Difference of Apple Watch GPS-only and Cellular: Which one should I buy?
Maybe you are planning to get a new Apple smartwatch, and have decided to get the Series 6, or Series 7, or the cheaper SE. But, are you confused whether to choose the GPS version or the cellular version like other people?
But, don't worry about it, we've carefully collected some valuable information about the two versions for referring. To help you to do the better decision. Just take a few minutes to read it. Let's dive in.
Since the cellular technology used in a smartwatch, we have experienced some differences between the GPS watch and cellular watch. The cellular watch requires higher cost, but with better experience from some areas. The cellular watch has its advantages and disadvantages compare to the GPS watch.
But is the cellular watch worth to buy? This is the same question from those who are planning to buy an Apple smartwatch. To buy a favorite new watch, we need to know the difference between GPS-only version and GPS+Cellular version. Then, to do the best option according to our need and budget.
Wireless charging technology is not a fresh thing anymore, as it has been used widely today. So, first, let's have a look what are the advantages of Apple GPS+Cellular watch compare to the GPS only version, this is also the differences.
The Advantages/Differences of GPS+Cellular Watch
The best benefit of own a GPS + Cellular Watch is, you enjoy the freedom of being without your phone when outdoors. This can be ideal to reduce the load you carry that may hamper activities such as running, exercising and more. And another advantage is support Family Setup.
Just take your smartwatch when outdoors. A major difference between GPS and Cellular Watch is based on their connectivity. The GPS + Cellular will let you leave your iPhone at home while still being able to make and answer calls, send text messages and stay connected with just your smartwatch. This is the GPS-only watch can't do it.
Related products, here are the best outdoor watches and the best running watches with low budget.
Family Setup function is available on the Apple GPS + Cellular watch. This is one of the new features on the WatchOS 7. The family setup allows users to set up a family with a cellular watch without them needing an Apple smartphone. That means that family members can leave the house without having to take their phones. Tips: This feature is only available from the release of the Apple Watch Series 4 to date.
If you value a smartwatch with such functions, the last most important option you need to consider is, you should expect to pay extra for any Apple cellular watch Series. Be prepared to pay between 50USD – 100USD more to enjoy cellular connectivity. And ensure that your carrier support the Apple Watch cellular.
What carriers available for Apple cellular watches yet?
One of the differences between GPS and GPS+Cellular version.
When you connect your cellular watch with the cellular network, it requires that the watch use the same carrier as your iPhone, and the carrier is support the Apple Watch. In other words, you should choose your iPhone's carrier as your watch's carrier, and the carrier supports the Apple Watch.
Example, your iPhone's carrier is AT&T, but you choose T-Mobile as your Apple Watch's carrier, or you chose the AT&T but your Apple Watch doesn't support AT&T, these won't make your watch works on your iPhone.
Presently, cellular connectivity for Apple Watch is supported by major carriers in the US such as Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, and T-Mobile. But not every carrier support Family Setup function.
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How is the battery life of the Cellular Version?
Battery life is one of the most important options the users value, even though the cellular model loss power faster than the GPS version, as it connect to the internet via LTE. But the difference is barely noticeable. Below are the tests from Apple official.
Apple has tested the battery life of both versions of the Apple Watch Series 6. All the features of the watch were used with the watch connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth, and it lasted 18 hours. The Apple Watch 6 GPS + cellular was tested under similar conditions, and it ran for 16 hours.
Is Apple Cellular Watch Worth It?
To be honest, there is no direct answer to this question. In the end, it will boil down to preference. Let's see the last difference of the two type of Apple watches, and what can Apple Cellular do?
The last difference is, the GPS watch is restricted to an aluminum case, but the GPS+Cellular watch adopts a stainless steel or titanium case.
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