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When top smartwatch brands sell their products for more than a hundred dollars it makes the offer of a complete smartwatch at $69 seem extraordinary. The CMF Watch Pro smartwatch from Nothing’s budget sub-brand defies common pricing standards by delivering lots of useful features without charging high prices. But is it really worth it? We will look closely into this product’s design features what the device does and its market value.
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 CMF Watch Pro shines brightest at 600 nits on its display screen. You will see the screen clearly inside and outside under sunlight thanks to its sufficient brightness levels. Because it lacks automatic brightness control you must adjust the screen lighting by yourself.
Thanks to its IP68-rated for water and dust resistance the CMF Watch Pro handles physical activity and wet conditions without issue. The watch’s simple weight advantage helps users carry it smoothly through physical activities.
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
The CMF Watch Pro delivers remarkable battery life as its biggest surprise feature. According to company estimates your watch stays active for 13 days before needing another charge. The models desired battery life estimates high yet actual user experiences show you can use the watch for at least three days before recharging. You can use this smartwatch longer between charges than with premium smartwatches such as the Apple Watch.
The CMF Watch Pro stays charged longer because it performs basic tasks efficiently. The CMF Watch Pro saves energy because its Bluetooth accessory design needs less computer power than high-end smartwatches.
Health Tracking: Solid but Basic
Most users will find the CMF Watch Pro’s health monitoring system meets their needs. The watch measures movement, records heart rate and burned calories in an expected manner. Sleep tracking uses heart rate sensors to give decent results yet lacks standout features.
If you want precise measurements of your sleep the Eight Sleep Pod Mattress Cover provides a better solution than standard trackers. The smart mattress cover tracks your sleep stages and monitors both your heart rate changes and breathing patterns before giving you full sleep analysis updates in the morning. The CMF Watch Pro lacks features next to advanced sleep analysis devices. It delivers suitable results when used by typical customers.
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
The CMF Watch Pro competes strongly in its market segment against other affordable smartwatches that sell for $20 to $50. Many low-cost options give you similar features yet they sacrifice quality in design and robustness.
Despite its higher cost the CMF Watch Pro earns its price through better design quality and a smoother user experience compared to other ultra-cheap smartwatches.
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.
You need to set realistic goals before purchasing this product. The CMF Watch Pro exists for a different segment than Apple and Samsung smartwatch customers. The CMF Watch Pro targets customers who need an inexpensive basic smartwatch that performs its tasks.
The CMF Watch Pro satisfies regular usage requirements for typical users. Your basic fitness needs from step tracking to heart rate data work perfectly with this smartwatch beyond what its price suggests.
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.
