Tips & Guides

Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular: Is the Cellular Worth It?

by Sandy on Jul 30, 2021

Let’s say that you have decided to get yourself a new Apple watch, maybe you’ve decided to get the Apple Watch Series 6, or the affordable Apple SE? Perhaps you have even decided on your preferred color and size and you can’t just wait to get the whole order completed. When you select your preferred model on the Apple website, you are confronted with another important decision. GPS or GPS + Cellular? The Cellular variant is the more expensive one but what other differences are there? Do you need the expensive Apple Watch GPS + Cellular version or do you think you will be better off with the GPS version? Let’s take a closer look at both of them to find out.

What can the Apple GPS + Cellular do?

Check the weather
Monitor your stock
Control your home
Make and answer phone calls
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
Find your friends
Use walkie-talkie
Stream music
Make use of maps

What Are the Differences Between GPS And Cellular Apple Watch?

Well, 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 watch.

However, users can only use their GPS version to send text and answer calls with their iPhones nearby. If you are not the type of person that likes to leave their phone at home, you should be able to manage with the GPS-only version. It supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi but so also does the GPS + Cellular model.

Another advantage of the GPS + Cellular watch is that it allows you to use Family Setup. This was included as a new feature on the WatchOS 7. The family setup allows users to set up a family with a cellular Apple watch without them needing an iPhone. This means that family members can leave the house without having to take their phones. Take note that this feature is only available from the release of the Apple Watch Series 4 to date.

With the GPS + Cellular model of the Apple Watch, you enjoy some convenience and the freedom of being without your phone. This can be ideal to reduce the load you carry that may hamper activities such as jogging, exercising, etc. However, all of these great features that are available on the watch do not come for free. So, you should expect to pay extra for any cellular model of the Apple Watch Series. Be prepared to pay between $50 – $100 more to enjoy cellular connectivity.

Cellular Carrier Support for Apple Watch Series

In a bid to connect your watch with a cellular network, it would need to use the same carrier as your iPhone. If your current carrier does not support the Apple watch, it would be impossible to get it connected. Presently, cellular connectivity for Apple Watch is supported by major carriers in the US such as Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, and T-Mobile. Check with other carriers to confirm that they support the device before going ahead to buy the cellular version.

But that’s not all. To maintain the cellular functionality on your Apple Watch, you will need to pay a monthly fee on top of that for your iPhone. These prices are averagely charged at $10 per month. Take note that not all carriers support Family setup. Make sure to check that your provider suits that requirement too.

Apple Watch GPS vs Apple Watch GPS + Cellular Battery Life

There is a difference between the battery lives of both watch models. The Apple Watch GPS connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth and the GPS can be used to navigate around the region. The cellular model is designed to connect to the internet via LTE whenever you are not at home, thus it has shorter battery life. But the difference is barely noticeable.

Let’s take a closer look at the details of the Apple battery test for both models. 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. This battery life difference may not seem like a lot but you would need to keep it in mind before making a purchase decision.

Apple Watch GPS vs Apple Watch GPS + Cellular Case Options

There are some notable differences in the options that are available for users in terms of case materials depending on whether they go for GPS only or GPS + Cellular.

The GPS-only model is restricted to an aluminum case Although it has an attractive appearance, solid feel, and is lightweight some users prefer the beneficial properties of stainless steel. You can opt for the GPS + Cellular model if you are interested in a watch with a stainless steel or titanium case.

Is Apple Watch Cellular Worth It?

To be honest, there is no direct answer to this question. In the end, it will boil down to preference. However, there are some questions you need to ponder to come to a decision. They include:

Does your carrier support Apple Watch cellular?
Do you often go out without your phone? And when this happens, do you still prefer to stay connected to the internet, text, and answer calls?
Do you stream podcasts and Apple music when your phone isn’t with you?
Are you interested in the family setup feature?
Do you want a stainless steel or titanium case for your watch?

If you have answered yes to two or more of these questions, then you would probably benefit from owning an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity.