Smart Dial or Just a Gimmick? CMF Clip Pro Review
The open-ear headphone market is becoming increasingly crowded, and CMF, a subsidiary of Nothing, is entering the fray with the CMF Clip Pro. These aren't just your standard open-ear buds; they feature a charging case equipped with an unusual Smart Dial. In this review, we investigate whether this rotary control is a practical addition or a mere gimmick, while testing the sound quality, battery life, and long-term comfort.
Design and Ergonomics: Lightweight and Secure
The CMF Clip Pro utilizes a classic clip-on design. Instead of sealing the ear canal, the earbuds clip onto the outer ear via a flexible arm. The speaker sits in front of the canal, while a support piece rests behind the ear. This setup ensures a comfortable, unobtrusive fit that doesn't cause pressure, even during vigorous movement. Crucially, it allows the wearer to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
In terms of build, the device is primarily plastic. While it doesn't scream premium luxury, the construction is solid and well-assembled. The earbuds carry an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and splashes, suitable for light rain or workouts. The charging case is IPX2 certified. On the downside, CMF is not transparent regarding sustainability, offering no specific data on recycled materials or carbon footprint. Additionally, like many TWS devices, the batteries are not user-replaceable.
Features and Usability: A Feature-Rich Experience
The feature set is impressive for this price point. They support Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint connectivity (allowing simultaneous connection to a phone and a laptop), and the LDAC codec for high-resolution audio on Android. While the earbuds themselves support touch gestures for playback and voice assistants—customizable via the Nothing X app—they notably lack an in-ear detection feature for automatic playback pausing.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the Smart Dial on the charging case. This rotary control allows for intuitive volume adjustment and can be mapped to other functions via the app. When the case is sitting on a desk, this dial proves to be a highly practical and convenient tool for quick adjustments. However, the dial must be activated within the Nothing X app before it can be used.
Sound Quality: Powerful, with Limitations
For open-ear headphones, the CMF Clip Pro delivers surprisingly powerful sound. The soundstage feels airy, and vocals are clear and positioned at the forefront. While the open design naturally limits deep sub-bass punch, the lower frequencies provide a solid foundation. Our measurements, however, indicate a dip in the low bass and a slight emphasis on the mids.
At moderate volumes, the audio is clean and pleasant. However, at high volumes, the limitations of the open design become apparent: the bass can sound overdriven, and high-pitched vocals may exhibit a slight fluttering or tremor. Microphone performance is also a mixed bag; while speech is intelligible, the recipient may perceive your voice as somewhat harsh and metallic.
Battery Life: Real-World Performance
CMF claims up to 10 hours of playback per charge and 40 hours total with the case. In our testing, we achieved approximately 8 hours of playback using the AAC codec. While this falls short of the manufacturer's claims, a single charge is sufficient to get through a standard workday. As always, actual performance will vary based on volume levels and codec usage.
Verdict
The CMF Clip Pro is a solid, feature-rich option for users seeking comfort and environmental awareness. The inclusion of LDAC, Multipoint, and the highly functional Smart Dial makes them a compelling package. Despite some compromises in microphone quality and a slight gap between advertised and actual battery life, they are a strong contender in the open-ear category.
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