CMF Watch 3 Pro – The Budget Smartwatch That Wants to Do It All ???? (Review Unit)
I've spent some time with the CMF Watch 3 Pro, and I must say I'm genuinely impressed with how far CMF (Nothing) has come. For $99, you get a watch that can, for its price, punch above its weight in nearly every category: sleek aluminum build, sharp 1.43″ AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, a 4‑channel heart rate sensor, SpO₂ monitoring, and battery life that comfortably lasts over a week.
What's Great
• Design & Display: The screen is bright, crisp, and vibrant, feeling far more premium than the price suggests. The new Light Green strap option adds a little personality if you want to mix it up but the Orange still remains my favorite.
• Battery Life: I get more than 10 days even with moderate daily use, and even with Always‑On Display, it still lasts a few days comfortably.
• Fitness & Health Tracking: 131 sports modes, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and women's health features cover everything an average user would ever need. An improved 4‑channel heart rate sensor and dual-band GPS raise accuracy over prior models.
• Smart Features: ChatGPT integration, voice queries, and notifications are impressive for a watch in this price segment. It's not just a fitness watch; it feels like a "smart companion" on your wrist.
• Software Improvements: Firmware v1.0.1.69, October 2025, added new watch faces and ironed out some of the bugs. The new Nothing X app too shows that CMF is serious about improving software experience.
Where It Can Improve
• Notifications & App Support: A few messaging apps still don't always push their alerts properly, and interactions from the watch remain basic. Updates have improved things, but a fully consistent notification experience remains a work in progress.
• Customization: Swappable bezels are gone, which is a signature feature for personalization; at least new strap colors, such as Light Green, give some flexibility.
• UI Fluidity: The interface is smooth most of the time, but rapid swipes stutter. Slight optimization could make everyday interactions feel even more premium.
• Charging: The magnetic charger works, but disconnects upon the slightest movement. A stronger magnet or an option for wireless charging would definitely improve this aspect.
• Size / Comfort: Considering the 47 mm size, it may feel bulky for smaller wrists, especially during sleep tracking.
In conclusion
The CMF Watch 3 Pro will be hard to beat for anyone looking for a capable smartwatch with style and without breaking the bank. It's clear that CMF is learning fast and iterating rapidly-the Watch 3 Pro feels like the most confident version yet. Yes, some software and customization features could be better, but even as-is, it offers excellent value with strong battery life and a premium feel. If you want a timepiece that's functional, fun, and full of character, the Watch 3 Pro deserves some serious consideration.
CMF is definitely a brand to watch.
Rating: 4.7/5
ONE MORE THING!….
My take for iPhone users (as myself,for now)
Compatible with iPhones (iOS 13+) through the Nothing X app, so you’ll get the watch working with an iPhone.
• Gets the core smartwatch basics: notifications (calls, texts), music control, fitness tracking (heart rate, SpO₂, lots of workout modes) so for many users this covers what they expect.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
• If you mostly want notifications, fitness tracking, long battery life, and a stylish watch at a budget price — this will likely meet your needs.
• But if you expect a seamless, full Apple-Watch-like experience, you may find a few irritations: pairing/setup issues, less reliable notifications, and missing premium features.
• Make sure to keep the Nothing X app running, grant all required permissions (especially background activity and notifications) on iOS, to maximize stability.
