Series 7 Cellular or Series 8 Non Cellular? Please help me decide

[Slash787]

I wanted to buy an Apple Watch since it released but sadly I could never save enough to buy it, something or the other came up and my money got spent on that.

Now I finally saved! I was really looking forward to the series 8 but honestly it turned out to be a big disappointment as there are hardly any differences between Series 7 and 8.

A few months ago my brother bought the Series 7 Cellular from a local shop (not the official Apple store) and he got it at a very good price.

I went to the same shop, they said they have the Series 7 Cellular but it's an open piece, it's supposedly have not been used, but the original watch bands are not there, they are giving some 3rd party bands, they are saying the watch itself is real, not been used and they are giving the real charger also. All of this for $400.

Series 8 Non Cellular at the Apple store is for $470 and the Cellular one is for $580 Including Taxes.

I am honestly really confused. Like for $400 it's not a bad deal, but like I don't want to be fooled, when my brother got the watch from the same store it was like proper sealed box and everything original, but in my case it's an open piece.

Is there are way where one could check if the product is real and not been used? Someone told me I could put in the serial number online and check it? can anyone tell me about that.

Another thing I wanted to ask having the cellular version a good benefit? I always carry my phone, I honestly don't get that many calls but then I think if my phone battery dies then the cellular version can come in handy.

I assume the non cellular version is connected through bluetooth to your phone when it's near by? I use Spotify a lot and if I get the Non Cellular Series 8 and I have my phone with me, then will Spotify work on my watch?

Sorry for the long post but I am honestly confused, kindly help and give suggestions which one should I get the open box piece of Series 7 Cellular for $400? or the Series 8 Non Cellular for $470 from the Apple store?

 

[fdw777]

My (no) vote would be the $400 Cellular model if 45MM, but then again the third party band would probably be a deal breaker (for me). I think the 8 series with Cellular would be the better option even though more expensive.

 

[BenGoren]

Personally, I’d steer clear of a store that did business the way you describe. I’m sure they’ve got plenty of happy customers, but I’m also sure they’ve got more than their fair share of unhappy customers.

Cellular, of course, is only relevant when you’re away from both your phone and usable wireless networks. If you’re never without your phone, it really only becomes an emergency backup — and, in that case, only you can decide whether it’s worthwhile or not.

However … especially since I got my Ultra, I’m increasingly leaving the phone behind. The watch does the lion’s share of what I use a phone for, and it does it pretty darned well. Any more, the phone is just a small tablet + camera. As such, I personally have zero interest in a non-cellular watch. Again, of course, only you can decide if that’s something that you might consider.

Another complicating factor: if money is still tight, be aware that cellular watches require their own add-on service to your existing phone plan, which will probably be another $5-10 / month.

b&

 

[tenordrum]

I have a cellular AW5, and while I don't have the cellular plan activated, I got that model for the extra safety it gives me in case of an emergency, as it would dial 911 if I fall, plus notifying my emergency contacts even without the cellular plan activated. I have had some serious health issues, so that gives us some peace of mind.

you can get open box deals at Best Buy, for both the AW7 and AW8, in fact, one nearby for the 8 was $439 for the cellular 45 mm .

Still, I would wait until the true Black Friday deals come out if you are looking for a 7. Target was running a sale that I believed matched Amazon, and the cellular AW7 45 mm was $380 if I recall. Other than the Ultra, the improvements in the recent apple watch offerings seem incremental at best. I don't think you will go wrong with any of them.

 

[Shirasaki]

Id strongly suggest you stay away from that store and get Apple Watch from apple instead. It’s too much of a risk for a “brand new” series 7, which has just been discontinued. Save a bit more and buy a relative piece of mind. You will thank your cautious self later.

 

[ssledoux]

I like having cellular, but it does require adding a plan to the watch, albeit fairly cheap monthly.

Truthfully, you could just buy through your cellular provider and do the monthly payments since you have to pay for the cellular plan anyway. They often have decent deals available.

That said, unless you need to be able to use your watch away from your phone, or have the fall detection feature, you really don’t NEED cellular.

You could also consider the new SE to keep costs down, depending on the features needed.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Buy from Apple. I would stay away from that shop. It is too risky.

 

[Mr.C]

I agree with others. Don’t buy from that shop. Spend a little more by buying from Apple or a reputable authorised dealer and get peace of mind as well as the standard one year warranty. That would be my advice.

 

[wilberforce]

If you typically have your phone with you, like I do, you don't need cellular. Everything works, including Spotify.
Cellular on AW will just cost you monthly service charges to activate.

Cellular AW is good for those that want to go for a hike or run and don't want to carry their phone, but are in an area with cellular service, and want to use the cellular service (which is not needed for a lot of the AW functions).

 

[sjperformance]

I like having cellular, but it does require adding a plan to the watch, albeit fairly cheap monthly.

Truthfully, you could just buy through your cellular provider and do the monthly payments since you have to pay for the cellular plan anyway. They often have decent deals available.

That said, unless you need to be able to use your watch away from your phone, or have the fall detection feature, you really don’t NEED cellular.

You could also consider the new SE to keep costs down, depending on the features needed.

I agree on cellular provider. They divide payments in 24-36 months. Basically a free loan.

 

[ndouglas]

Many others above said it already, just agreeing that that store sounds shady. Also just my opinion but in general, there’s just too much that can and does go wrong with devices, that I’d almost always rather buy directly from Apple to have that piece of mind and support. Not that you can’t get the support otherwise, but it’s just easier. Anyway if you have the watch already I’d keep it and enjoy it, especially if you can confirm the battery status is 100% or near that, life’s too short to worry about what might be possible when ultimately it’s only $100 or similar that you may or may not save getting this model or that one, or from this store or that one.

 

[rogertoh16]

I will go for the store 2nd hand if I am budget of getting the Apple watch.
Reason of been
- I will give cellular a try. If you dont have cellular AW experience before.
- AW 7 & 8 basically the same spec, only some additional function which I am a guy… so don’t need temp taking…
- If the AW s7 I don’t like it, I can sell back to the store (at the lost price)

I am from AW S7 Cellular to current S8 GPS.

Cellular version of applewatch drain battery like crazy, if you not connected to iPhone most of the time. And the reason why I am from s7 Cellular version to S8 gps because my battery health from S7 is already 85% For just 1 year…

Not all function apps, can using cellular to run. Cellular version of AW is good for receiving alert msg and calls.