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In an era where smartwatches from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars, the idea of getting a fully functional smartwatch for just $69 seems almost too good to be true. The CMF Watch Pro, a budget-friendly smartwatch from Nothing’s ultra-budget sub-brand, challenges this norm by offering a range of features at a fraction of the cost. But is it really worth it? Let’s dive deep into its design, functionality, and value proposition.
First Impressions: A Basic Yet Functional Design
The CMF Watch Pro immediately catches your eye with its square design, reminiscent of higher-end smartwatches like the Apple Watch. It comes with an orange silicone strap that feels surprisingly comfortable and similar to other smartwatch bands. The watch face boasts a 1.96-inch diagonal display, encased in what the manufacturer claims is aluminum alloy. However, the material feels plasticky despite the matte finish and metallic gray color.
At a glance, the watch looks decent and far from cheap. The back of the watch, which houses the heart rate sensors, has a matte coating that feels good against the skin. Engraved details, including the model number and the headquarters location in Cheapside, London, add a quirky charm. However, upon closer inspection, the cost-cutting becomes apparent. The bezels are thick and uneven, and the single button feels shallow and cheap. Additionally, the absence of a rotating dial limits interaction options.
Charging the device also reflects its budget nature. Instead of a sleek wireless puck, the watch uses a USB-A to dual-pin cable. While not as elegant, it magnetizes easily to the back of the watch and gets the job done.
Display and Durability
The display of the CMF Watch Pro is one of its stronger features, with a peak brightness of 600 nits. This ensures good visibility indoors and adequate performance outdoors under sunlight. However, there’s no auto-brightness functionality, so you’ll need to manually adjust brightness levels.
On the durability front, the CMF Watch Pro is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, making it suitable for workouts, rainy weather, or casual outdoor use. The lightweight design, while not premium, is a blessing for those using it during sports or exercise.
Core Features and Functionality
Despite its price, the CMF Watch Pro packs several features that cover the basics:
- Time and Notifications: As expected, the watch handles timekeeping and notifications seamlessly.
- Health Tracking: The watch tracks steps, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep patterns.
- Workout Modes: The exercise app includes a variety of workouts to choose from, catering to different activity types.
- Additional Apps: Features like blood oxygen monitoring, music controls, phone calls, and even a camera remote are available.
The user interface feels snappy, with little to no lag when navigating between apps. While the UI is basic, it gets the job done. The fitness data is presented in a manner reminiscent of Apple Watch rings, which may feel familiar to many users.
The watch pairs with the CMF Watch app via Bluetooth, allowing you to sync and view your data on your smartphone. Unfortunately, the app is not without its flaws, with users reporting occasional connection issues. Still, for most basic tasks, the app and watch combo work well enough.
Battery Life That Stands Out
One of the biggest surprises of the CMF Watch Pro is its impressive battery life. The company claims up to 13 days of regular use on a single charge. While this may be optimistic, real-world usage can easily see three days or more without needing a recharge. Compared to the daily charging routine of premium smartwatches like the Apple Watch, this is a significant advantage.
The simple functionality of the CMF Watch Pro contributes to its stellar battery life. As a Bluetooth accessory with minimal processing power, it doesn’t consume as much energy as more advanced smartwatches.
Health Tracking: Solid but Basic
The CMF Watch Pro’s health tracking features are sufficient for most users. Step counting, heart rate monitoring, and calorie tracking work as expected. Sleep tracking, which relies on heart rate sensors, is passable but not groundbreaking.
For those serious about detailed sleep metrics, devices like the Eight Sleep Pod Mattress Cover offer a more advanced alternative. These smart mattress covers monitor sleep stages, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate, providing a comprehensive sleep report each morning. Compared to such specialized devices, the CMF Watch Pro feels rudimentary. However, for the average user, it gets the job done.
The Drawbacks: Where Corners Are Cut
At $69, it’s no surprise that the CMF Watch Pro has its limitations:
- Build Quality: The plasticky feel and uneven bezels are clear signs of cost-cutting.
- App Dependence: Features like “Find My Phone” require the CMF Watch app to be open on your phone. If the app is closed, the functionality becomes useless.
- Limited Ecosystem Integration: Unlike premium smartwatches, the CMF Watch Pro doesn’t offer deep integration with ecosystems like Apple’s or Samsung’s.
- Speaker Quality: The tinny speaker is functional but far from pleasant, especially during phone calls.
Despite these shortcomings, the watch excels in delivering essential smartwatch features without unnecessary frills.
Comparing to the Competition
In its price range, the CMF Watch Pro faces stiff competition from other budget smartwatches, many of which are priced between $20 and $50. These cheaper alternatives often offer similar functionality but with more compromises in design and durability.
The CMF Watch Pro sets itself apart by offering a slightly more polished design and better user experience, justifying its higher price point within the ultra-budget category.
The Verdict: A Smartwatch for the Masses
The CMF Watch Pro proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a functional smartwatch. While it lacks the premium feel and advanced features of high-end models, it covers the basics effectively, it offers:
- A reliable set of features for tracking fitness and managing notifications.
- A lightweight, comfortable design suitable for everyday use.
- Impressive battery life that outperforms many premium smartwatches.
However, it’s essential to keep expectations in check. The CMF Watch Pro isn’t designed to compete with Apple Watches or Samsung Galaxy Watches. Instead, it caters to a different audience—those who want an affordable, no-frills smartwatch that simply works.
For most people, the CMF Watch Pro offers more than enough functionality. Whether you’re tracking steps, receiving notifications, or monitoring your heart rate, this smartwatch delivers value that punches above its weight class.
As Nothing’s ultra-budget sub-brand, CMF strikes a delicate balance between affordability and functionality. The CMF Watch Pro, while not perfect, is a testament to how far budget smartwatches have come. You get a solid entry-level smartwatch that meets most everyday needs—a remarkable achievement in today’s tech landscape.
