The CMF Watch Pro 2, part of Nothing’s budget-friendly sub-brand CMF, is their latest addition to the affordable smartwatch market. Following last year’s CMF Watch Pro, this summer sees the release of the Watch Pro 2, offering an enhanced design and features at a competitive price. After spending a few weeks testing it, here’s a detailed review of this wearable.
Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2 Review: Affordable, Durable, and Full of Surprises
Design & Build Quality
One of the most noticeable changes is the circular AMOLED display, a departure from the rectangular design of the original CMF Watch Pro. This offers customers a choice between two distinct styles if both models remain available. The aluminum case with a matte finish gives the Watch Pro 2 a sleek, premium look, though the “cmf by Nothing” branding on the bezel feels excessive. Fortunately, the bezel is replaceable, and removing the lettering results in a much cleaner appearance.
The 1.32″ AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels is impressive for this price point. It strikes a nice balance, being neither too small nor too large, making it suitable for most wrist sizes. The display itself is vibrant, although the auto-brightness feature struggles in overcast conditions, often selecting brightness levels that are too low for comfortable visibility.
The watch’s durability is commendable. We tested it during various activities like swimming, running, and rock climbing, and it held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear. The leather straps provided with the unit, though not preferred by the reviewer, performed admirably, remaining comfortable and durable throughout testing.
Software & Performance
For a sub-brand product, the CMF Watch Pro 2 offers an unexpectedly good experience. The software is clean and responsive, with the rotating crown serving as both a button and a control mechanism. While an additional button would have been a welcome addition, the touchscreen’s responsiveness compensates well.
The watch performs smoothly with both Android and iOS, offering hundreds of customizable watch faces. However, there’s no app store, which isn’t surprising at this price point. The interface design is a bit different from other smartwatch platforms, which may take some getting used to, but it adds a unique touch that sets the Watch Pro 2 apart from other budget smartwatches.
Activity & Tracking
Despite its affordable pricing, the CMF Watch Pro 2 impressed with its fitness tracking capabilities. It covers most of the essential features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), stress readings, and sleep monitoring. However, it lacks more advanced features like ECG or skin temperature monitoring.
One downside is the slow GPS lock-on, which can take up to 5 minutes, especially in open spaces. This delay is frustrating for runners and cyclists eager to start their workout. On the positive side, the guided warm-up feature gives the watch a bit more time to lock onto GPS before starting your session. Once the GPS is locked, the watch provides accurate tracking, on par with more expensive devices from brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Garmin.
The sleep tracking feature performed admirably, providing results that matched well with the Huawei Watch GT4, the reviewer’s daily driver.
Battery Life
Nothing claims that the CMF Watch Pro 2 can last up to 11 days with typical use and 9 days with heavy use. However, our tests showed slightly lower figures, with 10 days of typical use and 7 days under heavy use. With the Always-On Display (AOD) activated, battery life drops to around 4-5 days. These numbers are not groundbreaking, especially for watches that don’t run a full operating system, but the Watch Pro 2 still manages to outlast many flagship smartwatches like Apple and Samsung.
Charging is done via a proprietary pogo-pin cable, with no wireless charging support, which is understandable given the budget constraints. A full charge takes about 100 minutes, with 50% charge achieved in 30 minutes.
Pricing & Conclusion
The CMF Watch Pro 2 is priced attractively at €69 in Europe, £69 in the UK, and INR 4,999 in India (around $59). It’s available in four colors: Dark Gray and Ash Gray with plastic straps, or Orange and Blue with leather straps.
At this price, the CMF Watch Pro 2 offers excellent value. The design is sleek, the software is responsive, and fitness tracking is accurate. While the slow GPS lock and lack of advanced health features may be drawbacks, the watch’s overall performance, durability, and battery life make it an exceptional option for anyone looking for an affordable yet capable smartwatch.
Pros
- Impressive AMOLED display for the price
- Sleek, durable design with a choice of colors
- Accurate fitness tracking for the price segment
- Long battery life compared to other smartwatches
Cons
- Slow GPS lock-on during outdoor activities
- No ECG or advanced health tracking
- No wireless charging support
Overall, the CMF Watch Pro 2 proves to be a great option for users who want a budget-friendly, reliable smartwatch without sacrificing too much in terms of functionality.