Apple Watch 10 Decision: Regular vs. Cellular for Emergency Use?

[Cobbler82]

Hi All,

I'm currently considering buying an Apple Watch but can't seem to make a final decision. My main reasons for getting the watch are:

1. Monitoring heart rate
2. Short workouts (daily 2-hour walks) and occasional hiking sessions (4-5 hours)
3. Emergency situations — in case of an accident or health issue, I'd like to alert family or a friend to come and help.

I’m okay with charging the watch once a day. From what I’ve heard, the Ultra version is great, but its battery sometimes lasts 1.5 to 2 days, which could lead to forgetting to charge it and the watch dying unexpectedly. Because of this, I’m leaning toward the regular Apple Watch Series 10 instead of the Ultra.

However, my question is regarding point #3. Would I need the cellular version for emergencies? If my phone is in the apartment, would the watch connect to it and make the emergency call through the phone? I don’t usually leave home without my phone or stray too far from it.

Any thoughts or recommendations?
P.S. I’ve also heard the cellular version might use more battery.

 

[Howard2k]

The cellular version will allow you to call 911 (in North America) even if you don’t activate the plan while you are away from your phone.

The non-cellular version will still call 911 while you are close to your phone, but while away from your phone (or wifi) it cannot.

 

[Cobbler82]

The cellular version will allow you to call 911 (in North America) even if you don’t activate the plan while you are away from your phone.

The non-cellular version will still call 911 while you are close to your phone, but while away from your phone (or wifi) it cannot.

Thank you for the quick reply, Howard.

I live in Europe and I guess I'm leaning towards getting the GPS-only version, as it can still make emergency calls if the phone is nearby. I wonder how close the phone has to be.

If anyone else has suggestions or thoughts, please let me know.

 

[Howard2k]

It would depend on your environment since it’s using Bluetooth or Wifi. Generally though you want to keep the phone within 10 metres or so.

 

[Grayburn]

I wonder how close the phone has to be.

If anyone else has suggestions or thoughts, please let me know.

Bluetooth range whatever that is these days.

 

[MisterSavage]

Honestly I think in the scenario you described GPS would be fine. That's what I've always had. I put my phone down as soon as I get home and rarely use it but I use connectivity via it with my watch constantly (answering phone calls, texts, etc).

Bluetooth range whatever that is these days.

Bluetooth range is surprisingly good. I have left my phone at my desk at the office and have been shocked at how far away from it I can be and still get notifications. I never connect to work WiFi.

 

[deeddawg]

Functionally it boils down to whether you spend much time outside of bluetooth / wifi contact with your phone.

I usually don't carry my phone on most outdoor activities, include dog walks, bike rides, yard work, etc. and appreciate the retained connectivity cellular service provides, as well as the emergency services option if needed.

That said, I get the cellular capability included since I buy the steel or titanium models for the greater durability (usually on a 2-3 year cycle). Service with my carrier is inexpensive at $7/mo and worth having (for me).

 

[azhava]

Thank you for the quick reply, Howard.

I live in Europe and I guess I'm leaning towards getting the GPS-only version, as it can still make emergency calls if the phone is nearby. I wonder how close the phone has to be.

If anyone else has suggestions or thoughts, please let me know.

As others have said, your phone has to be within Bluetooth range. If you're always that close to your phone (especially in situations where you have the risk of needing to call for help), the GPS only model should work fine for you. If there are times when you're out of BT range of your phone and may need to call for help, the cellular version would be the way to go.

 

[Cobbler82]

Thank you all for the feedback on this. I believe I am ready to make my purchase at this stage. I really appreciate your guidance and help!

I think I’m going to go for the GPS version. This is my first Apple Watch, and I’d prefer not to spend a fortune on it. I’ve only had a Fitbit Charge since around 2016, so I’m curious to see if the Apple Watch will be an upgrade in terms of health tracking, particularly for heart metrics and other features.

Wish you all a great day.

 

[ubinko]

Thank you all for the feedback on this. I believe I am ready to make my purchase at this stage. I really appreciate your guidance and help!

I think I’m going to go for the GPS version. This is my first Apple Watch, and I’d prefer not to spend a fortune on it. I’ve only had a Fitbit Charge since around 2016, so I’m curious to see if the Apple Watch will be an upgrade in terms of health tracking, particularly for heart metrics and other features.

Wish you all a great day.

I think you're going to love your apple watch. Enjoy!

 

[deeddawg]

As others have said, your phone has to be within Bluetooth range. If you're always that close to your phone (especially in situations where you have the risk of needing to call for help), the GPS only model should work fine for you. If there are times when you're out of BT range of your phone and may need to call for help, the cellular version would be the way to go.

Point of clarification - the watch will also use wifi when out of bluetooth range if there's a "known" wifi network available. Thus your watch will be connected anywhere in your home wifi range even if outside of bluetooth range.

I think I’m going to go for the GPS version. This is my first Apple Watch, and I’d prefer not to spend a fortune on it.

Great choice - enjoy!

 

[MisterSavage]

Point of clarification - the watch will also use wifi when out of bluetooth range if there's a "known" wifi network available. Thus your watch will be connected anywhere in your home wifi range even if outside of bluetooth range.

This is a very good point and I should have clarified that!