Nothing’s CMF sub-brand has released the Watch 3 Pro, its latest budget smartwatch, with a few practical upgrades—and a notable compromise. Available globally starting today at $99 (currently discounted to $79), the Watch 3 Pro refines several core features, including health tracking, battery performance, and GPS accuracy, while shedding some of the customization options that helped differentiate its predecessor.
The most visible change is the slightly larger 1.43-inch OLED display, which increases the screen-to-body ratio over the CMF Watch Pro 2’s 1.32-inch panel. While the added screen real estate is a welcome usability upgrade, the device drops support for swappable bezels—a feature that previously allowed users to personalize their watch face with interchangeable hardware. The result is a sleeker, more uniform design, but one that limits aesthetic flexibility.
Functionality, however, sees a clear step forward. The Watch 3 Pro introduces a four-channel heart rate sensor, which promises improved monitoring accuracy during workouts and daily activity. Users can now choose from 131 sports modes, backed by AI-generated summaries and personalized training guidance, particularly for running.
Another notable addition is dual-band GPS, which Nothing touts as a meaningful improvement over the previous model. The upgrade is aimed at users who need more reliable location tracking in urban environments or during outdoor workouts. The company claims faster, more stable signal acquisition and better precision across a variety of terrains.
Battery life also sees a modest boost. The Watch 3 Pro lasts up to 13 days under what Nothing calls “typical use,” a two-day improvement over the Watch Pro 2. With heavy usage, that figure drops to around 11 days, and enabling the always-on display reduces it further to 4.5 days. Full charging takes roughly 99 minutes.
Software support is handled through the newly updated Nothing X app, which centralizes device management across the CMF ecosystem. The app now integrates with Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health Connect. Notably, existing CMF Watch Pro and Watch Pro 2 users will also transition to the updated app experience, signaling a broader consolidation of Nothing’s wearable software stack.
That said, product naming continues to be a sticking point. The decision to jump from “Watch Pro 2” to “Watch 3 Pro” is another instance of inconsistent branding within the CMF line—mirroring the irregular naming conventions of other products like the Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2 Plus. For consumers trying to understand how these products relate to one another, the numbering doesn’t offer much clarity.
The CMF Watch 3 Pro ultimately feels like a practical step forward for users looking for an affordable fitness tracker with modern features, but less interested in form factor customization. While the stripped-down design may not appeal to those who valued the previous generation’s modular approach, the additions in health tracking, GPS, and battery life help keep this model competitive in the under-$100 smartwatch space.
