Is it worth buying to use primary for navigation (Maps) purposes?

[sppunk]

Am I crazy for buying a S9 to use mostly for Google Maps? I haven’t owned a watch since middle school and don’t really care for health features.

I like the idea of not have to hood my phone when getting around unknown cities in bike or foot (which is often for me).

Am I nuts to spend $600+ (stainless face - titanium band is what I’d order) for this?

 

[MisterSavage]

Even if you think that's just what you'll use it for I'd wager you'd find it more useful in other situations that you think. Apple Pay alone is so flipping convenient.

 

[boss.king]

Honestly, I think it’s a little bit nuts. Personally, I don’t find maps on the watch to be all that good. They’re handy to have but it’s definitely more of an accessory device to a phone, at which point just take your phone out (unless you’re planning to leave your phone at home? But I didn’t get that vibe from your post).

But ultimately, if 600 bucks isn’t a lot of money to you, then why not?

 

[adam1080]

Am I crazy for buying a S9 to use mostly for Google Maps? I haven’t owned a watch since middle school and don’t really care for health features.

I like the idea of not have to hood my phone when getting around unknown cities in bike or foot (which is often for me).

Am I nuts to spend $600+ (stainless face - titanium band is what I’d order) for this?

Yes, you are nuts. But maybe for 2 different reasons.

Others may chime in here, but I don't believe Google Maps on the watch lets you search for new locations, only routes to favorites. (but trying it just trying it now... it does not. you have to start navigation on phone or get to favorites from current location. not enough to use solo)

Apple Maps however does allow that on the watch. (as much as I prefer Google Maps, having Apple Maps is better than nothing.)

The second reason is the S9 SS. If your goal is to leave the phone at home and depend on the watch, you ABSOLUTELY want the Ultra (2 imo). Battery will last you all day easily with very heavy use and the screen size difference if using for maps and other things without your phone will be much easier.

I am actually doing this with my Ultra 2 and IP 15 PM. leaving the PM home more often and using only the watch. The Ultra is the way to go, especially since the price difference between S9 SS and it is almost nothing.

 

[sppunk]

Yes, you are nuts. But maybe for 2 different reasons.

Others may chime in here, but I don't believe Google Maps on the watch lets you search for new locations, only routes to favorites. (but trying it just trying it now... it does not. you have to start navigation on phone or get to favorites from current location. not enough to use solo)

Apple Maps however does allow that on the watch. (as much as I prefer Google Maps, having Apple Maps is better than nothing.)

The second reason is the S9 SS. If your goal is to leave the phone at home and depend on the watch, you ABSOLUTELY want the Ultra (2 imo). Battery will last you all day easily with very heavy use and the screen size difference if using for maps and other things without your phone will be much easier.

I am actually doing this with my Ultra 2 and IP 15 PM. leaving the PM home more often and using only the watch. The Ultra is the way to go, especially since the price difference between S9 SS and it is almost nothing.

I don’t see myself ever leaving my phone - although for quick trips at home I could see it I won’t pay for cellular though.

 

[adam1080]

I don’t see myself ever leaving my phone - although for quick trips at home I could see it I won’t pay for cellular though.

Guess I have no idea what you mean by “hood my phone.”

Like have it in the hood to get stolen or did you mean “hold”

 

[MarkX]

Guess I have no idea what you mean by “hood my phone.”

Like have it in the hood to get stolen or did you mean “hold”

I’m pretty sure he means hold!

 

[cubodado]

I don’t find myself very well with Google Maps app on the watch, with Apple Watch I think Apple Maps work better.

 

[sppunk]

Guess I have no idea what you mean by “hood my phone.”

Like have it in the hood to get stolen or did you mean “hold”

Yikes! Bad eyes failed me -hold!

 

[Analog Kid]

My opinion-- not crazy. I haven't used Google Maps in years, so can't speak to how it works with the watch, but the use case you're describing is a common one for me. I use it with Apple Maps when driving and walking so I don't have to look at my phone.

It's also nice that it'll give you a haptic prompt when you're meant to turn, so there's less risk of getting distracted and missing a turn. All these years later, I'm still not sure which vibration pattern means left and which means right-- they're different-- but it's enough to get me to glance at my wrist and follow the arrow.

As others have said, you'll find plenty of other use cases once you have it on.