CMF Watch 3 Pro vs Watch 2 Pro: Comparison

Hey there! Today I'm comparing two budget smartwatches from Nothing's CMF lineup: the CMF Watch 3 Pro and CMF Watch 2 Pro. Both deliver impressive features under $100, but their differences in display size, GPS capabilities, and software experience create distinct value propositions that impact everything from workout tracking to daily usability.

I've been wearing both watches extensively for the past few weeks, testing them through workouts, sleep tracking, and everyday notifications. In this detailed comparison, I'll break down which watch offers better value and help you decide if the $20 premium justifies the upgrades. Let's dive in!

CMF Watch 3 Pro & CMF Watch 2 Pro. Source: Canva

CMF Watch 3 Pro vs CMF Watch 2 Pro: Quick Overview

Here's the bottom line: The CMF Watch 3 Pro offers 1.43-inch AMOLED display (670 nits), dual-band GPS (L1+L5), 131 sport modes, 4-channel heart rate sensor, 350mAh battery (13 days), Nothing X app support, AI running coach, fixed bezel design, and costs $99. The CMF Watch 2 Pro delivers 1.32-inch AMOLED display (620 nits), single-band GPS, 120 sport modes, standard heart rate sensor, 305mAh battery (11 days), CMF Watch app, interchangeable bezels, and costs $79.

For most buyers, I'd recommend the CMF Watch 3 Pro. The dual-band GPS dramatically improves outdoor tracking accuracy, the larger display enhances usability, and the upgraded battery delivers two extra days of runtime. However, grab the CMF Watch 2 Pro if budget is your priority, you value the customizable bezel system, don't care about GPS precision for workouts, prefer the slightly smaller 42mm case size, or want to save $20 for comparable basic smartwatch functionality.

Table of Contents:

• CMF Watch 3 Pro vs CMF Watch 2 Pro: Full Comparison
• CMF Watch 2 Pro vs CMF Watch 3 Pro: Design & Build
• CMF Watch 3 Pro or CMF Watch 2 Pro: Owner Reviews
• CMF Watch 3 Pro and CMF Watch 2 Pro Alternatives

CMF Watch 3 Pro vs CMF Watch 2 Pro: Full Comparison

Specification	CMF Watch 2 Pro	CMF Watch 3 Pro
Image
Display Size	1.32" circular AMOLED	1.43" circular AMOLED
Resolution	466 x 466 pixels (353 ppi)	466 x 466 pixels (326 ppi)
Brightness	620 nits peak	670 nits peak
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz
Always-On Display	Yes	Yes (150 watch faces)
Case Size	42mm	47mm
Case Material	Aluminum alloy	Brushed aluminum
Weight	~45g with strap	47g with strap
Bezel System	Interchangeable (curved/flat)	Fixed
Crown Function	Rotating crown + button	Rotating crown + button
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Strap Size	22mm (removable)	22mm (removable)
Processor	Undisclosed	Undisclosed
Operating System	Proprietary CMF OS	Proprietary CMF OS
Companion App	CMF Watch app	Nothing X app
GPS	Single-band	Dual-band (L1+L5)
Heart Rate Sensor	Optical (standard)	4-channel optical
SpO2 Monitoring	Yes, 24/7	Yes, 24/7
Sleep Tracking	Yes with zones	Enhanced (5% more accurate)
Stress Monitoring	Yes	Yes
Sport Modes	120+ modes	131+ modes
Auto Activity Detection	5 activities	7 activities
AI Features	None	AI Running Coach, Energy Score
Workout Metrics	Basic tracking	VO2 Max, Training Load, Recovery
Bluetooth Calling	Yes (30 contacts)	Yes (30 contacts, AI noise reduction)
Voice Assistant	Yes (Siri/Google Assistant)	Yes (Siri/Google Assistant)
Music Control	Yes	Yes (with album art)
Notifications	Yes (mirrored)	Yes (mirrored)
Watch Faces	100+ faces	120+ faces (150 AOD options)
Additional Features	Warm-up guides, breathing exercises	Essential News, voice notes, gesture control
Battery Capacity	305mAh	350mAh
Battery Life (Typical)	11 days	13 days
Battery Life (Heavy)	9 days	10 days
Battery Life (AOD On)	4-5 days	3.5-4.5 days
Charging Time	~120 minutes	99 minutes
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
Compatibility	Android 8.0+, iOS 13+	Android 6.0+, iOS 13+
Colors	Blue, Ash Grey, Orange, Dark Grey	Orange, Light Green, Light Grey, Dark Grey
Price	$79	$99

Display improvements represent the most noticeable upgrade. The Watch 3 Pro's 1.43-inch screen provides 10% more display area than the Watch 2 Pro's 1.32-inch panel, transforming readability for text notifications and workout stats. The 50-nit brightness boost to 670 nits helps marginally in direct sunlight. Both use identical 466x466 resolution, giving the Watch 2 Pro technically sharper 353 ppi versus 326 ppi, though the difference proves imperceptible.

GPS technology creates the largest functional gap. The Watch 3 Pro's dual-band system locks satellites within 30-60 seconds and maintains accuracy in challenging urban environments. The Watch 2 Pro's single-band GPS struggles with 2-5 minute lock times and frequently loses connection in dense city blocks. My running tests showed the Watch 3 Pro tracked routes with street-level precision, while the Watch 2 Pro showed drift and gaps.

Health tracking receives meaningful upgrades. The Watch 3 Pro's 4-channel heart rate sensor delivers 10% more accurate readings. Sleep tracking shows 5% improved accuracy with better zone detection. The Watch 3 Pro adds VO2 Max estimation, training load calculation, and recovery recommendations, features absent from the Watch 2 Pro. Casual users gain limited value, but fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the deeper insights.

Software transitions mark significant change. The Watch 3 Pro uses Nothing's new X app exclusively, abandoning the CMF Watch app. The X app delivers more polished design and granular health tracking controls. The Watch 2 Pro remains tied to the older CMF Watch app, which receives updates through mid-2026. Functionally both apps cover essential features, but the X app feels more modern.

Battery performance improves modestly. The Watch 3 Pro's 350mAh cell delivers 13 days typical runtime versus 11 days for the Watch 2 Pro's 305mAh battery. Real-world testing with AOD enabled showed 4.5 days versus 4 days. The Watch 3 Pro charges 20% faster at 99 minutes. Welcome gains but hardly transformative for devices already offering week-plus endurance.

CMF Watch 2 Pro vs CMF Watch 3 Pro: Design & Build

Both watches share Nothing's minimalist design philosophy but diverge in customization approach.

CMF Watch 2 Pro Design:

The Watch 2 Pro centers on modular customization. The removable bezel system lets you swap between curved and flat profiles in dark grey or ash grey, transforming aesthetics in seconds. The 42mm aluminum alloy case feels premium despite the $79 price, with matte finishing that resists scratches. At 45g with strap, it disappears on your wrist. The 1.32-inch display strikes perfect balance for most wrist sizes. Four color options include Blue, Ash Grey, Orange, and Dark Grey. The rotating crown provides tactile navigation. All standard 22mm bands fit.

CMF Watch 3 Pro Design:

The Watch 3 Pro abandons bezel customization for fixed design. Four colorways include Orange, Light Green, Light Grey, and Dark Grey. Orange and Dark Grey feature flat bezels with orange accents, while Light Grey gets rounded bezel. The brushed aluminum case measures 47mm, noticeably larger than its predecessor. The lightweight 47g construction prevents bulk despite the size. The 1.43-inch display dominates with slimmer bezels. The rotating crown maintains identical functionality. IP68 rating matches previous generation. Any 22mm band works perfectly.

Build quality feels indistinguishable between both watches. The aluminum construction proves durable through daily wear. Both survived testing without scratches or damage. The lack of advanced water resistance for swimming remains a limitation, though IP68 proves sufficient for workouts and weather.

CMF Watch 3 Pro or CMF Watch 2 Pro: Owner Reviews

Let's examine what actual users report after weeks of daily wear:

CMF Watch 2 Pro Owner Reviews:

Praises: "The interchangeable bezels are fantastic for personalizing the look. I swap between curved and flat bezels depending on my outfit. At $69 this watch delivers incredible value with AMOLED display, GPS tracking, and week-long battery life. The notification system works perfectly, staying connected to my phone without the drops I experienced with cheaper watches."

"Battery life genuinely lasts 10-11 days with moderate use. I charge it once every two weeks which is refreshing compared to daily charging on Apple Watch. The display looks sharp and vibrant indoors. The CMF Watch app provides all the health data I need without overwhelming complexity."

***

Drawbacks: "GPS lock takes forever, sometimes 5 minutes before it finds satellites. By the time it locks I've already run two blocks. The single-band GPS also loses signal frequently in my neighborhood with lots of trees. Frustrating for serious runners who need accurate tracking."

"The 620-nit display struggles in direct sunlight. I have to shield the watch with my hand to read notifications outdoors. Auto-brightness feature acts erratically, often selecting too dim settings. Sleep tracking occasionally thinks I woke up at 5am when I actually slept until 7am."

CMF Watch 3 Pro Owner Reviews:

Praises: "The dual-band GPS is phenomenal. Locks satellites in under a minute and tracks my runs with street-level accuracy. The AI running coach actually provides useful training plans that adapt to my performance. Worth the extra $20 over the Watch 2 Pro for serious workout tracking alone."

"Larger 1.43-inch display makes everything more readable, especially notifications with multiple lines of text. The 4-channel heart rate sensor delivers consistent readings that match my chest strap monitor. Battery lasts the full 13 days CMF claims with moderate use and sensors active."

***

Drawbacks: "Removing the interchangeable bezel system disappoints me. I loved swapping bezels on my Watch 2 Pro. The 47mm case feels too large for my smaller wrist, extending beyond my arm width. I wish CMF offered a smaller 42mm option for the Watch 3 Pro."

"The Nothing X app forced migration from CMF Watch app creates hassles. My old watch faces don't transfer over and I had to reconfigure all settings. Essential News feature sounds interesting but I couldn't make it work properly despite multiple attempts."

CMF Watch 3 Pro and CMF Watch 2 Pro Alternatives

If neither CMF watch perfectly matches your needs, consider these alternatives:

1. Amazfit Balance: Premium features including dual-band GPS, advanced health metrics, Zepp OS, gorgeous AMOLED display, 14-day battery at $229, bridging budget and flagship territory.
2. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4: Direct CMF competitor with 1.43-inch AMOLED, dual-band GPS, 150 sport modes, 20-day battery, HyperOS at $119, splitting the difference.

The Amazfit Balance represents what serious fitness enthusiasts should consider. Comprehensive health tracking includes ECG, stress analysis, and sleep quality rivaling dedicated fitness trackers. The 1.5-inch AMOLED display and sapphire crystal justify higher price. You're paying $130-150 more but receiving advanced features like body composition analysis and detailed recovery metrics.

The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 competes directly in CMF's price range. The 20-day battery life doubles CMF's endurance, dual-band GPS matches the Watch 3 Pro, and HyperOS provides more polished software. At $119 it delivers Watch 3 Pro features at near Watch 2 Pro pricing. The main tradeoff involves less refined app ecosystem compared to Nothing's minimalist approach.

Should You Buy the CMF Watch 3 Pro or Watch 2 Pro?

After extensive testing of both the CMF Watch 3 Pro and CMF Watch 2 Pro, the $20 price difference translates to meaningful functionality improvements worth paying for.

Choose the CMF Watch 2 Pro if budget absolutely determines your purchase. The $79 price delivers exceptional value for casual fitness tracking. The interchangeable bezel system provides customization the Watch 3 Pro lacks. The smaller 42mm case suits smaller wrists better. For users wanting notification mirroring, basic activity tracking, and week-long battery without GPS dependence, the Watch 2 Pro covers essentials competently.

Choose the CMF Watch 3 Pro if you regularly track outdoor workouts. The dual-band GPS alone justifies the premium, eliminating frustrating wait times and inaccuracy. The larger display enhances usability. The 4-channel heart rate sensor and advanced metrics benefit serious fitness enthusiasts. The AI running coach adds genuine training value for runners. The 13-day battery and faster charging sweeten the package.

The fundamental question: Does GPS accuracy matter for your use case? If you run, cycle, or hike outdoors regularly, buy the Watch 3 Pro. The GPS improvements justify $20. If you primarily use a smartwatch indoors for notifications and basic tracking, the Watch 2 Pro delivers 90% of the experience for 80% of the cost. Both punch well above their price points.