Do you buy GPS only, or GPS + Cellular?

[happy orchard]

Im also one of the people who always bought the cellular version. I train a lot 2-3 hours at a time. I hate having my cell when training, but wanna stay connected for the important things. Mainly family and house status like frond door or my nest cameras or even my smart lock, everything else is blocked with fitness focus turned on.
Or when walking to the corner store just a watch and a pair of Airpods Pro feels liberating.

That’s my thought: use the focus.

(Dude that could be the techie version of “use the force, Luke”)

It’s interesting that many who say no to cellular are saying I don’t want to be “accessible”, or for others to be able to access me, whereas people who say yes to cellular are often saying I want to be able to access others. Wonder if the pattern in perspective and yes/no is consistent in real life or just so far in this thread’s collection.

 

[Vyse2020]

That’s my thought: use the focus.

(Dude that could be the techie version of “use the force, Luke”)

It’s interesting that many who say no to cellular are saying I don’t want to be “accessible”, or for others to be able to access me, whereas people who say yes to cellular are often saying I want to be able to access others. Wonder if the pattern in perspective and yes/no is consistent in real life or just so far in this thread’s collection.

Personally I don’t mind being accessible, its just I’m never far away enough from my phone to justify paying the $10 a month to activate the feature.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I want to be able to be contacted in any emergency with my parents or brother and his family, as well be able to call them when needed on a run or just out without my phone. When I am off work, I have a personal focus on. When I am exercising, I have the exercise focus on. When those 2 focuses are on, only family get through. In that light, cellular is important with the watch.

 

[Lee_Bo]

Another vote for the cellular model.

I normally don’t take my phone with me when I ride my bike, go for a walk or go kayaking.

 

[big samm]

That’s my thought: use the focus.

(Dude that could be the techie version of “use the force, Luke”)

It’s interesting that many who say no to cellular are saying I don’t want to be “accessible”, or for others to be able to access me, whereas people who say yes to cellular are often saying I want to be able to access others. Wonder if the pattern in perspective and yes/no is consistent in real life or just so far in this thread’s collection.

I also see that lots of people who really train also want the cellular version.

 

[darthbane2k]

BT, don’t you think you’re missing out on a feature that brings the watch into it’s own?

Having the flexibility to pop out & leave your iPhone behind, but still be connected?

It’s only £5pm for me, so I’d see it as a no brainer.

You’ll discover that cellular doesn’t quite work the way you expect it to.
I had cellular for two previous watches, I barely used it and when I did it took far long for the watch to lock into cellular mode when the phone was left connected at home. Now it’s £7 extra per month if you don’t get your watch through your phone network , otherwise it’s £5. Not worth it in my option, however everyone should try it once to see whether it fits into their usage. I would suggest to first take advantage of Apples 14 day return policy.

 

[julesme]

I’m surprised no one here has mentioned the potential risk from radiation of keeping a cellular device attached to your wrist. That’s the primary reason my watch is GPS.

 

[HappyDude20]

Nope, usually I bring my phone with me and when I‘m out with just the watch (sports, walks), I deliberately choose to be disconnected.
There‘s literally no reason to get a cellular contract for the watch for me. Apple Pay (if I should need it) needs no connection and my music is synced to the watch.
Also: In case of an emergency, the SOS call will work without a contract as well

Whoa.
whoa.
Whoa.
Wait.
Are you saying that the cellular version will make an SOS 911 call if I’m out jogging without my phone and I press the side button and swipe Emergency SOS?

And you’re really saying that Apple Pay on the watch isn’t needed to be near my iPhone or any cellular service in order to be able to pay for things when I’m out jogging without my phone?

I bought the Series 5 a year ago and happened to get lucky on eBay and snatched the stainless steel version for less than the price of an aluminum sport version.

I ask because I love this watch but only very recently have started leaving my iPhone behind. Especially once I connected my Bluetooth earphones directly to my AW and pre-loaded some music on to the AW.

Oh, and for what it’s worth, it turns out the Stainless Steel AW S5 that I bought is the European/Asian Cellular version that works completely fine, minus being able to add a cellular plan here in the U.S. (but always connected to my phones)

 

[Apple_Robert]

Whoa.
whoa.
Whoa.
Wait.
Are you saying that the cellular version will make an SOS 911 call if I’m out jogging without my phone and I press the side button and swipe Emergency SOS?

And you’re really saying that Apple Pay on the watch isn’t needed to be near my iPhone or any cellular service in order to be able to pay for things when I’m out jogging without my phone?

I bought the Series 5 a year ago and happened to get lucky on eBay and snatched the stainless steel version for less than the price of an aluminum sport version.

I ask because I love this watch but only very recently have started leaving my iPhone behind. Especially once I connected my Bluetooth earphones directly to my AW and pre-loaded some music on to the AW.

Oh, and for what it’s worth, it turns out the Stainless Steel AW S5 that I bought is the European/Asian Cellular version that works completely fine, minus being able to add a cellular plan here in the U.S. (but always connected to my phones)

To confirm, you can make emergency 911 calls from the watch without a cellular plan. You can also use ApplePay without a cellular plan or needing to have your phone nearby.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I’m surprised no one here has mentioned the potential risk from radiation of keeping a cellular device attached to your wrist. That’s the primary reason my watch is GPS.

It is a very small danger. Heck, there is ongoing danger from acid rain, the dirty air we breath and numerous other things on a daily basis we come into contact with. In my opinion, the benefit (for me) is far greater than the very small risk you mentioned.

 

[jz0309]

I’m surprised no one here has mentioned the potential risk from radiation of keeping a cellular device attached to your wrist. That’s the primary reason my watch is GPS.

and that your GPS watch has wifi and bluetooth is not a risk?
there is NO evidence that consumer level devices (cell phone, smartwatch etc) pose medical risk due to red waves, but please prove me wrong and link me to such a report ...

 

[sonstar]

Wouldn't bother with one without cellular myself.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Wouldn't bother with one without cellular myself.

That’s what I’m thinking.

Don’t really see the point.

 

[Vyse2020]

I’m surprised no one here has mentioned the potential risk from radiation of keeping a cellular device attached to your wrist. That’s the primary reason my watch is GPS.

I mean we have cell phones LTE/5G in our pants pockets all day

 

[njsp]

GPS + cellular. I don’t take my phone with me when I walk my dog or exercise and I got followed once. I will always buy cellular for safety reasons.

I get it for safety reasons as well.

 

[darthbane2k]

Whoa.
whoa.
Whoa.
Wait.
Are you saying that the cellular version will make an SOS 911 call if I’m out jogging without my phone and I press the side button and swipe Emergency SOS?

And you’re really saying that Apple Pay on the watch isn’t needed to be near my iPhone or any cellular service in order to be able to pay for things when I’m out jogging without my phone?

I bought the Series 5 a year ago and happened to get lucky on eBay and snatched the stainless steel version for less than the price of an aluminum sport version.

I ask because I love this watch but only very recently have started leaving my iPhone behind. Especially once I connected my Bluetooth earphones directly to my AW and pre-loaded some music on to the AW.

Oh, and for what it’s worth, it turns out the Stainless Steel AW S5 that I bought is the European/Asian Cellular version that works completely fine, minus being able to add a cellular plan here in the U.S. (but always connected to my phones)

Apple Pay works on the watch even if the phone is switched off. I’ve used apple pay on watch plenty of times when my phone battery has died.

 

[darthbane2k]

That’s what I’m thinking.

Don’t really see the point.

Again you need to use it because it isn’t at all as you would imagine it to be. Doesn’t mean it’s not useful for you, but you need to have a clear impression. Just buy from apple and try it out for a few days, even if it’s an SE.. just give the functionality a try and then return and buy your actual series 7

 

[mk313]

That’s what I’m thinking.

Don’t really see the point.

Honestly I think that if you can’t see a reason to get the cellular, then you’ll probably be better off without it.

 

[ZebraDude]

No. It is cellular by default. You do have the option to enable said feature (or not).

Assuming that you have a Series 3 or newer. I have a new Series 7 on Cellular unlimited & old Series 4 on the Cellular 500MB plan.

 

[Alicia1]

I have always bought SS or Ceramic so they have always had cellular which I have active. I have just purchased the red aluminium as well and chose the cellular version. It is so handy when out walking can still receive messages, emails, calls etc and couldn't be without it. Also, can easily switch the cellular connection depending on which watch I am wearing.

 

[julesme]

and that your GPS watch has wifi and bluetooth is not a risk?
there is NO evidence that consumer level devices (cell phone, smartwatch etc) pose medical risk due to red waves, but please prove me wrong and link me to such a report ...

If you google cell phone brain tumor risk, there are a number of studies on Pubmed that suggest a potentially higher risk due to cellular phone radiation. Wifi and Bluetooth are not intended to travel over several miles, as is the case with cellular signals.

 

[jz0309]

If you google cell phone brain tumor risk, there are a number of studies on Pubmed that suggest a potentially higher risk due to cellular phone radiation. Wifi and Bluetooth are not intended to travel over several miles, as is the case with cellular signals.

Again, phrased differently, where is the DATA that supports such claims?
It doesn’t exist.

 

[julesme]

Again, phrased differently, where is the DATA that supports such claims?
It doesn’t exist.

Sure it does. It’s cited by the Pubmed studies (there are a number of them). I think what you mean to say is that the data is contradictory - some studies suggest an increased risk, while other studies suggest no increased risk at all. The data is right there if you go to Pubmed.

 

[HappyDude20]

To confirm, you can make emergency 911 calls from the watch without a cellular plan. You can also use ApplPay without a cellular plan or needing to have your phone nearby.

This is incredible. I had no idea. So many times I’ve been out jogging for hours on end and wanting to run into a McDonalds to buy a bottle of water or a quick bite but I would instead just suck it up till I ran back another 10 miles home.

Also, in regards to the 911 calling feature:

The Apple Watch (cellular) that I have is the A2007 model which is meant for Europe & Asia, however it works completely fine here in the U.S.

Can I still make an emergency 911 call here in the states?

I believe there is literally no way any Apple Store or Verizon can activate the cellular capability here in the U.S. (which I’m okay with, I have my phone with me all the time) BUT if it could make a 911 call here in the states I would be so impressed and provide some piece of mind.

Either way, being able to use Apple Pay on my AW when I leave my phone at home during my long runs is a godsend.

 

[Itinj24]

I've only ever bought GPS only but I am tempted to get a cellular capable watch (without service) for the scenario where something horrible happens and my phone isn't available.

This ☝️. I always get cellular and not so I can purposely leave my phone behind but because it makes for an incredible backup phone/comms device. It actually bailed me out one day when my iPhone bricked out of nowhere. Wife stuck in standstill traffic and was able to contact me to pick up the kids from school. That one incident alone was well worth the price I pay for the service.

I never understood the argument that you always have your phone with you. Sure, so do I, until something happens to it. It’s always better to have and not need than to need and not have.