Debating Series 3 GPS vs GPS+Cellular (But not for Cellular)

[iAdamator]

Ugh. This topic has caused me to lose sleep lately. I have a series 2 AW, which was my first Apple Watch. I originally wasn’t interested in the series 3 as I have no interest at all in LTE. But then I saw some of the performance gains with Series 3 so I have been pretty set on getting one. Certainly didn't plan to upgrade my watch after just one year!

However a few issues are roadblocking me:

1. The Series 2 doesn’t seem to sell as well as I hoped which means more money out of my pocket for a S3.

2. This is a big one for me although I really wish it wasn't! The fact that the LTE Model has a Ceramic Back vs Composite on the GPS Only Model! I wish I had never even found out the difference exists! Now I keep thinking about the LTE version just because it had a more durable back. But I’m not that active or rough on my watch. Then there is the resell value factor which people think the LTE version may resell better. Makes sense. But I need to pay $80 now to make it resell better? Or I just save $80 now and get the composite back.

I know I will never activate the LTE on the watch. I would just be paying the extra for the Ceramic Back. I know the LTE model also has extra storage, which is nice, but I will likely never need or fill it. (Never even remotely filled the 8gb on my S2.)

Has anyone else had trouble deciding between a Series 3 GPS Only vs the LTE Model?

 

[ideal.dreams]

The LTE version also comes with an extra 8 GB of storage, for a total of 16 GB, in addition to the ceramic back. I bought the LTE version for those reasons alone because there's never been an instance where I didn't have my phone and needed cellular on my watch. At least the option is there should I change my mind down the road.

 

[will0407]

Having the same dilemma, mainly due to not wanting to get a composite back for fear of it getting marked. Doesn't seem right to 'upgrade' yet downgrade materials so I'll probably go LTE and switch cellular off (or rather leave it off)

Not fussed about the storage as I don't keep music on it, decision is purely for the ceramic back!

 

[iAdamator]

Sorry you are having the same trouble but it's good to know I am not the only one. I wish the back didn't even matter to me, but I cant help but worry about it getting scratched. It's surprisingly hard to find articles or videos on the subject. Like how easily it scratches and more importantly, does it affect the HR sensor?

 

[will0407]

Sorry you are having the same trouble but it's good to know I am not the only one. I wish the back didn't even matter to me, but I cant help but worry about it getting scratched. It's surprisingly hard to find articles or videos on the subject. Like how easily it scratches and more importantly, does it affect the HR sensor?

yeah when i found out about the composite back on the standard gps I started googling but couldn't find a great deal of info.

 

[edhchoe]

I would save $80 now. Take care of the composite back - ie. don't lay down the watch on hard surfaces, and you will probably get similar % resale next year as a LTE AW3 or maybe even higher %.

 

[Neodym]

deleted

 

[deeddawg]

Thought the price difference between LTE and non-LTE was $70 not $80?

 

[musicpenguy]

I’d spend the extra for music storage alone! It’s wonderful having all this extra space - 8GB for music instead of 2GB!

 

[noisycats]

Is the composition of the back really that important? The front and sides take the brunt of life on my watches. Never the back.

 

[iAdamator]

I’d spend the extra for music storage alone! It’s wonderful having all this extra space - 8GB for music instead of 2GB!

Did they remove the limitations of the how many songs you can put on it? I’ve heard conflicting answers.
[doublepost=1506829526][/doublepost]

Is the composition of the back really that important? The front and sides take the brunt of life on my watches. Never the back.

This is the very thing I am trying to come to terms with.

 

[michaelb5000]

Until I read threads like this I have never worried about or looked at the back of my watch. So I have had a series 0 watch for over two years and the back looks flawless. Since it is on my arm and not visible to anyone, I don't know why the back would matter so to me that would not be a reason to get LTE. So I wouldn't care if it was scratched.

More storage is a good reason. But more importantly, I would still like to know if the LTE watch can dial 911 even if you don't have a plan, since that would probably be worth $80 itself. I plan to get the LTE version and not activate it, and just wait for plans to get much cheaper in the future.

 

[musicpenguy]

Did they remove the limitations of the how many songs you can put on it? I’ve heard conflicting answers.
[doublepost=1506829526][/doublepost]

This is the very thing I am trying to come to terms with.

A reboot fixed this for me, not having the issues I was before with this, have 7GB or so synced (fast syncing too with the new chips)

 

[iAdamator]

A reboot fixed this for me, not having the issues I was before with this, have 7GB or so synced (fast syncing too with the new chips)

So you have the LTE model? And it syncs music faster too? That’s good to know. Is all interactions that involve data from the phone just super fast now? I saw some comparisons videos and the speed on the S3 definitely seems significant.

 

[Zxxv]

Don’t do it if you can’t afford it and are losing sleep. That’s a sure fire sign of trouble.

I’d just think of it this way. Buy the watch and think of it as a disposable item and if you get money on the resell you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Think about keeping it longer. It’ll still tell the time and monitor stuff and provide notifications long after others have upgraded.

 

[profets]

For the reasons you pointed out, I'd save the $ and go GPS only. Heck, I'd almost be tempted to stay with the Series 2.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Get the AW3. I did and have no intention of using LTE.

 

[44267547]

Ultimately, if you're looking for GPS, I would still search for the Series 2 brand new. You can likely find them at least price under $100 off and they're still available in stores and through other online retailers.

 

[iAdamator]

Ultimately, if you're looking for GPS, I would still search for the Series 2 brand new. You can likely find them at least price under $100 off and they're still available in stores and through other online retailers.

I have a series 2. Im sorry if I wasn’t clear in my original post. The main thing that appeals to me in S3 is actually the speed, even more then the GPS. I saw some comparisons and the responsiveness and how fast things load on the S3 seems very noticeable. I was actually surprised how much the S3 was improved performance wise as they didn’t emphasis it really at all when the series 3 was revealed.

 

[44267547]

I have a series 2. Im sorry if I wasn’t clear in my original post. The main thing that appeals to me in S3 is actually the speed, even more then the GPS. I saw some comparisons and the responsiveness and how fast things load on the S3 seems very noticeable. I was actually surprised how much the S3 was improved performance wise as they didn’t emphasis it really at all when the series 3 was revealed.

My mistake. I missed the part where you stated you had a Series 2. If you're looking for more of the incremental upgrade features with the Series 3, I would say the strongest points aside from LTE, is the speed with the faster dual core processor and battery life reportedly being stronger. And of course there's audible Siri.

 

[iAdamator]

My mistake. I missed the part where you stated you had a Series 2. If you're looking for more of the incremental upgrade features with the Series 3, I would say the strongest points aside from LTE, is the speed with the faster dual core processor and battery life reportedly being stronger. And of course there's audible Siri.

That’s cool. Still appreciate the input. I hadn’t heard much about improved battery life on the S3. My S2 already easily makes it through a day with lots to spare. Still more is always good!

Really comes down to the speed improvements. Still thinking about it but been leaning towards the GPS model and not worrying about the back.

 

[profets]

That’s cool. Still appreciate the input. I hadn’t heard much about improved battery life on the S3. My S2 already easily makes it through a day with lots to spare. Still more is always good!

Really comes down to the speed improvements. Still thinking about it but been leaning towards the GPS model and not worrying about the back.

Have you had a chance to play with the Series 3 in person to see what the speed difference is like? I guess it’s hard to gage since it won’t be setup as your watch and might just be running a demo.

 

[iAdamator]

Have you had a chance to play with the Series 3 in person to see what the speed difference is like? I guess it’s hard to gage since it won’t be setup as your watch and might just be running a demo.

No. But I am going to an Apple Store today for another reason and was actually thinking of doing just that. I’ve only seen speed comparisons on YouTube of people launching the same apps at the same time. From what I see the Series 3 is definitely speedy. Loads most things near instantly.

 

[cambookpro]

I'm in the same boat, but with the added factor of being prepared to buy a Sport Loop standalone anyway - since they only come bundled with the LTE models, I sort of see it as only an extra £20 (extra £70 over the GPS model less the £49 for a Sport Loop I would've purchased regardless) for a ceramic back, 16GB storage and LTE if I ever need it down the road.

Think I'll be going for the LTE model and just leave it unactivated for the time being.

 

[SidBoggle]

I was kind of forced into buying cellular as I wanted the SS model but another little bonus you get with cellular is the new explorer watch face. It has become my new favourite.