The smartwatch market often forces a choice between premium features, extended battery life, or affordability. CMF, the sub-brand of consumer tech disruptor Nothing, aims to shatter that compromise with its new Watch 3 Pro. Priced aggressively at $99 (with an introductory offer of $79), this device promises up to 13 days of battery life – a figure that stands out in a landscape dominated by daily or every-other-day charging cycles.

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CMF Watch 3 Pro offers a sleek design and promises exceptional battery life. (Credit: CMF/ZDNET)

Beyond the Battery: Packing Punch at a Budget Price

While the headline-grabbing battery life is significant, the Watch 3 Pro isn't sparse on features:

  • Dual-Band Five-System GPS: Enhances location accuracy and speed for outdoor activities across 131 supported sport modes.
  • AI-Powered Running Coach: Similar to features found on premium watches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, it generates personalized training plans based on user metrics and activity levels.
  • Comprehensive Health Tracking: Includes blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2), stress tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, hydration reminders, and inactivity alerts.
  • Performance Analytics: Post-workout data includes recovery time estimates, training load analysis, and race pace predictions for 5K and 10K distances, feeding into a weekly "Active Score."
  • ChatGPT Integration: Users can activate the AI via the built-in voice recorder (aided by dual microphones) for notes, queries, or reminders.
  • Essential News: Provides quick access to curated news updates.

Trade-offs and Target Audience

The most notable omission is sleep tracking. This means the watch's physical assessments and recovery metrics won't factor in sleep data, a significant gap for holistic health monitoring. However, CMF appears to target the everyday fitness enthusiast, prioritizing style and core activity features over the deep health analytics or ruggedness found in specialized sports watches. The IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance suitable for daily life and workouts.

Engineering the Endurance

The claimed 13-day battery life – two days longer than its predecessor, the Watch 2 Pro – raises eyebrows given the feature set. Achieving this likely involves a combination of:
1. Highly Efficient Processor: Optimized silicon designed for minimal power draw during both active use and standby.
2. Aggressive Power Management: Sophisticated software algorithms to minimize background processes and sensor usage when not actively needed.
3. Display Technology: Utilizing an ultra-low-power display, likely a memory-in-pixel (MiP) or similar variant common in long-life fitness trackers.

Real-world testing will be crucial to validate these claims, especially with features like dual-band GPS and the always-on display option enabled.

A Fashion-Forward Approach

True to Nothing's design ethos, the Watch 3 Pro emphasizes aesthetics. It features a metal body, interchangeable silicone straps, and comes in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange. It avoids the bulky, utilitarian look often associated with long-battery-life trackers, aiming to blend seamlessly into daily wear.

The CMF Watch 3 Pro represents a compelling proposition: delivering substantial battery life and a solid suite of fitness and smart features in an attractive package at a disruptive price point. While the lack of sleep tracking is a drawback, its focus on core activity, style, and endurance could make it a strong contender for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable, long-lasting smart companion for their active lives. Availability started July 24th with express shipping, widening to standard delivery later in the month.

Source: Based on reporting by Nina Raemont for ZDNET.