The smartwatch market is heating up, with Google’s Pixel Watch 3 offering a refined Wear OS experience and the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro aiming to disrupt with a potentially aggressive price point. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, charging, and overall value, given the limited publicly available specifications for the CMF Watch 3 Pro.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a seamless, feature-rich experience and tight ecosystem integration, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the stronger choice. However, if Nothing delivers on a significantly lower price for the CMF Watch 3 Pro, it could become a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 22 | 2024, August 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July 22 | Available. Released 2024, September 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47 x 14.4 mm (1.85 x 1.85 x 0.57 in) | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 51 g (1.80 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 456 x 456 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ) | LTPO AMOLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SW5100 |
| OS | - | Android Wear OS 5, up to 3 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256 MB | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 50% in 28 min, 80% in 50 min - 45mm model
Wired, 50% in 24 min, 80% in 35 min - 41mm model |
| Type | Li-Ion 350 mAh | Li-Ion 420 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Light Grey | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel |
| Models | D399 | - |
| Price | € 69.00 / $ 63.13 | € 215.76 |
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro
- Potential for significantly lower price
- Stylish design (based on Nothing’s aesthetic)
- May offer a unique software experience
- Unknown chipset and performance capabilities
- Uncertain battery life and charging speed
- Limited information available
Google Pixel Watch 3
- Powerful Qualcomm SW5100 chipset
- Refined Wear OS experience
- Fast charging (24-50 min to 80%)
- Higher price point
- Battery life may still require daily charging
- Ecosystem lock-in for some features
Display Comparison
Details regarding the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro’s display are currently unavailable. The Google Pixel Watch 3 offers two size options: 41mm and 45mm. While resolution isn’t specified, the Pixel Watch 3’s AMOLED display benefits from always-on functionality and likely high brightness levels, typical of Google’s flagship devices. The Pixel Watch 3’s display is protected by custom-developed Corning Gorilla Glass, offering enhanced durability. Without CMF Watch 3 Pro display specs, a direct comparison is impossible, but the Pixel Watch 3 likely holds an advantage in display quality and protection.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable for either device. Smartwatches generally feature limited camera functionality, focusing on quick snapshots or remote phone control. It’s reasonable to assume both watches will have minimal camera features, if any, and image quality will be secondary to core smartwatch functions.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is powered by the Qualcomm SW5100 chipset, a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This 4nm process node chipset promises improved performance and efficiency. The SW5100’s architecture allows for faster processing of Wear OS features and health tracking data. The Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro’s chipset remains unknown. Given Nothing’s focus on value, it’s likely to utilize a less powerful, and therefore less expensive, chipset. This difference will likely manifest in slower app loading times and less fluid animations on the CMF Watch 3 Pro. The SW5100’s improved efficiency also translates to potentially longer battery life for the Pixel Watch 3.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel Watch 3’s battery life is estimated at up to 24 hours with always-on display enabled. Charging speeds vary between the 41mm and 45mm models: the 45mm model reaches 50% charge in 28 minutes and 80% in 50 minutes, while the 41mm model is slightly faster at 24 minutes to 50% and 35 minutes to 80%. The Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro’s battery capacity and charging speeds are currently unknown. However, given the potential for a lower price point, it’s possible Nothing may have compromised on battery size or charging speed to reduce costs. The Pixel Watch 3’s faster charging, even if only incrementally, provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro if you need a stylish smartwatch at a potentially disruptive price point and are comfortable with a less polished software experience. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if you prefer a premium build quality, a refined Wear OS experience, and seamless integration with Google services and health tracking features, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Qualcomm SW5100 chipset in the Pixel Watch 3 impact app responsiveness compared to what we might expect from the CMF Watch 3 Pro?
The SW5100’s 4nm architecture and improved processing power will result in significantly faster app loading times and smoother animations on the Pixel Watch 3. Without knowing the CMF Watch 3 Pro’s chipset, it’s reasonable to expect a noticeable performance gap, especially when running multiple apps or complex health tracking features.
❓ Given the Pixel Watch 3's charging times, is it practical for users who forget to charge their watch overnight?
The Pixel Watch 3’s charging speeds (50% in 24-28 minutes) are relatively quick, making it feasible to top up the battery in the morning before heading out, even if you forget to charge overnight. However, consistently relying on this habit may impact long-term battery health.
❓ What kind of health and fitness tracking features can we expect from the Google Pixel Watch 3, and how does it leverage the Qualcomm SW5100?
The Pixel Watch 3 leverages the SW5100’s processing power and integrated sensors to provide advanced health tracking features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, ECG, SpO2 tracking, sleep analysis, and fall detection. The SW5100 enables faster and more accurate data processing, leading to more reliable insights into your health and fitness.
