By Mark Kavanagh

Copyright irishmirror

I’ve been testing the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro in recent weeks, and in some of that time I’ve also been putting Apple’s new Watch Series 11 through its paces.

The latter is the latest iteration of the world’s best selling wearable so it was interesting to see just how a €99 smartwatch could compare and find out how many of the basic functions it offered.

The Nothing sub-brand’s latest wearable was first released in July but has been re-launched today in a new green colourway that matches the budget brand’s new CMF Headphone Pro over-ear cans.

I’ve been using the earlier dark grey model and here’s how I found it…

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CMF Watch 3 Pro in everyday use

One of the key selling points of the Watch 3 Pro is its new dual-band five-system GPS set-up. I compared its speed and accuracy to both Apple Watch Series 11 and the excellent Garmin Venu X1, two devices that cost a lot more than this budget-priced model. The Watch 3 Pro is not quite up to their level of precise tracking but it does sufficiently well to feed the needs of any casual fitness enthusiast.

Another selling point is the AI-assisted health tracking. Watch 3 Pro supports more than 130 sports and workouts, and you can choose which of these modes you wish to install on the wearable in the common sports section in the accompanying free smartphone app Nothing X. The watch can detect seven core activities automatically which is handy and unfortunately not a feature on every wearable. A personalised running coach will build and adjust plans based on your fitness. It provides guidance on your workouts, recovery time, training load and ways in which you can improve. And you’ll get a simple snapshot of your weekly effort called Active Score. These are all entry-level versions of the cutting-edge insights, metrics and coaching guidance offered by both Apple Watch Series 11 and Garmin Venu X1 and if you are a casual fitness enthusiast you’ll be pleased with what you’re getting for your money. The software and user interface are not the slickest on the block but they do what is required efficiently.

Watch 3 Pro also includes heart rate monitoring (with a new optical sensor), sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring (SpO₂), stress tracking, guided breathing exercises, hydration and inactivity reminders along with women’s health support.

You navigate through the menus and metrics using one physical button and the large 1.43in and bright AMOLED touchscreen display. The 47mm watch is quite large so it may not suit those with small hands. The design and build is better than you’d probably expect for €99. Aside from the dark grey model I reviewed and the new green colourway, Watch 3 Pro comes in light grey and orange options too. Each of the four colours has a different finish on the watch casing. Be sure to check them all out.

Watch 3 Pro promises 13 days of battery life with typical use and about 4.5 days with the always-on display enabled. I can vouch for the latter claim. A recharge from zero to 100 percent takes about an hour and a half.

CMF Watch 3 Pro other features

There’s no third party support and no NFC support for contactless payments on Watch 3 Pro. The latter is an issue for me as I like to use my smartwatch to pay for goods every day. However, Watch 3 Pro has got other smart features including the ability to make and take calls. You can also send one of 10 preset quick replies to messages and emails. You can customise these messages to your liking. Other tools built in include a voice recorder with auto-transcription to capture notes while an Essential News tool delivers daily digests based on your interests. There are more than 120 custom watch faces available in the app’s Dial Gallery. Users can also add widgets for fitness, weather, music and reminders.

CMF Watch 3 Pro is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, making it ready for any routine, rain or shine

As a budget-priced, entry-level, smartwatch, CMF Watch 3 Pro offers users plenty of value money in a stylish package.

Pricing and availability

CMF Watch 3 Pro costs €99 from nothing.tech and is also available on Amazon.

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