CMF Watch Pro 2 Review: Budget Smartwatch Worth £69?
Unboxing CMF Watch Pro 2: Budget Smartwatch Reality Check
Tired of £300+ smartwatches but skeptical about £69 alternatives? After testing Nothing's CMF Watch Pro 2 for a full week – including accidental timer failures that ruined dinner – I'll reveal where this budget contender shines and stumbles. Unlike spec sheet comparisons, this review combines Nothing's lab durability claims with real-world abuse across British weather, gym sessions, and questionable life choices. Let's dissect whether that "11-day battery" promise holds weight when you actually use the features.
Design & Customization: More Than Plastic Junk?
The aluminum alloy case defies expectations at this price point, though its lightness initially suggests cheaper materials. After analyzing stress tests where Nothing subjected it to extreme temperatures, drops, and salt spray, I confirm it survives daily abuse better than most sub-£100 watches.
The real innovation? Interchangeable bezels and straps. Swapping requires surprising force – nail-biters will struggle – but offers genuine personalization:
- Four strap options: Dark/Light Gray silicone, Blue/Orange "leather"
- Flat or rounded bezel profiles
- Standard 22mm lugs ensure third-party band compatibility
Practical tip: Order extra bands immediately if customization matters. The included magnetic charger disconnects easily – prop it against books to avoid overnight charging fails.
Performance & Daily Use: The Good, Bad, Ugly
AMOLED display punches above its weight: 1.32-inch 326PPI screen hits 600+ nits brightness. Auto-brightness works flawlessly unlike many budget rivals. However, the always-on display becomes unreadable outdoors – wake it fully for sunlight visibility.
Connectivity reliability impressed me. Unlike cheaper watches losing sync constantly, Bluetooth remained stable throughout testing. Notifications work for calls, messages, and app alerts, though interactions are basic – view-only, no replies.
The digital crown is this watch's Achilles' heel:
- Stiff rotation requires two-finger grip
- Doesn't navigate all menus (touchscreen still needed)
- Single button feels cheap compared to rivals
| Feature | Performance Verdict |
|---|---|
| Haptics | Strong, precise vibrations |
| Voice Assistant | Only activates phone's assistant (Gemini/Siri) |
| Calls | Clear mic/speaker but limited to 30 contacts |
| Timer | Avoid for cooking – failed during testing |
Health Tracking & Battery: Expectations vs Reality
Nothing claims 11-day battery life. With always-on display and 24hr heart rate tracking enabled, I averaged 4 days – better than Apple Watch but below TicWatch. The 305mAh cell charges via fiddly magnetic puck (takes 90 mins).
Health features are competent yet flawed:
- Auto-exercise detection (walk/run/cycle) triggers 5-10 mins late
- GPS tracking gives rough location data only
- Sleep tracking accurately detects light/deep cycles
- Heart rate and SpO2 readings match my Pulse Oximeter
Critical finding: The "stress monitor" seems gimmicky. During deadline chaos, it showed "relaxed" – likely measuring heart rate variability alone without contextual awareness.
Is It Worth Buying? Final Verdict
After a week of continuous use, the CMF Watch Pro 2 delivers unprecedented customization and display quality for £69. However, critical flaws like the unreliable timer, stiff crown, and mediocre battery demand compromise.
Who should buy it:
- Style-focused users wanting interchangeable looks
- Android owners needing basic notifications
- Casual fitness trackers (not data perfectionists)
Who should avoid:
- Cooks relying on timers
- iOS users wanting call replies
- Marathon trainers needing precise GPS
3 Action Steps Before Buying:
- Disable always-on display immediately for better battery
- Purchase third-party bands – original silicone attracts lint
- Set phone backup alarms if using timers
Upgrade Picks For Specific Needs:
- Fitness: Fitbit Charge 6 (better sensors, £129)
- iOS Integration: Used Apple Watch SE (from £150)
- Battery Life: Amazfit GTS 4 (7+ days, £120)
Did I forgive it for ruining my chicken? Surprisingly yes – at £69, it overdelivers where rivals cut display quality. But would I trust it with my Sunday roast again? Absolutely not.
What's your dealbreaker – battery, durability, or accuracy? Share your budget watch horror stories below!
