Ultra 3 - Real world impact of 5G vs LTE

[Macwick]

I have the Ultra 2, and I find that cellular connectivity is generally worse than an iPhone in similar locations. All too often my Siri requests fail, or phone calls don’t go through, unless I’m in a location with strong cellular coverage (or on WiFi).

Most people are saying the 5G upgrade won’t really make any difference (who needs more bandwidth on a watch?). But my hope is that basic cellular connectivity will be more robust. My goal is to use my watch as a phone replacement as much as possible, so having reliable connectivity is important.

That said, there’s not much to base that assumption on. Are there any concrete details out there on the real-world difference we can expect in cellular connectivity?

 

[jz0309]

I have the Ultra 2, and I find that cellular connectivity is generally worse than an iPhone in similar locations. All too often my Siri requests fail, or phone calls don’t go through, unless I’m in a location with strong cellular coverage (or on WiFi).

Most people are saying the 5G upgrade won’t really make any difference (who needs more bandwidth on a watch?). But my hope is that basic cellular connectivity will be more robust. My goal is to use my watch as a phone replacement as much as possible, so having reliable connectivity is important.

That said, there’s not much to base that assumption on. Are there any concrete details out there on the real-world difference we can expect in cellular connectivity?

The watch isn't available yet to anyone, maybe, maybe there will be some stories on Wednesday but I'd wait for some real world reviews next week

 

[4sallypat]

I wish my Ultra 3 will arrive on 9/19 but it's looking like 9/24-10/1.

Geesh !

 

[ukms]

I have the Ultra 2, and I find that cellular connectivity is generally worse than an iPhone in similar locations. All too often my Siri requests fail, or phone calls don’t go through, unless I’m in a location with strong cellular coverage (or on WiFi).

Most people are saying the 5G upgrade won’t really make any difference (who needs more bandwidth on a watch?). But my hope is that basic cellular connectivity will be more robust. My goal is to use my watch as a phone replacement as much as possible, so having reliable connectivity is important.

That said, there’s not much to base that assumption on. Are there any concrete details out there on the real-world difference we can expect in cellular connectivity?

It will also depend entirely on the 5G coverage where you are at the time

 

[GDF]

OP - that is a really good question and wondering the same once real world reviews come out.

 

[BSoares]

It will probably be better because carriers are allocating more and more resources towards 5G towers and declining resources for LTE which means if your device maxes out at LTE, it is treated with less priority/signal than those that are doing 5G.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

I hope so as well, my Ultra 2 has struggled as well in some places I frequent.

 

[ArchEtech]

Well it probably won't be any worse, which is to say it will likely be better!

 

[kaardowiq]

At least here in Germany, we mostly do not have 5G SA (Stand Alone) which means also lacking VoNR (Voice over New Radio) which requires 5G SA. We have some corner cases here, where you can get 5G SA, but limited to different plan options and devices. So, I also don't expect the AW3U to be supported immediately in general, but then probably still lacking the plan options or general availability. In the end, it'll fall back to 4G for voice via VoLTE or use 5G NSA (Non Stan Alone for Data) which aggregates 4G and 5G Layers (upload is always via 4G in that case) which brings in a really huge speed improvement - but this is not required on a Watch. But it's an important step forward, because Apple is pushing and providers will follow asap.

 

[4sallypat]

Any info if the U3 will support 5G mmWave towers ?

 

[jz0309]

Any info if the U3 will support 5G mmWave towers ?

If you’re asking if U3 supports mmWave, that answer is no.

 

[Mactagonist]

I have the Ultra 2, and I find that cellular connectivity is generally worse than an iPhone in similar locations. All too often my Siri requests fail, or phone calls don’t go through, unless I’m in a location with strong cellular coverage (or on WiFi).

Most people are saying the 5G upgrade won’t really make any difference (who needs more bandwidth on a watch?). But my hope is that basic cellular connectivity will be more robust. My goal is to use my watch as a phone replacement as much as possible, so having reliable connectivity is important.

That said, there’s not much to base that assumption on. Are there any concrete details out there on the real-world difference we can expect in cellular connectivity?

It isn't about speed. 5g is cheaper/more efficient for carriers to deploy. So having a device that can access it gives you a greater chance of finding signal.

 

[gtg465x]

Even in areas without 5G, LTE signal may be better with the Ultra 3 according to this review:

"I've also noticed another difference on the Ultra 3, and it's that in my area, my LTE connection actually seems better compared to the Ultra 2"

 

[andyw715]

Generally I think it will be better, with the caveat that cell signals are highly location (geographical) dependent and also dependent on tower saturation.

1) assumption is a better cellular radio. That may/should be better at receiving LTE signals. A plus. And the ability to receive 5g signals, also a plus.

2) assumption that LTE will stick around for a lot longer than 3g** did when LTE was introduced.
**We had a lot of issues with cell coverage going away once 3g was dropped (for forestry and rural public safety).