Cellular reception with Ultra vs phone?

[indychris]

So with the new Ultra, has anyone compared the cellular reception of the watch vs a phone? With the tiny packaging of a watch, I'm wondering if they've been able to retain the same level of reception that they can with a phone? Looking for some real-world experience before I activate cellular on my watch.

Thanks!

 

[perezr10]

The other day I was expecting an important e-mail so I was checking my Apple Watch Ultra periodically while out on a 6 mile run. I noticed that in the valleys my watch wasn’t getting very good reception. My iPhone 13 Pro Max does better in those spots but I didn’t have my phone on me.

So I don’t think it’s quite up to iPhone level yet. But even an Ultra has a relatively small battery and smaller antenna compared to any iPhone so I wouldn’t expect the same level of reception. It’s pretty good, but I was out in the wilderness. I never have problems with it in civilization.

 

[Hankster]

I use my Watch for calls/text/email while road biking. I do not take my iPhone with me road biking. I've taken a few calls on the Watch and there was no difference in reception. I asked two people if they noticed any change in the call and they did not. However, I am in Washington DC where cell coverage is very strong.

 

[mk313]

In my experience (T Mobile) there is definitely a difference. The newer phones all have Band 71, while the watch doesn't yet. That is one of the bands that T Mo is using to offer broad coverage, so in fringe areas, you will notice a difference. I'm not as sure with ATT/ Verizon, but I do know that they both bought large chunks of C block cellular bands to deploy, and that the watch also doesn't cover those. Also, the watch is LTE only, so you don't get the efficiency gains of 5G (less people fit on each channel) so you could experience areas where your phone would get a call & the watch wouldn't.

All that being said, it's amazing to me that the cellular watch exists at all. It's been very good for me. Not amazing, but good enough enough that I don't mind leaving my phone at home if I'm going out & it will be inconvenient to carry.

 

[cwosigns]

Phones will perform better with their ability to connect to 5G UWB, mid-band, etc. Watches are still limited to LTE.

 

[indychris]

Thanks, all! Exactly what I suspected but needed confirmed. I hike a lot in areas with marginal coverage. Sounds like having the phone is still going to be the better bet if something urgent arises.