It has an optical heart rate sensor, measures blood oxygen levels (with alerts for low readings), and tracks sleep and stress.
Heart rate tracking is accurate, with deviations of less than 1 bpm compared to more expensive smartwatches. SpO2 tracking is similarly reliable.
Sleep tracking relies on algorithms and tends to be generally inaccurate across all smartwatches. The CMF Watch 3 Pro provides typical sleep metrics, including sleep stage breakdowns, total duration, and a sleep quality score, offering a general sense of sleep quality comparable to other smartwatches.
The CMF Watch 3 Pro is also suitable for tracking workouts, particularly running, with 131 sports modes and a 6-axis accelerometer paired with dual-band GPS for precise motion tracking.
For runners, it offers detailed tracking with VO2 max levels, training load, and recovery times. An AI-powered running coach can create personalized workout plans. Data can be synced with apps like Strava, Apple Health, and Google Fit.
While it includes niche activities like karate and ballet, the CMF Watch 3 Pro lacks support for water sports.
The watch is advertised to last 13 days on a single charge, or 10 days with heavy use, but these estimates require the always-on display to be disabled. With always-on enabled, battery life remains reasonable at three to four days with regular use and daily exercise.
The CMF Watch 3 Pro's 350 mAh battery charges fully in 90 minutes using a proprietary magnetic charger.
While it may not compete with high-end smartwatches, its affordable price makes it a strong option for those seeking essential smartwatch features in a stylish design. It stands out as one of the better budget smartwatches available.
For $99, the CMF Watch 3 Pro offers an AMOLED screen, GPS, health and sleep tracking, call functionality, and good battery life.
CMF Watch 3 Pro specs:
Display: 1.43” AMOLED touchscreen, 466 x 466 px resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 670 nits max brightness, Always-On Display (AOD)
Straps: Detachable 22mm straps, 140-220mm adjustable length
Features: IP68 rated, Real-time heart rate monitor, 24/7 Blood Oxygen level monitor, Sleep tracking, Stress monitoring, Sports tracking, Step Counter, Meditation, Notifications, Idle Alert, Phone Finder, Weather Forecast, Music and Camera Control, Alarm, Stopwatch, linear Vibration Motor, Flashlight.
Sports Modes: Outdoor Run, Indoor Run, Outdoor Walk, Cycling, Hiking, Pool Swimming, Jump rope, Freestyle (130+ more in Nothing X app)
Sensors: Optical heart rate sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Compatible with Android 6.0 and iOS 13+, dual-band L1+L5 GNSS, microphone and speakers
Battery: 350mAh
Colors: Light Gray, Light Green, Orange, Dark Gray
Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 14.4 mm
Weight (without strap): 51 grams