## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs CMF Watch Pro: Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a maze. There are big name smartwatches equipped with all the bells and whistles, and then there are budget smartwatches. Today, we’re going to compare the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the CMF Watch Pro from Nothing. One is a premium product focused on seamless integration and advanced features, while the other aims to provide basic features for a lower price. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel Watch 3 has a familiar design and is pretty much the same as its predecessors. They come in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with the larger model having a 16% smaller bezel, making the display more grippy. The larger model has a 16% smaller bezel, making for a more engaging display. The curved crystal and clean lines give the watch a luxurious look, it is well made. The watch fits comfortably on the wrist, but its large size (45mm) may seem bulky to some.
The CMF Watch Pro, on the other hand, has a premium design with an aluminum alloy case, giving it a more luxurious look than most budget smartwatches. The matte finish and smooth silicone strap are comfortable, but feel more like plastic than metal. The square design is a matter of personal preference, but it certainly sets the watch apart from the rounded aesthetic of the Pixel Watch. The watch looks good, but a closer look reveals some cheapening, such as the thick, uneven bezel and somewhat flimsy buttons.
Display
The Pixel Watch 3 features a bright and vibrant display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. In addition, the display brightness can be reduced to 1 nits, making it ideal for dark rooms. The displays offer excellent clarity and readability, as well as plenty of glare. The larger 45mm model has a larger screen area, which is especially useful for those who want to display large text and complex information on their wrist.
The CMF Watch Pro also features a bright and crisp AMOLED display with a brightness of up to 600 nits. It’s easy to read both indoors and outdoors, but since there’s no automatic brightness adjustment, you have to adjust the brightness manually when switching from one light to another. This can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you move between indoor and outdoor areas frequently.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5 and offers a smooth and seamless user experience. Switching between apps is fast and integration with Google Assistant is seamless. A new grid of app icons makes navigation faster and more intuitive. The watch also has an Ultra Wideband chip for unlocking Pixel phones and an app for recording conversations. It’s a watch that feels responsive and capable.
On the other hand, the CMF Watch Pro has a simpler UI, fast but basic: it’s not as feature-rich as Wear OS, but it can do basic tasks. The watch has a music control app, a remote camera shutter, and a voice assistant app, though these features are somewhat limited. The watch feels more like a Bluetooth accessory than a standalone device.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Pixel Watch 3 boasts an improved heart rate sensor accuracy comparable to a chest strap. They also have a new cardio load and goals feature that tracks all activity, not just workouts. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription; GPS accuracy is generally good but not always perfect, with occasional drifts observed. The device also lacks dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range. In addition, you can’t connect external sensors to it, which may be a limitation for serious athletes.
The CMF Watch Pro has basic fitness tracking features like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. However, the accuracy of these functions, especially heart rate during various activities, is questionable. They are suitable for everyday use, but not for serious fitness tracking. In addition, the watch has a closed ecosystem that doesn’t allow you to export data or integrate it with third-party fitness apps.
Battery Life
The biggest improvement in the Pixel Watch 3 is battery life: the 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use. This means that even with Always On Display mode enabled and all-day use, there’s still plenty of battery life to go around. The improved battery life is largely due to the efficiency of Wear OS 5.
The CMF Watch Pro also has a good battery life: it can last several days on a single charge. This is a notable advantage over some premium smartwatches and makes it a solid option for those who don’t want to charge the watch every day. However, the lack of automatic brightness adjustment may affect battery life if the display is frequently used at high brightness.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Pixel Watch 3 seamlessly connects to your smartphone and integrates well into Google’s ecosystem. This includes the ability to put your phone on standby from your wrist and control smart home devices. However, the inability to pair with external sensors may be a limitation for some users.
The CMF Watch Pro has an erratic connection with smartphones, requiring frequent checking and sometimes manual reconnection. Notification sharing is also limited: users can only read messages, but not reply to or delete them. The Find My Phone feature is also a bit odd: it only works if the Watch app is open on the phone.
Price
The Google Pixel Watch 3 costs $299.99 and is categorized as a premium smartwatch. They require an investment, but offer a number of advanced features and convenient controls. Meanwhile, the CMF Watch Pro is priced at $79.95, making it a budget option. It’s a good choice for those who want the basic features of a smartwatch without spending a lot of money.
Pros and Cons of Google Pixel Watch 3
Pros:
- Two sizes (41mm and 45mm) depending on your preference.
- Larger display with a 16% smaller bezel in the 45mm model.
- Longer battery life, with the 45mm model lasting up to two days with moderate use.
- Brighter display (up to 2,000 nits) with up to 1 nit brightness adjustment.
- Improved accuracy of the heart rate sensor, comparable to chest straps.
- Smooth and seamless operation with Wear OS 5, fast app switching and Google Assistant integration.
Disadvantages:
- Design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation.
- The increased size of 45mm can feel bulky on smaller wrists.
- GPS accuracy is not always perfect.
- No dual-band GPS.
- Some advanced fitness features are closed to Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Pairing of external sensors is not possible.
Pros and Cons of CMF Watch Pro
Pros:
- Premium design with aluminum alloy body.
- Bright, crisp AMOLED display.
- Built-in microphone and speaker for calls.
- Comfortable and flexible strap.
- Good battery life.
- Various stylish dials.
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient smartphone connectivity.
- Limited interaction with notifications.
- Lack of automatic brightness adjustment.
- Basic fitness tracking and questionable accuracy.
- Lack of data export with a closed ecosystem.
- Limited customization options.
In conclusion, Google Pixel Watch 3 is a premium smartwatch with advanced features and a user-friendly interface, while CMF Watch Pro is an affordable option with basic features. The choice depends on your needs and budget.