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Apple offers GPS and cellular connectivity options for its Apple Watch models, but the latter costs more. Should you spend extra on the cellular variant, or will the GPS-only model suffice? We’ll compare the two and help you decide.
First and foremost, upgrading to a cellular Apple Watch will pose an added cost unless you’re buying the more expensive stainless steel variant or an Apple Watch Ultra; these models come with cellular connectivity by default.
To put the increased cost into numbers, upgrading to a cellular Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) will cost an additional $50, while a cellular Apple Watch Series 9 will set you back $100 more.
Also, keep in mind that to make the most of this cellular connectivity, you will need to link your Apple Watch with an ongoing mobile plan. While there arecheap data plans for Apple Watch, the recurring fee is still a factor to consider.
Connectivity and Added Features
Besides the fact that the cellular Apple Watch can use an eSIM to connect with mobile networks, there aren’t any hardware differences to note. Both models feature the same GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth hardware.
However, these two models differ in the features that are available to you. For example, cellular models can stream music, use navigation apps, and even make phone calls while away from their connected iPhones.
On the other hand, those with a GPS-only Apple Watch need to have music pre-downloaded. Using other internet-based apps or taking calls is limited to when the paired iPhone is in range or connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple Watch.
Another notable feature that’s exclusive to the cellular Apple Watch is Family Setup, which allows you to set up an Apple Watch for someone without an iPhone—like your child.
So while there are a lot ofthings an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone, cellular connectivity does unlock some nifty use cases. That’s especially the case if you’re a parent who wants to stay in touch with your kids.
When it comes to battery life, Apple claims 18 hours of use, irrespective of the Apple Watch variant you own. While your usage patterns affect how long your Apple Watch lasts between charges, you should remember that using a cellular network on your Apple Watch will tax its battery a bit more.
Apple’s claimof 18 hours for the cellular model involves four hours of usage over LTE and 14 hours of connection to an iPhone via Bluetooth. In the case of the GPS model, all 18 hours of testing involved being connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth. Using Low Power Mode will also extend usage of either variant to 36 hours.
Watch Faces and More
When you purchase a cellular Apple Watch, you’ll notice an extra Explorer set of watch faces. This series features a combination of red hour and minute hands—other watch faces feature white hour and minute hands—along with an indicator for signal strength. It’s a nifty little add-on for cellular users that helps differentiate their watch and puts essential information at the front.
But when it comes to choosing between case materials and band options, there aren’t any differences in the user experience. The only noticeable detail is the red ring on the Digital Crown, which identifies cellular variants.
Which Apple Watch Variant Should You Buy?
The primary advantages of the cellular Apple Watch include the ability to leave your iPhone behind and using Family Setup to allow a family member without an iPhone to use the wearable.
So if you’re looking to cut your phone out of the equation or are looking for a solution to keep in touch with your children—and don’t want to bother with the added cost—acellular Apple Watchis a reasonable purchase.
But if you rarely find yourself without your iPhone and don’t mind the tethered lifestyle offered by aGPS-only Apple Watch, we recommend saving your hard-earned money. Perhaps you can use those funds towards new bands or protective accessories for your Apple Watch.
