Does one need LTE?

[TWHH]

So if I (pretty much) always have my phone with me, do I really need LTE on my watch?

I’m a gadget slut and when I buy into something tend to want the top tier variant, but in this case I’m wondering what unique use cases the LTE connectivity brings.

Discuss.

I thank you

 

[deadworlds]

So if I (pretty much) always have my phone with me, do I really need LTE on my watch?

I’m a gadget slut and when I buy into something tend to want the top tier variant, but in this case I’m wondering what unique use cases the LTE connectivity brings.

Discuss.

I thank you

Scenario 1:
You go to the pool, phone stays outside of pool. You start a swim working on your watch, during workout you receive call, you answer call and take care of said business. Resume workout.

Scenario 2:

Going on jogs with a phone can sometimes be a hassle. Leave phone at home, go on your regular job. Stream Apple Music using Bluetooth headphones. Receive some texts, reply’s to said texts. Take an important phone call.


Also, most carriers in the US are providing 3 months free of service. If you find you don’t use it much, cancel the service. At least you’ll have a ceramic back on your watch.

 

[CaptMarvel]

Need? I’d say no. Based on the scenario provided.
Want? More than likely.

I went for the LTE version for the same reason. Want the top tier version. I haven’t activated the LTE, but if I ever decide later, I won’t have to re purchase the AW3. Plus I used some discounts/rewards so it was like I paid for a non LTE AW3.

 

[edhchoe]

You don’t need LTE.
I do need LTE because I do not carry iPhone with me all the time

 

[deadworlds]

Delete, Duplicate

 

[Breezygirl]

So if I (pretty much) always have my phone with me, do I really need LTE on my watch?

I’m a gadget slut and when I buy into something tend to want the top tier variant, but in this case I’m wondering what unique use cases the LTE connectivity brings.

Discuss.

I thank you

Do you want a ceramic back instead of the composite back and the 16GB of storage space instead of 8GBs? Both only available on the 3 series with the LTE models.

 

[TWHH]

Wowzers, lots of replies. Thanks
MacRumors community fam

WRT workouts - I’m not so hotshot that I need to take a call or respond to a text when swimming or in da gym .

Non LTE it is I think (which is what my 12 yr old son suggested too).

All the very bestest
[doublepost=1507700452][/doublepost]Reckon I can survive without ceramic back and so much storage if I’m honest!

 

[predation]

Wowzers, lots of replies. Thanks
MacRumors community fam

WRT workouts - I’m not so hotshot that I need to take a call or respond to a text when swimming or in da gym .

Non LTE it is I think (which is what my 12 yr old son suggested too).

All the very bestest
[doublepost=1507700452][/doublepost]Reckon I can survive without ceramic back and so much storage if I’m honest!

Now where’s that pic comparing composite with ceramic. The one with scratches

 

[iPhysicist]

No. You dont Need it. You dont HAVE to be connected the hole Time. Sure it is convinient sometimes. But being available everytime can be a burden every so often.

 

[44267547]

No. You dont Need it. You dont HAVE to be connected the hole Time. Sure it is convinient sometimes. But being available everytime can be a burden every so often.

I See having LTE being that benefit when you least want to not have your iPhone tethered with away from you or just for the sake of being away from your phone where in places you don't want to bring it with you.

 

[TWHH]

Now where’s that pic comparing composite with ceramic. The one with scratches

Oh, hold on... what’s ceramic? The watch body or the screen? If the latter does this mean the teenie weenie (inevitable) scratches don’t exist on the more expensive model? Are they ‘sapphire’ glass (thought this product/concept got killed off a while ago?)

 

[deadworlds]

Oh, hold on... what’s ceramic? The watch body or the screen? If the latter does this mean the teenie weenie (inevitable) scratches don’t exist on the more expensive model? Are they ‘sapphire’ glass (thought this product/concept got killed off a while ago?)

The LTE version has a ceramic back, I.e. the part that rests on the wrist that houses the heart rate sensors. I’ve owned now both watches with the composite back and the ceramic.

Although the composite back worked fine for me, now that I have a ceramic back I can see the different.

Difference 1:

The composite back scratched over time with small scratches, the ceramic back is more resistant to these scratches. Oh btw these scratches were caused by the charging puck over time.

Difference 2:
The composite back felt stickier, tackier? When I would work out, it’s like it grips the skin better, felt a little uncomfortable at times. The ceramic back glides over the skin easier, doesn’t cause a pulling sensation when watch moves during workout.

Difference 3:

To me, the ceramic back looks better, it’s shinier and has a higher end look to it. The heart rate sensors also have metal rings around the sensor that add to said “higher end” Look.


Photos:

S0 sport watch with composite back (Left)
S3 LTE With ceramic back (right)

 

[Breezygirl]

The LTE version has a ceramic back, I.e. the part that rests on the wrist that houses the heart rate sensors. I’ve owned now watched with the composite back and the ceramic.

Although the composite back worked fine for me, now that I have a ceramic back I can see the different.

Difference 1:

The composite back scratched over time with small scratches, the ceramic back is more resistant to these scratched. Oh btw these scratches were caused by the charging puck.

Difference 2:
The composite back felt stickier, tackier? When I would work out, it’s lile it grips the skin better, felt a little uncomfortable at times. The ceramic back glides over the skin easier, doesn’t cause a pulling sensation when watch moves during workout.

Difference 3:

To me, the ceramic back looks better, it’s shined and has a higher end look to it. The heart rate sensors also have metal rings around the sensor that add to said “higher end look”.


Photos:

S0 sport watch with composite back (Left)
S3 LTE With ceramic back (right)

Also one feels more like ceramic (like a hard ceramic mug) and the other plastic. Hard to describe.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I do not think anyone needs the LTE, it is more of a luxury in my opinion. I carry my phone at all times and still bought the LTE Black stainless and will just not activate the LTE. Yes it was a luxury for me.

 

[deeddawg]

So if I (pretty much) always have my phone with me

Something to think about: Why do you always have your phone with you? In some of those situations, if you had the ability to be reached via your watch would you still take your phone? Going out for a walk, running down to the store, grabbing lunch with a friend, etc. I suspect many will find this presents something of a paradigm shift around how tied they remain to their phone in various circumstances through the day.

WRT workouts - I’m not so hotshot that I need to take a call or respond to a text when swimming or in da gym

Understandable of course. I mostly agree too.

One thing I find rather useful about LTE is that I can use Siri to create a new Reminder about something I think of while I'm out on a run or walking the dogs. "Hey Siri, remind me at 8am tomorrow to check on xyz"

It's also come in hand after work while out with the dogs and my wife calls or texts as she's leaving work. I'm able to respond more quickly and don't need to carry my phone.

 

[matt2053]

For me it’s not so much about taking calls while I’m working out, it’s more about leaving my phone when I run into the store, or run or go into a restaurant to eat, we’re all of the other little places I used to try to stuff my phone in my pocket and bring it along. Now my phone just goes to my office and back to my house and it rides in the car with me. But that’s pretty much it I leave it, I don’t take it where I don’t need it

 

[AlliFlowers]

One might need LTE, and another one might not. You need to look at your life to make that determination.

For me it was a no-brainer. LTE was necessary.

 

[MarcMller]

The fact that the LTE model has double the storage is also a good reason to buy even if you dont plan on activating the LTE. I use my watch everyday on LTE at the gym.. S3, airpods...perfect combo.

 

[mk313]

So if I (pretty much) always have my phone with me, do I really need LTE on my watch?

I’m a gadget slut and when I buy into something tend to want the top tier variant, but in this case I’m wondering what unique use cases the LTE connectivity brings.

Discuss.

I thank you

If you’re struggling to think of why you’d need an LTE Watch, then you probably don’t. The use cases are pretty s of evident and if nothing comes to mind for your unique situation, then you’re probably not going to miss having it.

 

[musicpenguy]

LTE enables you to change your lifestyle so you don’t always need to have your phone with you and this change brings a certain amount of freedom to you in ways you’ll really start to appreciate when you do so, it is great not being tethered to the phone anymore. Eventually I could see myself just having an Apple Watch and an iPad. The camera is really the only thing my iPhone is essential for right now.

 

[flur]

I do not think anyone needs the LTE, it is more of a luxury in my opinion. I carry my phone at all times and still bought the LTE Black stainless and will just not activate the LTE. Yes it was a luxury for me.

For me it’s not a luxury, it’s a safety issue. I don’t always have a pocket available to carry my phone when I walk my dog. I was followed once, and couldn’t call the police because I didn’t have my phone. It’s was pretty terrifying. With the watch, I have 911 access on my wrist should I need it.

 

[The Game 161]

My question is this on LTE what else comes through on the watch? is it just calls and texts? or can notifications like twitter/instagram still come through? for me LTE would be ideal when going to the gym or going swimming or even going to the shops or for a walk

 

[Newtons Apple]

For me it’s not a luxury, it’s a safety issue. I don’t always have a pocket available to carry my phone when I walk my dog. I was followed once, and couldn’t call the police because I didn’t have my phone. It’s was pretty terrifying. With the watch, I have 911 access on my wrist should I need it.

While I agree, there is always a way to carry a phone.

If I can carry my Glock, I can find room for the phone.

Put that dog to work and get it a phone pouch!

 

[technole]

For me it’s not a luxury, it’s a safety issue. I don’t always have a pocket available to carry my phone when I walk my dog. I was followed once, and couldn’t call the police because I didn’t have my phone. It’s was pretty terrifying. With the watch, I have 911 access on my wrist should I need it.

The safety issue a good reason alone in my opinion. Even walking, jogging or biking at hours that aren't quite desirable you have an emergency flashlight too. But what if you forgot your phone too, and it's already a hassle to bring on a jog. So this is one less thing to worry about but you also get some added convenience for the cost.

 

[anticipate]

My question is this on LTE what else comes through on the watch? is it just calls and texts? or can notifications like twitter/instagram still come through? for me LTE would be ideal when going to the gym or going swimming or even going to the shops or for a walk

I find if your phone is on and connected -somewhere- ... you will still get app notifications when just on LTE.

 

[DotCom2]

For me, I wanted the Stainless. It only comes with LTE. Since it's free for 3 months, I'll try it and then see if I really "NEED" it or not. My gut feeling is that I will. I have left home before and forgotten my iPhone and I felt like my arm was missing. With the LTE watch and the freedom it's going to bring I think I'll be all in!