Where the CMF Watch 3 Pro Fits in the Budget Smartwatch Under 100 Segment
The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro enters the crowded budget smartwatch under 100 category at USD 69 (approx. RM320), down from USD 99 (approx. RM460). That pricing places it squarely against value-focused wearables that promise many flagship-style features for a fraction of the cost. On paper, the Watch 3 Pro delivers a sizeable 47 mm case that still weighs just 51 g, paired with standard 22 mm liquid silicone straps for easy swapping. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display offers a sharp 466 x 466 resolution and smooth 60 Hz refresh rate, while hitting up to 670 nits for better outdoor visibility. This spec sheet positions the CMF as a strong contender for buyers who want a best value smartwatch that does not feel cheap, yet remains mindful of real-world constraints like battery life and daily comfort.
Battery Life: The Real Test of a Budget Smartwatch
Battery life is one of the biggest pain points for smartwatch owners, and it is where the CMF Watch 3 Pro stakes a bold claim. Its 350 mAh battery is rated for up to 13 days on a single charge, or around 10 days for heavy users who frequently track heart rate and GPS activity. Even with the always-on display enabled, users can expect roughly 4–5 days between charges, with a full top-up taking about 100 minutes. In a market where many affordable smartwatch comparison options still struggle to last more than a few days, this endurance helps the CMF feel more like a true watch than a gadget that constantly demands a charger. The DTG9 also advertises long battery life, but without a specific figure, the CMF’s clear numbers give it a practical advantage for buyers prioritising predictable, low-maintenance ownership.
Health, Fitness and GPS: CMF Watch 3 Pro vs DTG9
From a health and fitness standpoint, the CMF Watch 3 Pro review highlights a solid set of essentials: continuous heart rate tracking, blood oxygen readings, stress monitoring, sleep staging, and a built-in period tracker. It supports over 130 sports modes and includes dual-band GPS that can automatically detect when you start or stop exercising, cutting down on manual input. The DTG9 counters with its own continuous heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, detailed sleep analysis, breathing training for stress relief, and multi-sport modes tailored to running, cycling, swimming and outdoor adventures. It adds extras such as altitude, barometric pressure and a built-in compass, plus GPS with offline maps for navigation without a phone. In raw feature breadth, DTG9 leans more toward outdoor exploration, while the CMF focuses on reliable everyday fitness and smart detection inside a slicker, more mainstream package.
Design and Everyday Usability: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
For many general users, design and everyday usability matter as much as hardcore fitness metrics. The CMF Watch 3 Pro aims to feel more expensive than it is, with brushed details around a rotating crown, a lightweight 51 g body and easily swappable liquid silicone straps. Its bright 1.43-inch AMOLED panel, 60 Hz refresh rate and optional always-on mode make everyday interactions—checking notifications, glancing at the time—feel fluid and familiar. DTG9, meanwhile, offers a slightly smaller 1.32-inch AMOLED screen with always-on capability, a sleek modern design and 3ATM water resistance, making it comfortable for swimming and daily wear. Both watches support Bluetooth calling with built-in microphones and speakers, allowing hands-free conversations. The difference lies less in raw specifications and more in how approachable each feels: CMF stakes its appeal on a refined watch-like experience, while DTG9 leans into a more rugged, adventure-ready identity.
Verdict: Is the CMF Watch 3 Pro the Best Value Smartwatch for Budget Buyers?
The sub-USD 100 (approx. RM460) category is no longer about stripped-down trackers; devices like the CMF Watch 3 Pro and DTG9 offer genuine smartwatch functionality. CMF’s strengths lie in its sharp, smooth AMOLED display, clearly defined battery endurance, dual-band GPS and polished design that feels higher-end than its price suggests. It focuses on making daily tasks—time checks, calls, notifications and basic health tracking—effortless, which aligns well with buyers seeking a best value smartwatch for everyday use. DTG9 pushes further into outdoor and fitness territory with offline maps, altitude and barometric sensors and 3ATM water resistance. For most budget-conscious users, the CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers a convincing blend of practicality, style and stamina. It does not feel like a major compromise; instead, it shows how far a budget smartwatch under 100 can go when it prioritises real-world usability over headline-grabbing gimmicks.
