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Apple Watch 5 - Normal or cellular version?

kaplaninternational

kaplaninternational

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 19, 2016
48
0
Guys, I am deciding between the Apple Watch 5 normal version and the cellular one

-

With the normal version, I can still take calls messages on my watch right via being connected via bluetooth with my phone right? But then what is the distance that they have to be near each other for that too work?
 
Yes, you can take calls on the non-cellular AW if within range of the iPhone. If the phone is in range I believe it will use/need Bluetooth. If the AW and iPhone are on the same WiFi network I think it can use that at greater distances. Maybe someone can confirm. Outside of that you can buy the cellular version, pay the monthly fee and then have cellular turned on/off on the AW.

I just checked my AW and is shows that the AW is on WiFi but my iPhone is not on WiFi. I have cellular turned off.

The distance for BT is reasonable.. I don’t know exact but 20-30 ft. I am guessing with reasonable line of sight.
 
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Like people have said you can be pretty far when you're on a WiFi network. With only Bluetooth being used (like when I'm at work) I've been pleasantly surprised at the distance I can be from my phone when my watch can still get alerts from it.
 
This is a pretty easy decision for me. I almost always have my phone nearby at all times, and it being $100 more expensive and also I'm on a cheap prepaid plan. Oh, and also the battery life.
 
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Thank you guys for the feedback - will go with the standard version then as also I do need my phone nearby also :)
 
One thing to consider with the cellular is the ability to place an emergency call even if you don't have the service connected. I don't have the service but it is peace of mind for me when I am out running/cycling with my phone at home.
 
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Class 1 Bluetooth can go far, rated at 328 feet or 100 meters. Most headphones and stuff are class 2 which is 10 meters/33 feet with nothing in the way.
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kaplaninternational said:
Thank you guys for the feedback - will go with the standard version then as also I do need my phone nearby also :)
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Yes you do unless on same WiFi connection.
 
If you are planning on exercising, such as running or biking, the cellular version is so worth it. I have went out all this week without taking my phone, listening to apple music over my airpods, and being still connected. it's awesome.
 
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I went with the cellular version only because Sprint had a deal to get it half off and so far I’m really liking the ability to ditch my phone at work at times ... haven’t done a bike ride sans phone yet but I’m excited to try.

Loving AOD as well ... but not sure I’d spend the extra $100 in a vacuum.
 
I went with the non-cellular version. The only time my phone isn’t on me is when I go running, and that is the time I use to disconnect myself from well, being connected all the time. Also, I just can’t justify paying extra for the cellular model or the monthly data plan, for the rare scenario where I don’t have my phone on me.

That said, if you went with the metallic or ceramic version, then it’s a nonissue, since they all ship with cellular.
 
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I have cellular because my watch is stainless steel, but I’ve never used it. My phone is always near enough that my watch is connected. This includes sometimes being 60-100 feet away while at home and on the same mesh wifi. And one day when I forgot my phone at home, I was pleasantly surprised to still be able to send and receive texts, etc., from miles away when iPhone and Watch were connected to two different wifi networks.
 
Monkswhiskers said:
One thing to consider with the cellular is the ability to place an emergency call even if you don't have the service connected. I don't have the service but it is peace of mind for me when I am out running/cycling with my phone at home.
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That’s one reason I got the cellular. Plus higher end models only come cellular.
 
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1rottenapple said:
That’s one reason I got the cellular. Plus higher end models only come cellular.
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How likely are you to be without your phone which will be connected? From what I’ve read on here most people leave their phone behind not because they can, but to try and justify their additional expense.
 
Mercenary said:
How likely are you to be without your phone which will be connected? From what I’ve read on here most people leave their phone behind not because they can, but to try and justify their additional expense.
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I don’t pay for cellular. So I don’t need to justify anything.

I leave my phone when I’m running to unplug, and to not carry a big ass xs max bouncing on my arm or my pocket. It’s a pro having cellular. It’s not my only reason why I got it, but it’s a positive feature.

Also, I LIKE my stainless steel series 3. And I bought titanium for series 5. I would love the option if Apple offered WiFi+GPS on those models but #limitedoptionsTHANKSAPPLE I may buy it I may not. But options would be nice Tim Cook!
 
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Mercenary said:
How likely are you to be without your phone which will be connected? From what I’ve read on here most people leave their phone behind not because they can, but to try and justify their additional expense.
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I won’t recommend anyone buy cellular for emergencies but it’s a positive feature to have if a person is going to buy the higher end finishes.
 
If you get SS and above LTE will be built in whether you want it or not so no choice here.
For the Al model pick the one that fits your needs.

Are you jogging outside often and want to leave your phone at home? Do you have lots of meetings that require your phone in another room? If the answer to both is yes, then cellular is definitely useful.
 
Mercenary said:
How likely are you to be without your phone which will be connected? From what I’ve read on here most people leave their phone behind not because they can, but to try and justify their additional expense.
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I always carry my phone with me even with my cellular connected watch. Saved me a couple times when my phone bricked out of nowhere and the battery on my phone died. Everyone has different circumstances. I have no problem going the whole year without using cellular but having the peace of mind that it’s available if I need it. It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have. Personally, I think those who don’t get cellular are too cheap as it’s a feature that can only help, not hurt.
 
Itinj24 said:
Personally, I think those who don’t get cellular are too cheap as it’s a feature that can only help, not hurt.
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I disagree with that part of your statement. I have no need for a cellular watch, my phone is always with me and I've got two mobile phones. A work issued phone and my personal. Why would I pay for hardware and cellular service that I'd never use and don't want?

I'm not saying cellular isn't a useful or even nice feature but it's not necessary for everyone's requirements. If it meets your needs, great buy it. If it doesn't, don't buy it. No need to make those kinds of generalizations.
 
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staggerlee41 said:
I disagree with that part of your statement. I have no need for a cellular watch, my phone is always with me and I've got two mobile phones. A work issued phone and my personal. Why would I pay for hardware and cellular service that I'd never use and don't want?

I'm not saying cellular isn't a useful or even nice feature but it's not necessary for everyone's requirements. If it meets your needs, great buy it. If it doesn't, don't buy it. No need to make those kinds of generalizations.
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Didn’t see you comment on Mercenary’s generalization lol 🙂

Anyhow, that’s my opinion. If you prefer to carry two phones, then by all means. Rather have something on my wrist that I can’t lose.
 
Itinj24 said:
I always carry my phone with me even with my cellular connected watch. Saved me a couple times when my phone bricked out of nowhere and the battery on my phone died. Everyone has different circumstances. I have no problem going the whole year without using cellular but having the peace of mind that it’s available if I need it. It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have. Personally, I think those who don’t get cellular are too cheap as it’s a feature that can only help, not hurt.
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At £100 more for the watch and £7 a month to actually use cellular, it’s not cheap not having it if it’s not needed.
 
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