Apple Watch ‘GPS + Cellular’ vs GPS Comparison: Which one should I buy?

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 Apple Watch, we need to know the difference between Apple GPS version watch and Apple GPS+Cellular version watch. 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.

• Read also, here is the guide of the advantages and disadvantages of wireless charging.
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The Advantages of Apple GPS+Cellular Watch
- The differences with GPS watch

The best benefit of own a GPS + Cellular Apple 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.

• Long distance connection

Just take your smartwatch when outdoors. A major difference between GPS and Cellular Apple 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.

• Family Setup

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.

How is the battery life of the GPS+Cellular Watch?

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.

What can Apple GPS+Cellular do?

• Check the weather
• Monitor your stock
• Long distance control your home
• Make and answer phone calls
• Find your friends
• Connect to Siri to get directions, send messages, and so on.
• Compose, send and receive text messages
• Listen to the radio
• Listen to podcasts
• Set reminders
• Use walkie-talkie
• Stream music
• Make use of maps

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Sources: Apple Watch ‘GPS + Cellular’ vs GPS Comparison: Which one should I buy?