Design and Display: Big, Bright, and Surprisingly Premium
Both the CMF Watch 3 Pro and DTG9 prove that an affordable smartwatch under 100 does not have to feel cheap. The CMF Watch 3 Pro uses a 47 mm case that weighs just 51 g, paired with liquid silicone straps on standard 22 mm pins for easy swapping. Brushed metal accents around the rotating crown give it a more premium look than its USD 69 (approx. RM320) price tag suggests. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED panel with 466 x 466 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate delivers sharp text and smooth swipes, remaining readable even in harsh sunlight thanks to 670 nits of brightness and an optional always-on display. The DTG9 takes a slightly smaller approach with a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen that emphasizes deep blacks and vivid colors. It also supports an always-on mode, making notifications, workout stats, and maps glanceable without raising your wrist.
Battery Life: CMF’s Endurance vs DTG9’s Balanced Power
If smartwatch battery life is your top priority, the CMF Watch 3 Pro has a clear edge. Its 350 mAh battery is rated for up to 13 days on a single charge, or around 10 days for heavy users who track heart rate and GPS frequently. Even with the always-on display enabled, it still manages around 4–5 days between charges, and a full top-up takes roughly 100 minutes. This makes it a strong candidate for anyone seeking the best budget smartwatch that won’t live on a charger. The DTG9 focuses on efficient power management too, offering long battery life despite its feature-packed design, but the exact figures are not specified. In practice, its GPS, offline maps, and multi-sport tracking mean more intensive usage, so it suits buyers willing to trade some endurance for richer fitness and navigation features.
Health and Fitness: Everyday Wellness vs Outdoor Athlete
When it comes to fitness smartwatch comparison, both models cover essential health metrics but with different emphases. The CMF Watch 3 Pro focuses on accurate everyday health tracking: continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen and stress measurement, detailed sleep staging, and even a period tracker. With over 130 sports modes and dual-band GPS that can auto-detect when you start or end a workout, it caters to casual joggers and serious athletes alike. The DTG9, however, positions itself as a more outdoors-oriented fitness companion. Alongside continuous heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, it adds breathing training for stress relief and multi-sport modes tailored to running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and more. Its 3ATM water resistance, altitude and barometric sensors, and built-in compass make it especially appealing for swimmers and adventure-focused users who train beyond the gym.
Smart Features and GPS: Navigation vs Daily Convenience
Both watches aim to challenge the idea that you must pay a premium for advanced smartwatch features. The CMF Watch 3 Pro integrates Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction, using its built-in mic and speaker for clear conversations from your wrist. Dual-band GPS ensures more accurate route tracking, and the interface is tuned for smooth 60 Hz navigation across menus, notifications, and fitness data. The DTG9 counters with a stronger focus on navigation and outdoor usability. Its built-in GPS allows phone-free route tracking, while offline maps stand out in this price bracket, keeping guidance available even without data or Wi‑Fi. Like the CMF, it supports Bluetooth calling for hands-free communication during workouts or commutes. For buyers who value navigation and exploration, the DTG9’s GPS and mapping tools will be a major draw.
Which Sub-$100 Smartwatch Is Right for You?
Choosing the best budget smartwatch under 100 between these two comes down to how you live and train. The CMF Watch 3 Pro offers standout smartwatch battery life, a larger, bright AMOLED display, polished design, and a wide range of health and sports tracking features at USD 69 (approx. RM320). It is ideal if you hate frequent charging and want an all-rounder that nails the basics with a stylish finish. The DTG9, on the other hand, is a better fit for fitness-focused and outdoor users. Its multi-sport modes, 3ATM water resistance, GPS with offline maps, and extra sensors for altitude and barometric pressure make it more of an outdoor athlete’s tool. In the sub‑$100 segment, both watches prove that you can get real value without paying flagship prices—just match their strengths to your priorities.
