LTE vs. GPS - In what scenarios does LTE connectivity actually come into play?

[cappo3]

Hi guys,

I'm considering a new 5 series Apple Watch. Since this would be my first experience with a "wearable", I'm planning on starting "easy" by going aluminum. Probably 40mm, since I like smaller watches. I wear mechanical watches everyday and love them, but I am attracted by the added functionality of an Apple Watch.

By going aluminum I have the choice between the GPS and the GPS+LTE versions. I am therefore trying to imagine the various situations in which the added cellular connectivity would actually be of use to me.

According to what I read on different reports, without paying for a monthly data plan, the LTE Watch is exactly the same as its cheaper GPS sibling. Unless it comes to emergency calling, which the LTE Watch can do internationally even without a data plan. You can trigger the call yourself or have the Watch call by itself if it detects an accident. Did I get that right? If so, couldn't the GPS version do a similar thing by telling the nearby paired iPhone to call emergency services when detecting a fall?

If I was to purchase a monthly data subscription, my cellular-enabled Watch would be "more independent" from the paired iPhone. Meaning, I could make and take calls, write and receive SMS and iMessages, use Apple Maps navigation and stream Podcasts or music from Apple Music without having my iPhone on me. Is that correct? Is it possible to use Google Maps on LTE on the Watch? Stream from Spotify or Deezer instead of Apple Music? Is there more the LTE version can do as of now?

Instinctively, I would buy the cellular version to be able to purchase a subscription for it at any time (and maybe for the emergency calling functionality, which could come in handy if I get into a motorcycle accident). My carrier does allow it, but it obviously comes to a price.
First of all, in my country there is a 90 USD difference in purchasing price between the 40mm GPS and the 40mm LTE. On top of that, I'd have to pay 55 USD to activate a data plan for the watch and then 9 USD/month. Right now my carrier offers the first 6 months for free, meaning my first year with an LTE Watch would cost me 200 USD (90+55+6*9). That is 50% of the purchasing price of the GPS version!

I'd love to hear the opinions of more experienced Apple Watch users. In what kind of situations does the LTE Watch make more sense for you?

Thank you for your help!!

 

[mjschabow]

For me the only benefit was that I could go for a run and leave my phone at home. But I had been running for so long with my phone that it actually felt strange, so I just go with the GPS version.

 

[AMessy]

I had the GPS versions of the Series 2 and 4. I switched to the LTE version of the Series 5. The reason I went LTE is for these specific scenarios;

1) running- I find it extremely convenient to not have to wear running attire that provides a pocket big enough for my phone. Also I love not feeling the phone bouncing around, especially if I have it in a pocket in my shorts.

2) yard work- if I’m out in the yard or in the shop I am typically busy and don’t have a need to have my phone on me. With the LTE Watch I can still receive calls/messages/notifications.

3) work - I often leave my phone in my desk. When roaming about the office I can still get messages and notifications without carrying my phone. Also cameras are restricted in many areas where I work, so the watch is allowed when phones aren’t.

I’ve found the Convenience of having an LTE connection worth it for me. In fact, I’ll continue to get the LTE models in the future. I’ve also been considering going back to the Garmin watches, but without the LTE option I’ve put that idea on hold.

I do know Watch users who literally have no use for the LTE option, so it’s definitely not for everyone

 

[TrueBlou]

All of my Watches, until the S5 have been gps only, I’m rarely without my iPhone.
But because I got this S5 LTE for free and because I don’t have to pay extra for it to be enabled, I went for it.

I’m actually finding it quite useful. Exercise obviously gets a boost from it, especially if you’re going running.

But I also find it good for when I’m working in the garden, or doing various other chores.

It’s also a nice peace of mind thing. I know that if I’m out somewhere and my iPhone battery dies, I’ll have my Watch to fallback on. Because the battery life on it has been so good and because it’s not normally using it’s LTE, because it’s connected to the iPhone, I know it’ll have plenty of juice if I need to fall back on it - handy for us hillwalking types I suppose.

 

[The Game 161]

I exchanged mine for the GPS as I simply never used cellular. I never needed to be away from my phone and battery drops like crazy with cellular on

 

[cappo3]

Thank you all for your kind answers and for sharing your thoughts.

@mjschabow I'm not a runner, the closest I get to that is fast walking. Usually I do that because I'm actually going somewhere, so I'll most definitely have my iPhone on me. If I ever was to train/walk/do stuff without my phone, would the Watch still keep track of my activity and synchronise to my iPhone as soon as they "meet" again?
@AMessy do you have to pay for the additional eSIM and data plan for your watch?
@TrueBlou I understand your Watch is paired to your iPhone most of the time and therefore connected to it over Bluetooth. If you had to pay for a plan in order to have that added peace of mind in case your phone dies, would you consider it?
@The Game 161 Battery life on LTE is indeed a valid argument to be discussed. Do you mean I could not be out and about for a full day without my iPhone and with the Watch on LTE?

 

[The Game 161]

Thank you all for your kind answers and for sharing your thoughts.

@mjschabow I'm not a runner, the closest I get to that is fast walking. Usually I do that because I'm actually going somewhere, so I'll most definitely have my iPhone on me. If I ever was to train/walk/do stuff without my phone, would the Watch still keep track of my activity and synchronise to my iPhone as soon as they "meet" again?
@AMessy do you have to pay for the additional eSIM and data plan for your watch?
@TrueBlou I understand your Watch is paired to your iPhone most of the time and therefore connected to it over Bluetooth. If you had to pay for a plan in order to have that added peace of mind in case your phone dies, would you consider it?
@The Game 161 Battery life on LTE is indeed a valid argument to be discussed. Do you mean I could not be out and about for a full day without my iPhone and with the Watch on LTE?

I don’t think so personally

I was out for maybe 30 mins tops and it dropped like 8%. Obviously everybody battery is different but all day I’m sure it would die maybe 5-6 hours at best but maybe others have different experiences

 

[TrueBlou]

@TrueBlouI understand your Watch is paired to your iPhone most of the time and therefore connected to it over Bluetooth. If you had to pay for a plan in order to have that added peace of mind in case your phone dies, would you consider it?

You know, 5 or 6 weeks ago I would probably have said definitely not. But now that I’ve actually experienced it and lived with it for a little while, I think I would. So long as it wasn’t an extortionate increase I think I’d rather have that extra capability and indeed the little extra peace of mind it brings me.

I suppose it would depend entirely on your use case and lifestyle of course.
For me, as I mentioned, the peace of mind it gives me when we’re out in the wilds, just in case. After all, although it seems unlikely, one can never be certain that an incident could occur when one may be in need of emergency services. So that’s definitely one aspect.

If you’re a runner, it’s a definite step-up, not having to have your iPhone strapped somewhere, or to have a bag just because of the phone.

There’s also a certain freedom for the more mundane aspects.
Take gardening and yard repairs for instance. Normally my iPhone would be in my pocket and I’d have my AirPods in, controlling music via the Apple Watch.

A perfectly reasonable use case. But one that does on occasion introduce the possibility of my iPhone being damaged, if for instance, I was moving concrete slabs and they banged my leg, potential iPhone death.

But, having just the Watch, which is generally more protected on my arm and the AirPods, is quite freeing and again there’s the peace of mind that my iPhone is safe and sound in the house, while I’m still able to be connected to the world at large.

I wouldn’t say LTE is necessary for everyone, but if you can think of a few instances where you personally could find it useful, then yes, I’d say it’s totally worth it.

 

[AJ44]

The time it really helped me was when I left my apartment at 2am and forgot my phone/keys and I’m thinking it’s going to be forever before someone comes through the door at that time so I can get in. Then I remembered my LTE watch I had on and was able to call my apt and buzz me in from my watch.

 

[AMessy]

@AMessy do you have to pay for the additional eSIM and data plan for your watch?

I do, I have my iPhones service through AT&T. The watch has its own wearable line of service and uses the “number share” feature so that it shares the number with my iPhone. I believe it added something like $10-$11 a month to my wireless bill. I feel it was worth the cost, but can see where everyone else’s situation may be different.

 

[Coltaine]

I have a cellular model (Apple Watch 5 44mm natural Titanium) and I like the seamlessness of the experience. The Watch is switching from iPhone to WiFi to Cellular as needed and is basically never offline. Usually, I am near my iPhone or a WLAN is close-by that the watch can connect to. But sometimes, for example at work, I will be out of range of both, so the Watch can automatically fall back to the cellular connection, which I find really useful. I don't need it that much for workouts, since most of my workouts are indoors (strength training, crosstrainer, bodyweight exercises). During long outdoor walks (that I regularly do), I usually have my iPhone with me.
Nevertheless, the "peace of mind" that I can always be seamlessly connected regardless of being near my iPhone or WiFi is worth it for me.

 

[xraydoc]

Hi guys,

I'm considering a new 5 series Apple Watch. Since this would be my first experience with a "wearable", I'm planning on starting "easy" by going aluminum. Probably 40mm, since I like smaller watches. I wear mechanical watches everyday and love them, but I am attracted by the added functionality of an Apple Watch.

By going aluminum I have the choice between the GPS and the GPS+LTE versions. I am therefore trying to imagine the various situations in which the added cellular connectivity would actually be of use to me.

According to what I read on different reports, without paying for a monthly data plan, the LTE Watch is exactly the same as its cheaper GPS sibling. Unless it comes to emergency calling, which the LTE Watch can do internationally even without a data plan. You can trigger the call yourself or have the Watch call by itself if it detects an accident. Did I get that right? If so, couldn't the GPS version do a similar thing by telling the nearby paired iPhone to call emergency services when detecting a fall?

If I was to purchase a monthly data subscription, my cellular-enabled Watch would be "more independent" from the paired iPhone. Meaning, I could make and take calls, write and receive SMS and iMessages, use Apple Maps navigation and stream Podcasts or music from Apple Music without having my iPhone on me. Is that correct? Is it possible to use Google Maps on LTE on the Watch? Stream from Spotify or Deezer instead of Apple Music? Is there more the LTE version can do as of now?

Instinctively, I would buy the cellular version to be able to purchase a subscription for it at any time (and maybe for the emergency calling functionality, which could come in handy if I get into a motorcycle accident). My carrier does allow it, but it obviously comes to a price.
First of all, in my country there is a 90 USD difference in purchasing price between the 40mm GPS and the 40mm LTE. On top of that, I'd have to pay 55 USD to activate a data plan for the watch and then 9 USD/month. Right now my carrier offers the first 6 months for free, meaning my first year with an LTE Watch would cost me 200 USD (90+55+6*9). That is 50% of the purchasing price of the GPS version!

I'd love to hear the opinions of more experienced Apple Watch users. In what kind of situations does the LTE Watch make more sense for you?

Thank you for your help!!

You pretty much got all that correct.

To try to answer some of your questions...

The Spotify watch app does not currently have streaming capability without the phone being present. AppleMusic can of course do it without the phone, as can Pandora I believe. It's up to Spotify to add that to their watch app. Don't know anything about Deezer.

Not sure about Google maps to be honest. Apple Maps works well where I am so I tend to use that. I do sometimes use Google Maps in the car, but haven't ever really needed it on my watch. I don't have the Google Maps app on my phone currently to try it out.

LTE on my watch activates itself only occasionally -- if I'm outside in the yard and I lose wifi coverage or if I forget my phone (I've accidentally left it at home a couple times, and a few times I've brought it with me only subsequently accidentally leave it in the car when I get to where I'm going).

When my wife and I go for walks along a nearby 3.5 mile trail, or when I go for the occasional outdoor run, I'll leave my phone behind so I don't have to carry it with me... Powerbeats Pro and the LTE Apple Watch make a pretty compelling outdoor exercise pair. I also occasionally go to shooting ranges where phones aren't permitted, so it's nice being able to receive text messages, just in case... or, heaven forbid, call 911.

I pay $10/month for LTE service on my watch (my T-Mobile plan "includes" taxes, so it's exactly $10 more per month than without the watch's LTE plan). The extra $120 per year doesn't impact me in any way, so I like the being able to not worry if I somehow leave my phone behind when I mean to take it with me.

If the watch isn't actively using LTE, leaving it enabled doesn't impact the battery life in any way. As you might expect, using LTE on the watch does significantly impact the battery life (especially on the 40mm with its smaller battery), but I'm never on it for more than a couple hours at most. It's not quite at the level where you could be on it all day long and have the battery hold out for the entire day (physics is pesky like that).

 

[akidokraja]

I would ban any portable devices that don’t have cellular chip inside. i still don’t understand why laptops don’t have it. All iPads and smartwatches should have it built in. It cost them very little to add the chip and it doesn’t have to be latest gen. It could be a year or two old if they want to save money. It helps in emergencies to call help and it helps with faster GPS positioning. Carriers should also get on board by lowering the price to maybe $5 a month.

 

[cappo3]

Thank you all for your answers, this thread really has become enriching for me.

As I understand it now, after reading your thoughts, the cellular functionality on the Watch is a feature to be used in a pretty specific way. It is meant to bridge those moments in which neither the phone nor a known wifi network are available, but it is not (yet) supposed to be a "replacement" for the phone itself, since the battery life on LTE isn't long enough.
If you often find yourself in an environment in which phones are banned, as some of you do, having that LTE connectivity would make all the difference, between being available and actually being thrown back into the Eighties.

Personally, I don't usually forget my phone at home when I'm out. When I'm working in the shop (I restore old motorcycles as a pastime), I leave the phone in the jacket and can hear and interact with it without too much fuss (mainly taking gloves off!). I tend to leave the phone in the cradle when traveling by car (I have this stupid wireless charging cradle from Belkin, you would actually need three hands to pull the prongs apart and remove the phone), but I only use my car when traveling abroad (in Europe borders are pretty close to each other!) and the Watch is somehow not able to roam on foreign networks... All in all I think the LTE connectivity of the Watch is not yet as developed as I'd need it to be, so it's probably not worth it for me to pay for a monthly subscription yet. It's not really about the 110 USD I'd have to shell out during the first year of mobile service, it's more of a principle thing for me.

In the end I think I will end up buying the cellular version either way, because of the emergency calling functionality. Does it actually work without a subscription, at home as well as abroad?

 

[the future]

To your last question: Yes!

 

[zhenya]

I run extensively and had an AW cellular for a while before switching back to Garmin. It was convenient to have that connectivity, but in the end I nearly never used it for anything meaningful, and part of the reason I run in the first place is to escape. Also, as the cell carriers treat it as a full additional line, that $10 became closer to $16 or $17 per month. Just too expensive.

I really don’t miss not having it.

 

[deeddawg]

I run extensively and had an AW cellular for a while before switching back to Garmin. It was convenient to have that connectivity, but in the end I nearly never used it for anything meaningful, and part of the reason I run in the first place is to escape. Also, as the cell carriers treat it as a full additional line, that $10 became closer to $16 or $17 per month. Just too expensive.

Not arguing what works for you, but to offer a counterpoint for other readers:

I run a fair bit as well and find the cellular functionality very useful. Not only then but also various other times.

Disconnecting - I enabled Workout-Do-Not-Disturb and thus control my availability.

When going out for a run in a new city when travelling, it's really handy to bring up a map to confirm/check running route.

Cellular means I don't have to fuss with what music is downloaded into the watch or what podcasts have synced over. I choose what I want to listen to and it streams it if not already on the watch. For me this is a big plus.

Having had the fun of twisting an ankle during a run before, I like knowing I can call my wife for help if I'm several miles from home on a weekend long run.

When on a run or walking the dogs or even just doing yardwork or maintenance outside out of wifi range I frequently think of stuff to add to a shopping list or to-do-list or otherwise want to remind myself of something later on. Simple & quick to do this via Siri over cellular.

Cost - on T-Mobile my $10 watch line is $10 since it's fees/taxes included. AT&T & VZW do add those bullsht extra expenses as you note.

 

[okieoutwest]

Hi cappo,

I think many have answered all of your questions pretty well! I want to add one more perspective. I purchased the LTE S4 watch for the sole purpose of being able to leave the phone at home up to 100% of the time. I wasn't interested in a companion to my phone; I wanted a replacement communications device in many scenarios.

After purchasing the S4 on launch day and using it every day since, I am really happy with the flexibility and think the additional service cost is worth it. I leave the phone at home nearly 100% of the time outside of work hours, and if I had a separate work phone I would leave my personal phone at home all the time. There are three cases where I find this limiting:

1) If someone calls and they want to talk for a long time, like a family member or friend you don't speak to often. I will sometimes carry my Airpods with me but often don't. The speaker is good enough on the Watch to have about 1-2 minute conversation, but it is awkward to hold the watch near enough to your mouth to be heard when out in public & near enough to your ear to hear the other person for any longer period. In some very loud environments this is actually impossible. I am considering buying the Airpods Pro for the additional clarity/sound seal over the Airpods.

2) I use a ride-hailing app sometimes and I can't do this from my phone. Same goes for some city bike share programs.

3) For apps without a full featured app on the Watch (like Telegram, which requires a paired phone to be nearby), I can only "Reply" to notifications. But I can't initiate from the Watch without the phone. Not sure how this works for Whatsapp or others.

As for other non-Apple apps, I can't speak to that much. I heavily use iMessages and Apple Music, so I have generally had a good experience. Figuring out the difference between the Radio, Music, and Now Playing apps on the Watch was a small learning curve, though.

Last thought, for the Watch to be useful as a standalone device on LTE, the user needs to be fairly comfortable with dictating messages not typing/scribbling them. Scribbling is too slow and error prone. This can be socially taboo in some settings, so maybe I'd also recommend being really aware of one's environment - moreso than a phone which can be discreet in most settings.

 

[cappo3]

Thank you again guys, your insight are worth more than their weight in gold to me!

@okieoutwest I see your points and have to agree with most of them.
To your first point, I am a pretty private person when it comes to phone calls. You know that guy who always gets up and walks away when his phone rings? Yeah, that'd be me. I am not a fan of Airpods (I did not see their Pro siblings yet, but I already fundamentally dislike the design). The question is how easily the Watch pairs with third-party earbuds. Right now I have a pair of B&O e8 and the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless. It's not likely that I will buy another pair in the near future...

I am not a big user of ride-hailing apps, so that'd be no big issue to me.

On the other hand I am a huge Whatsapp user. In Europe it's the most common messaging app, probably due to the many android users here. It'd be very important to me to be able to contact people over Whatsapp through my Watch, if I was ever to try and live without phone. And that brings me to my final question: when dictating messages through Siri, I guess it is very important on which language Siri is set. Throughout a day I will send messages in 4 different languages and would therefore need Siri to understand them and, maybe depending on the person I'm chatting with, to switch. Is such a feat available?

 

[okieoutwest]

I think regular Bluetooth headphones of all kinds are fine.

As for WhatsApp I don't use it but a cursory google search shows lots of 3rd party options and apps even without official app support for the AW. Might be some trial and error to find one you like best.

Siri dictation is possible to change languages in easily. After clicking on the dictation icon, launching the AW Siri waveform screen, you simply press and hold to toggle between languages!

Good luck!

 

[lkalliance]

This has been a very useful thread, as I find myself in a similar situation to the OP. I'm considering getting my first Apple Watch, and I'm weighing the worth of the extra $100 for the LTE. I have a couple of additional questions, though:

--I understand that the battery life is better when LTE isn't being used, and that includes the Cellular model for when it stays on wifi. But let's say I have the Cellular model and I opt to turn off LTE entirely. Would it be fair to say, under those circumstances, that the battery life should be equal to the GPS-only model?

--Can anyone share the experience of using the Watch without paired headphones? If you are using it for a phone call, is the experience OK? Is the volume sufficient?

--If you opt to use the same phone number for the Watch as you have for your iPhone (do I understand correctly that you can do that?) do BOTH devices ring if someone dials the number? Do you find it convenient or specifically valuable to have the same number for both?

--I've heard that there are some early-series Apple Watches still being used. Does anyone have any insight about how long the later models are lasting? They are more complex, more miniaturized parts, are they more prone to wearing out?

That last one would be the really important one. If I feel I can get several years out of the watch, then it makes sense to invest in the LTE: I can't really predict whether I will want to have it over the course of several years: if I want it, I can't add it, I'd have to buy a whole new watch. But if I can only expect to get, say, two years of use out of it, then that changes things. If I knew I would have to get another one in two years, then it makes sense to just get the GPS now, and evaluate whether I would want the LTE on my next one. But, frankly, I don't really want to be buying a new one every couple of years.

Thanks for any further insights!

 

[deeddawg]

@lkalliance
#1 LTE portion never turns on unless the watch is unable to connect to the phone via bluetooth or connect to wifi. So generally no need to disable LTE. But yes, if you specifically set it to not turn on, the battery life should be same as the non-LTE models
#2 it's okay. tougher to hear in a noisy environment but you can always hold it up to your ear.
#3 at least on US carriers you don't have a choice - it's functionally on the same number as your phone
#4 can't help with this one.

While you focus on phone calling, be aware that the benefit of LTE is far more than that. It provides a data connection - so without your phone and not on wifi you can still use Siri, receive/send messages, use maps, etc.

 

[lkalliance]

@lkalliance
#1 LTE portion never turns on unless the watch is unable to connect to the phone via bluetooth or connect to wifi. So generally no need to disable LTE. But yes, if you specifically set it to not turn on, the battery life should be same as the non-LTE models
#2 it's okay. tougher to hear in a noisy environment but you can always hold it up to your ear.
#3 at least on US carriers you don't have a choice - it's functionally on the same number as your phone
#4 can't help with this one.

While you focus on phone calling, be aware that the benefit of LTE is far more than that. It provides a data connection - so without your phone and not on wifi you can still use Siri, receive/send messages, use maps, etc.

Thanks much for the quick reply. I know I mentioned phone calls in my question, but I do understand it's about connectivity overall. As others in this thread have said, I generally don't go anywhere without my phone anyway...BUT I have never had the Apple Watch before, so the ability to go without my phone wasn't a part of that habit forming.

I've also queried a couple of the app developers that would be involved. One of them, the app I use for cycling, has an Apple Watch app, but it hasn't yet been updated to take advantage of the additional connectivity: it requires a phone, I think. But really the question to me is a no-brainer based on the last question (and of course you can't help: we don't know how long the Series 5 lasts, it's a year old, lol): if I'm going to have it several years, I might as well get the LTE, and if I'm not using it to discontinue its line with my cell provider.

 

[zhenya]

Thanks much for the quick reply. I know I mentioned phone calls in my question, but I do understand it's about connectivity overall. As others in this thread have said, I generally don't go anywhere without my phone anyway...BUT I have never had the Apple Watch before, so the ability to go without my phone wasn't a part of that habit forming.

I've also queried a couple of the app developers that would be involved. One of them, the app I use for cycling, has an Apple Watch app, but it hasn't yet been updated to take advantage of the additional connectivity: it requires a phone, I think. But really the question to me is a no-brainer based on the last question (and of course you can't help: we don't know how long the Series 5 lasts, it's a year old, lol): if I'm going to have it several years, I might as well get the LTE, and if I'm not using it to discontinue its line with my cell provider.

Watches seem to last several years without much difficulty. My biggest turn-off was the actual amount it added to my bill. By the time AT&T added all their fees, it was like $18/month. Cellular connection via the watch was convenient, but when I began to look at how much use the watch alone got in a given month (you can see this in your bill) it was ridiculously expensive for what typically ended up being a few text messages or a minute or two of calling.

 

[G.McGilli]

Thanks much for the quick reply. I know I mentioned phone calls in my question, but I do understand it's about connectivity overall. As others in this thread have said, I generally don't go anywhere without my phone anyway...BUT I have never had the Apple Watch before, so the ability to go without my phone wasn't a part of that habit forming.

I've also queried a couple of the app developers that would be involved. One of them, the app I use for cycling, has an Apple Watch app, but it hasn't yet been updated to take advantage of the additional connectivity: it requires a phone, I think.

Get the cellular. I cycle about 300 miles per week average and while I do take a phone some times - other times I leave that at home and just rely on the watch and it's really fantastic. It works flawlessly. I use a dedicated cycling computer - but I've tried leaving the phone at home and using the built-in cycling tracker, or the Apple Watch Strava app and that works perfectly over cellular.

For me - it's about riding, and hearing a notification coming in and then being able to see it on my wrist without having to dig out a phone while riding or stopping. I use Airpods with mine, so I can then just reply to messages while I continue riding without taking my eyes off the road by telling Siri to send a message etc.

Plus, as I cycle every day - I have my watch face set up to show me the temperature, hourly forecast, rain %, wind speed and direction - and I love that it all works on its own without a phone.

At the same time - my girlfriend bought the cellular version - and has never activated it as she always takes her phone. But - she wanted the option... Just in case...

Good luck!