i can't decide if i should go with the cellular version for +100€ or just the normal gps version. (I don't have to pay for an extra esim because its free for me) But i think the batterylife will be less good with cellular. I mainly want to use it for tracking my fitness stuff and wearing it daily at the office. Can you help decide?
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Apple Watch 8 with or without cellular?
- Thread starter paimon9
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There is no doubt that cellular will consume more power. You can always turn it off when not using.
There is no difference in battery life when you’re using it with your iPhone. It automatically controls the cellular, so unless it’s away from your iPhone it’s the same. If you get the Wi-Fi watch, many of the functions will not work away from your iPhone.
I think that decision would be based on do you ever see yourself going somewhere or doing something without having your iPhone with you? I would say a better question is in the past year how many times have you left your iPhone?
I bought the cellular watch for my Series 6, but I could probably count the times I’ve used it away from my phone on one hand. That’s why my Series 8 has only Wi-Fi.
My watch has cellular but I probably don’t need it. I always have my phone with me. However, I did notice that the few times I left my phone behind, the battery on the watch drained quicker. When I have my phone with me, battery lasts longer.
In case of emergency, cellular watch can call 911 without cellular plan.
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I used to have non-cellular versions earlier but this time when I updated to series 8, I chose cellular version. Just so that I can use it to call for help if something happens on my daily walks and I don't have my phone with me (I don't like to carry my phone when it's very hot outside and I don't have a jacket on with pockets).
I don't currently have eSIM activated, but it still gives me sense of security when I know that I can still call for help in case of emergency.
I don't currently have eSIM activated, but it still gives me sense of security when I know that I can still call for help in case of emergency.
I've had 4 Apple Watches (S1, S3, S5, S7) over the past 6 or so years. I've never had one with cellular and never had a situation where I wish I did have it. You can still track all your fitness even without a phone because of the GPS. I personally don't see enough value in the cellular feature to spend the extra money or compromise the battery further. The Apple watch battery is already too small so adding more drain is not worth it in my opinion.
As a runner and cyclist, I always prefer watches with. It’s great to leave your phone at home and still be contactable in emergencies.
if you don’t exercise outdoors regularly, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you have your phone with you all the time, there’s no benefit to cellular on the watch.
if you don’t exercise outdoors regularly, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you have your phone with you all the time, there’s no benefit to cellular on the watch.
Seconded. I went Wifi only on both the SE and the S8 that replaced it. But this is a valuable feature that I think is worthy of considering. Especially as we age. I will likely get unactivated cellular next time.
I have had a S2,S4 non cellular and currently a S7 with cellular for almost 2 years. I see no difference in battery life unless I am using cellular and when I do I can still today get close to 24 hours between charging. I really enjoy cellular when exercising and working in the yard. I just use airpods with the watch which is great. If no monthly fee I would pay the extra $100.
If you can afford the base watch, you can afford the cellular version. If the extra expense of the upgrade to cellular is a serious money concern for you, get an SE or a used model instead.
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Ity is the situation the person is in. for me it does not matter as I have my phone always with me. I am retired and can afford either version but I still just choose the GPS version as I can not really see the need for the cellular version and pay out for something that is not useful for me. I got the 41 MM series 8 GPS only with a 10% off for being a veteran and ordered that. I thought a lot of that and I never found a good reason for my lifestyle to have the cellular. I had the original series watch until it battery would not go 2 hours and I replaced it with the series 8. I did pick up a series 6, 44 MM cellular a couple weeks ago from a pawn shop on the cheap and it is nice but I am planning on gifting that to my niece.
The battery life is pretty the same of a non-cellular model, if you have the iPhone with you the Watch connects to your iPhone like a non-cellular Watch, the E-SIM is used only if the Watch is far from the iPhone and in that case the AW drains a little bit more battery, but nothing of excessive.
In my opinion you can buy the cellular model, if you use it with the iPhone the battery is basically the same as a non-cellular model and in any case you have another device to call emergency services if your iPhone fails.
In my opinion you can buy the cellular model, if you use it with the iPhone the battery is basically the same as a non-cellular model and in any case you have another device to call emergency services if your iPhone fails.
I just got my first Apple Watch, the SE 2 with cellular. It’s a lot of fun having a phone on my wrist, never liked carrying my phone around, esp. hiking, gym, shopping or eating out. Now the phone is left in the car or even at home. Streaming music directly is my favorite feature. And I find Siri to be more effective on the watch than iPhone, so texting, navigating or web searching is no problem. The battery lasts all day with occasional cellular use.
In summary, yes! Get the cellular version!
In summary, yes! Get the cellular version!
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