Nothing (yes, that’s actually the name of the company) released the CMF Watch Pro 2 around July. Nothing is somewhat of an upcoming brand when compared to the “three hydra heads of the mobile industry”. The watch, which has now garnered some attention, due to its appealing price point, especially considering the range of features it offers.
However, this affordability raises important questions about whether the compromises in functionality and build quality that make the lower price possible will allow it to compete effectively with more established smartwatch brands.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what the CMF Watch Pro 2 from Nothing has to offer and whether it can hold its own in a crowded market filled with premium options.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
Nothing has designed a sleek and minimalist timepiece that looks much more refined and high-end than its modest $69 (109,710 NGN) price tag suggests. The 42mm aluminum case is crafted to fit comfortably on most wrists, and with a weight of just 44 grams, it’s significantly lighter than competitors like the Apple Watch Series 9.
This lightweight design makes it a comfortable option for daily wear, however it does come with a few downsides. Some users may find that the edges of the watch can feel slightly sharp or “pokey” at times, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Additionally, while the aluminum frame contributes to the watch’s lightness and aesthetic appeal, it may also be more prone to damage from accidental bumps or knocks, making it potentially less durable for everyday wear and tear.
The watch incorporates a new feature that has not been seen on other smart watches: an interchangeable bezel. The interchangeable bezels helps to change the look of the watch.
Display
The colorful 1.32″ AMOLED display is undoubtedly a standout feature of the CMF Watch Pro 2, offering a significant upgrade that you wouldn’t typically expect in a smartwatch at this price point. The display boasts a 466×466 resolution, which ensures that the visuals are crisp and vibrant, especially when viewed indoors.
The colors pop, and the sharpness of the text and images adds to the overall user experience, making it feel like a premium product. However, the display’s performance does have its limitations. With a peak brightness of just 620 nits, the CMF Watch Pro 2 struggles to maintain visibility in bright sunlight.
This can make it difficult to read notifications or check the time when you’re outdoors, especially on sunny days. Despite its impressive performance in most settings, this brightness issue may be a drawback for those who spend a lot of time outside.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the most impressive aspects of the CMF Watch Pro 2, truly setting it apart from many competitors. According to Nothing’s claims, on a single charge, the watch is expected to last up to 11 days and up to 9 days with heavy usage.
The CMF Watch Pro 2 comes with a convenient magnetic charging dock that offers flexibility in how you charge the device. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the watch from 0%, which might seem like a long time, but in reality, the charging time is hardly a concern.
Given that the watch can last over a week on a single charge, you won’t find yourself needing to charge it frequently. The extended battery life means you can simply set it on the dock when it’s convenient for you, and you’ll be good to go for several days without worrying about power.
This longevity makes it a reliable choice for those who don’t want the hassle of frequent charging. But that’s not all—the watch also features a power-saving mode that can extend the battery life even further, potentially stretching it to an incredible 40 days.
This means that even with extended use, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice, making it an excellent option for long trips or those who prefer minimal charging interruptions.
Software
The CMF Watch Pro 2 integrates with the CMF Watch app, available on both Android and iPhone, providing a user-friendly interface to monitor and manage your health data.
The app’s home screen features a comprehensive health tab that displays all the essential metrics at a glance, such as steps, active minutes, calories burned, and distance traveled, with tabs for exercise, stress levels, blood oxygen, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
New to this version of the CMF Watch are additional tabs for tracking cycles, activity scores, and training loads, offering a more detailed view of your overall health and fitness than the first CMF Watch.
The app also includes an exercise tab that allows you to launch workouts directly from your phone, ensuring that you can easily track your activities without hassle. The device tab gives you control over settings like battery life, watch faces, and more, keeping all your important information organized in one place.
The dial gallery offers a wide variety of watch faces to choose from. The company boasts that there are up to 100 unique watch faces, each designed to align with Nothing’s distinct design language.
These watch faces are not just aesthetically pleasing but also customizable—you can change the colors and even tweak the functions displayed on some of them.
This level of personalization allows you to tailor the watch to fit your style and needs, making the CMF Watch Pro 2 not only a functional device but also a stylish accessory.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $69
- Sleek, minimalist design with interchangeable bezels
- Lightweight and comfortable
- AMOLED display
- Exceptional battery life
- Basic fitness tracking and health metrics
- Compatible with both Android and iOS
Cons
- Unreliable notification delivery
- Limited smartwatch functionality
- GPS connectivity issues
- Low peak brightness for outdoor use
- Less durable materials
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CMF Watch Pro 2 finds itself in an intriguing middle ground between basic fitness trackers and more advanced smartwatches. Its impressive battery life and sleek, attractive design are certainly commendable, especially given its affordable price point.
However, the device does have its drawbacks, including unreliable notifications and a limited range of “smart” features, which make it difficult to fully recommend to those seeking a more comprehensive smartwatch experience.
Despite these shortcomings, it’s important to keep in mind just how remarkably inexpensive this watch is, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize value over extensive functionality.