Yet another deciding between 7 and 8 thread.

[Deedeekay]

So, first I'll try to justify why I needed a separate thread.

I do not currently own any smart watch of any type.

My only option for a 7 is an Apple Refurb (this is a country specific thing) and the only current difference between a refurb and a new 8 is $200 in my currency ($639 vs. $839 AUD).

There are also a few other factors that I'm not sure whether or not they matter but if they do, might change people's responses. My current phone is an 8+. As much as it'd be neat to have a cool new phone, I just don't use it enough to warrant an upgrade. The only reason I would really upgrade is that the 7 just got dumped into antiquity by Apple which means I'd rather get something new before the 8 fell to the same fate. This is a personal preference thing that I'm not sure bears scrutiny other than as a factor in whether or not I should get a 7 or 8 watch.

My uses for a watch are primarily that I only really want calls, texts, alarms, calendar reminders, some medication reminders, some heart and sleep monitoring (I have health issues), a few basic things like calculator, notes app, weather, timers, etc. some rewards program widgets for scanning at checkouts and Apple Pay. I wouldn't mind some music and podcast functionality but, eh, I could live without it. I give a rats about pretty much every other thing a smart device can do. I also just don't like carting around a phone. I use stuffall data and make/receive very few texts or calls but if I do receive a call, I'll generally have Airpods on me so talking into my wrist won't be something I'll have to endure very often.

The other thing to consider is that whilst it might sound like I'm super fancy and rich, the reality is that I just spent a small inheritance to buy some things, and also came out of the pandemic having plundered my superannuation (I believe the US equivalent is a 401k) and am selling off some things I no longer need to buy this watch. I currently only pay $120 per year for my mobile data and unlimited calls/texts. And even that's more than I need. If I switch to using the watch, it will mean I have to change carriers and plans at an additional minimum of $420 per year (so $540 per year total). It gives me way more data than I need and 5g access, which isn't even available in my area. Whilst I think I can swing the cost due to recent changes (streamlined my cost of living to bare necessities, lower bills, etc.), it's still a factor I should consider.

So... is the extra $200 (AUD) worth it?

 

[blw777]

It sure doesn't sound like the 8 is a worthwhile upgrade for you. You didn't mention temperature monitoring, and it sounds as if you're past the age where cycle monitoring would be pertinent. About the only other thing in the 8 that's not in the 7 is crash detection. But as it happens, there's a pretty decent chance that a crash will get registered on older watches too. I know for sure that I had a crash on a bicycle and my AW6 detected it as a fall.

I made basically the same choice (not upgrading a 6 to a 7 or 8), and I'm still in the workforce with fewer financial constraints than you describe.

 

[Deedeekay]

I made basically the same choice (not upgrading a 6 to a 7 or 8)...

Well, I don't have any watch at all so there's nothing to upgrade from which was part of why I made this thread, because other threads seemed to be more about whether or not it was justified to upgrade whereas getting a watch without having one at all, feels like a different question.

Also, I can't drive due to health issues so crash detection isn't that useful but fall detection would certainly be an asset given those same issues.

 

[blw777]

It sounded as if you'd decided to get one or the other, since you phrased it as "deciding between 7 or 8" but I guess the choice is a three-way one: nothing, 7 or 8. I think we can eliminate the 8. It's AUD$200 more for functionally no benefit. So then the question is whether it's worth AU$639 to use a watch instead of a phone.

I'd say that the answer is "not likely" since you don't do a lot with the phone, and you don't seem to plan to do much more with a watch. Bear in mind also that a watch isn't really a stand-alone thing, it's a peripheral of an iPhone. So really your choice is for maintaining a watch+phone ecosystem or merely a phone. Given your limited use, I can't see spending more than you already have. And you'll need to upgrade the phone relatively soon anyway, since as you know the 8's will be the next to lose software support now that the 7's are gone.

I suppose the "maybe" is with fall/crash detection. You don't need to be driving to trigger a crash detection. It would go off if you're in a coach or if someone else is driving. And if you live by yourself, the fall detection alone might be worthwhile. My wife has an AW for precisely this reason, since I used to travel a lot and once she fell down a few stairs while I was away. In the event it wasn't too bad, but instead of 4 stairs it could have been 14 and quite a different story.

 

[james2538]

So, first I'll try to justify why I needed a separate thread.

I do not currently own any smart watch of any type.

My only option for a 7 is an Apple Refurb (this is a country specific thing) and the only current difference between a refurb and a new 8 is $200 in my currency ($639 vs. $839 AUD).

There are also a few other factors that I'm not sure whether or not they matter but if they do, might change people's responses. My current phone is an 8+. As much as it'd be neat to have a cool new phone, I just don't use it enough to warrant an upgrade. The only reason I would really upgrade is that the 7 just got dumped into antiquity by Apple which means I'd rather get something new before the 8 fell to the same fate. This is a personal preference thing that I'm not sure bears scrutiny other than as a factor in whether or not I should get a 7 or 8 watch.

My uses for a watch are primarily that I only really want calls, texts, alarms, calendar reminders, some medication reminders, some heart and sleep monitoring (I have health issues), a few basic things like calculator, notes app, weather, timers, etc. some rewards program widgets for scanning at checkouts and Apple Pay. I wouldn't mind some music and podcast functionality but, eh, I could live without it. I give a rats about pretty much every other thing a smart device can do. I also just don't like carting around a phone. I use stuffall data and make/receive very few texts or calls but if I do receive a call, I'll generally have Airpods on me so talking into my wrist won't be something I'll have to endure very often.

The other thing to consider is that whilst it might sound like I'm super fancy and rich, the reality is that I just spent a small inheritance to buy some things, and also came out of the pandemic having plundered my superannuation (I believe the US equivalent is a 401k) and am selling off some things I no longer need to buy this watch. I currently only pay $120 per year for my mobile data and unlimited calls/texts. And even that's more than I need. If I switch to using the watch, it will mean I have to change carriers and plans at an additional minimum of $420 per year (so $540 per year total). It gives me way more data than I need and 5g access, which isn't even available in my area. Whilst I think I can swing the cost due to recent changes (streamlined my cost of living to bare necessities, lower bills, etc.), it's still a factor I should consider.

So... is the extra $200 (AUD) worth it?

Any reason you aren't looking at the new Apple Watch SE? Sounds like it would fit perfectly for a first watch.

Also you're not required to get the cellular model. Get the GPS only and don't worry about changing your mobile plan. Carting around a phone isn't a huge issue, especially if it also quadruples your bill.

41mm SE GPS is only $399 AUD

I'd go cheap as possible. That way if you don't like using a watch, you could sell it for not much of a loss. May even consider looking at a used Series 5 or 6.

 

[Howard2k]

Any reason you aren't looking at the new Apple Watch SE? Sounds like it would fit perfectly for a first watch.

Also you're not required to get the cellular model. Get the GPS only and don't worry about changing your mobile plan. Carting around a phone isn't a huge issue, especially if it also quadruples your bill.

41mm SE GPS is only $399 AUD

I'd go cheap as possible. That way if you don't like using a watch, you could sell it for not much of a loss. May even consider looking at a used Series 5 or 6.

This seems like great advice. I went with an SE for my first watch as I wasn't sure if it was for me. It's a great entry into the tech.

 

[deeddawg]

I currently only pay $120 per year for my mobile data and unlimited calls/texts. And even that's more than I need. If I switch to using the watch, it will mean I have to change carriers and plans at an additional minimum of $420 per year (so $540 per year total). It gives me way more data than I need and 5g access, which isn't even available in my area. Whilst I think I can swing the cost due to recent changes (streamlined my cost of living to bare necessities, lower bills, etc.), it's still a factor I should consider.

Not sure if things are different there but here in the US you don't have to establish cellular service on a cellular-capable watch, and thus if your phone plan doesn't support adding watch service you don't have to change plans.

The exception would be if you buy the watch from your cellular carrier at a discount that's conditional on establishing service.

 

[caligurl]

Not sure if things are different there but here in the US you don't have to establish cellular service on a cellular-capable watch, and thus if your phone plan doesn't support adding watch service you don't have to change plans.

The exception would be if you buy the watch from your cellular carrier at a discount that's conditional on establishing service.

i never activated my SS 4.... i wanted SS and was stuck buying a cellular version since that's the only way it comes.... i have never needed to have cellular on my watch (and i switch between my SS and alum watch)

 

[Monkswhiskers]

Don’t forget, the cellular doesn’t need to be activated to make emergency calls. Think of it as an extra safety feature.

 

[caligurl]

Don’t forget, the cellular doesn’t need to be activated to make emergency calls. Think of it as an extra safety feature.

wait.....what!? how!!!!!????

 

[james2538]

wait.....what!? how!!!!!????

Supposedly according to this Reddit post.

This Apple article though says only countries with a “2” next to it can call emergency services without a cellular plan and the US isn’t one if them.

Technically any phone in the US must be cable of calling 911 even if it isn’t activated. Dunno if the watch counts.

 

[deeddawg]

wait.....what!? how!!!!!????

In the US (and many other places I believe) cell carriers are required to carry emergency / 911 calls from *any* compatible cellular capable device, even if it's not on an active plan.

Edit - certainly if the watch is not on a plan there may be delays in it finding a carrier and initiating the call, but it is supposed to work even without an active plan.

Wireless 911 Service

The FCC is working to ensure that wireless 911 calls are transmitted with increasingly precise location information so that first responders can quickly find and assist those in need.

www.fcc.gov

How to Call 911 from Your Apple Watch in Case of an Emergency

When you can't reach your iPhone or don't have it on you, how do you get help from emergency services? Unless you have one of those life-alert mobile triggers, someone nearby, or some amazing telepathy skills, hope might be the only answer — unless you wear an Apple Watch, that is.

ios.gadgethacks.com

 

[Deedeekay]

It sounded as if you'd decided to get one or the other...

Yes.

...but I guess the choice is a three-way one: nothing, 7 or 8.

No.

Any reason you aren't looking at the new Apple Watch SE?

Because.

Not sure if things are different there but here in the US you don't have to establish cellular service on a cellular-capable watch, and thus if your phone plan doesn't support adding watch service you don't have to change plans.

I don't understand.

I want to be able to make and receive calls through the Watch without the phone nearby, i.e. leave the phone at home and go to the shops with the Watch. As far as I'm aware, that isn't possible without having cellular service on a cellular-capable watch.

 

[caligurl]

if you don't need the temperature and crash.... save yourself the 200 and get the 7!

 

[Deedeekay]

if you don't need the temperature and crash.... save yourself the 200 and get the 7!

Thanks.

It's actually all just become moot since something came up so I won't be able to afford it anyway.

 

[deeddawg]

.I don't understand.

Your post gave the impression that you thought you HAD to have service on a cellular watch. My point was you didn't need to activate it if you didn't want to.

Yes, if you want cell services you'll need to pay for them.

 

[Deedeekay]

Your post gave the impression that you thought you HAD to have service on a cellular watch. My point was you didn't need to activate it if you didn't want to.

Yes, if you want cell services you'll need to pay for them.

My uses for a watch are primarily that I only really want calls...

 

[deeddawg]

I currently only pay $120 per year for my mobile data and unlimited calls/texts. And even that's more than I need. If I switch to using the watch, it will mean I have to change carriers and plans at an additional minimum of $420 per year (so $540 per year total). It gives me way more data than I need and 5g access, which isn't even available in my area. Whilst I think I can swing the cost due to recent changes (streamlined my cost of living to bare necessities, lower bills, etc.), it's still a factor I should consider.

When people try to help you, dont throw it back in their face.

Particularly when you write a bunch about how impactful the cost would be on your cash flow.

Go pound sand. I’m done.

 

[matrix07]

Yes.

No.

Because.

I don't understand.

I want to be able to make and receive calls through the Watch without the phone nearby, i.e. leave the phone at home and go to the shops with the Watch. As far as I'm aware, that isn't possible without having cellular service on a cellular-capable watch.

S7 no doubt. I’m still using S5 happily (like you, my main function is also receive calls & texts through Watch). It’s 3 years old now but still working great!

I believe the most important thing is to buy new so you'll have a full 100% battery (Apple refurbished also gives you full 100% battery). Don't buy used.