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Is cellular option worth paying for, and worth the annual expense?

  • Yes

    Votes: 31 31.6%
  • No

    Votes: 67 68.4%

  • Total voters
    98
It looks like people outside of the US are more in favor because their monthly cost is much cheaper. Our network here in the US are charging way too much. Right now I'm leaning towards juts getting GPS only option.
 
If I understand my cost increase it's not $10/mo, or $15/mo with taxes, it's more like $45ish.

I'm on a prepaid plan at $42ish/mo with taxes. I get 6GB of data on that plan, and never come close to using it because of the wifi access.

I cannot use an Apple Watch on that plan and would have to go to an unlimited plan for at least $70 plus probably higher taxes. So, my additional cost is

$10+taxes for Apple Watch Access
$30+taxes for plan upgrade to use it.

So, pretty much I'd have to double my monthly fee to use an LTE version. I have a Garmin Fenix 5+ so I'm willing to pay real money for this kind of device, and I'd love to have the luxury of LTE, because carrying a phone is awkward when you run/hike, but no way is it worth $45/mo.
 
I’m so glad this question was asked! I’m getting it because I wanted SS, but after reading this, I don’t think I’ll activate it.

I finally got LTE on my iPad last year and have been glad for that. But unless the speaker is really great, I don’t think I’ll be streaming music from my watch that much.
 
Funny I see this post because I'm on hold right now with ATT to cancel my lines. I have two lines, one for me and one for my wife. I think it depends on what you do in your every day. I always have my phone with me so it's a waste of money cuz I never use it. I was doing their installment program, but I'm about to pay both of them off and cancel my lines.
 
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I enjoy having the service when I'm out playing with my kids. Without my phone with me, I don't get distracted and can focus on the moment, but if I need to call their mom, I can use my watch.
I think this is the best reason - it's more than just a convenience for parents of young children.
 
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I'd rather spend that money on bands or other stuff than give it to at&t. I've lived without cellular from the beginning (heck... I don't even have GPS.. right!? series 0) i originally had cellular on my iPad mini cuz at&t had some deal going on that you got a few months free... but i rarely used that even so I got rid of it. Plus I got of the then grandfathered unlimited and got a plan where I could tether... I'm about cutting expenses not adding more1
 
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Like it, sometimes I Leave the iPhone behind like in the gym.
And those meetings were you toss your phone in a basket before entering the room
Nobody’s asked for my watch yet.
Also like the Nextel PTT style functionality.
Cost unless you’re broke from buying a Series 4 and maybe a new Xs it’s not that big of an issue compared to our cell phone bill.
 
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Not worth it my opinion, paying that extra fee each month. I mean I do a lot of phone calls, but when I am out walking the nature trail, riding my bike or at the gym. I am NOT answering a phone call, they can leave a voice message and I'll call them back at my convenience. That is my down time to enjoy so I don't even bring my phone with me, I do have an old iPod for music that is small and fits easily in my pocket. I just don't need to be that connected!
 
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The cellular cost is worth it to me and the connectivity is essential. I'm in my 70's and I feel much more secure knowing that if I am out of wifi range and I fall or if I am out driving and have forgotten my phone (which happens to me) I can make a call. Plus I love the convenience of being able to leave my phone at home when I go to the pool or out walking. For me, $180 a year (approximate cost of my plan) is well worth it for the peace of mind.

Agreed. I have lots of health issues and memory problem. Knowing that if I forgot my phone I can still reach someone is a peace of mind that’s worth more the extra $180/year in my situation. This year they added fall detection which is a extra bonus.
 
Agreed. I have lots of health issues and memory problem. Knowing that if I forgot my phone I can still reach someone is a peace of mind that’s worth more the extra $180/year in my situation. This year they added fall detection which is a extra bonus.

There is little doubt for some of us it certainly worth he cost of admission. I can see the fall detection being a really big thing for elderly family members having peace of mind. I think the ECG is going to be amazing for some people as well. I try to do daily walks, bike rides and all that because I am trying to keep from having health issues and for me always being connected created stress and anxiety so it can be good or bad depending on your lifestyle. :)
 
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It looks like people outside of the US are more in favor because their monthly cost is much cheaper. Our network here in the US are charging way too much. Right now I'm leaning towards juts getting GPS only option.

I have parents who are aging and a niece and nephew I am heavily involved in upbringing (one with medical issues) and to me the piece of mind is worth $10 a month.

It’s also worth having it as an option. If you’re going on vacation but don’t want to be strapped to your phone, you have your watch. You can activate the LTE. Turn it off when you get home.
 
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I'm considering getting the Cellular version of the AW4. I do outdoor activities and would like to be able to not be tethered to my iPhone. However, every penny count in my household and I just don't want to add an expense that I'll regret.

So, I just want to get opinions from those who have been using AW3 with Cellular. How much is the annual cost and has it been worth it?

This will be my second go around with AW, I had the original and did not like it and have been a Fitbit user for a while now, but would like to try AW again with series 4.

Thanks!
For £5 a month it’s worth it to me.. even going down shops a few times a week would make it worth it. Or walking the dog. Just a nice feature to have.
 
Here's the problem with cellular...

It eats your battery like nothing else. Expect battery level to dramatically drop quickly while on a cellular connection.

I am still paying $10 a month for it, but really, I never go anywhere without my iPhone. I think only once or twice I walked out of the house, forgetting my iPhone, and was thankful my watch was still receiving information.

But really, it's not worth the battery drain.
 
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I don't see spending 10 dollars a month on a feature that I'll in all likelihood never use. I'll take a call on my watch once in a blue moon, if I don't think I'll get to my phone (and its in proximity of the watch), so why spend spend even more for the watch and then pay a monthly fee
 
Apple said they improved the LTE reception on the series 4. Will be interesting to see if anyone can feel the difference.
 
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My S3 SBSS had LTE but I’m getting a S4 without LTE this year. I could never get a signal at the gym, which was why I wanted an LTE watch.
 
Last edited:
A very compelling no so far. I preordered GPS only due to this result. It’s too bad no SS version for GPS only. This is my first AW and have been a fitbit user, so I don’t think I’ll be missing cellular functionality. Thank to everyone on helping with my decision.
 
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