Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular: Which is Best for You?

With the new Apple Watch lineup coming soon, you’re faced with a very important question: do you go for the base variant or the GPS + Cellular version? At first glance, the differences between them seem not so significant. However, to make an informed decision, it is better to compare Apple Watch GPS and Cellular.

Here I am going to compare the key differences between the two versions. This includes, among other things, battery life, connectivity, and carrier support. We hope that these key differences will help you better understand what you get with any version. This will help you get the perfect Apple Watch for your needs!

Apple Watch GPS vs GPS + Cellular: Key Differences

Since recent versions of the Apple Watch have featured the Apple Watch GPS vs. Cellular, there was no doubt that the new Apple Watch lineup, Series 8 and Ultra, would also provide both options, at least. So, whether you decide to get an older or a newer version of your Apple Watch, it will be helpful for you to understand the main differences between GPS and GPS + Cellular.

Let’s take a look at Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular in a few important categories!

Connection

Whether you’re looking at range options, carrier limits, or pricing, one of the most important differences between the GPS and GPS+ Cellular versions is connectivity. With the latter option, you can leave your iPhone at home without any problems. With a cellular connection, you can answer and make calls, as well as send and receive text messages. What’s more, with the addition of GPS, your runs, runs, and general navigation won’t be affected either.

With the Apple Watch version of GPS, you can only receive and make calls or send text messages if your iPhone is near you and the watch itself. Basically, if you’re someone who likes to keep your phone with you at all times, the Apple Watch version of GPS will be more than enough for you.

Another thing to note is that Apple hasn’t skimped on basic connectivity – both models support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. So your choice will come down to whether or not you want to always carry your iPhone with you.

Operator support

Currently, only the GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch allows you to have the same data plan as your iPhone. However, there is an additional charge of around $10. Regardless of the price, it’s a welcome feature, and that’s thanks to the LTE connectivity support that the GPS + Cellular version provides.

This carrier support ensures you don’t have to carry your iPhone around with you everywhere. With LTE support, your Apple Watch can make calls, send text messages, use GPS and Maps, and even fully integrate Siri. However, keep in mind that the Apple Watch won’t have a separate phone number. The number that will be assigned to you refers to the account number.

In addition, any international pay-as-you-go data plan on your carrier’s data plan will also incur additional charges if you use your Apple Watch overseas. I recommend not activating your Apple Watch Cellular plan while traveling internationally.

As for the basic GPS-enabled Apple Watch, you need to have your iPhone with you at all times. Only then will you be able to make calls and send text messages. There are no additional data plans or additional fees for the Apple Watch version of GPS.

eSIM and international roaming

The recent unveiling of the iPhone 14 line has also accelerated the transition to eSIM. Of course, eSIM technology has been available on the iPhone for the longest time – the iPhone XR provided support for eSIM long before the technology became popular.

For the uninitiated, eSIMs are also referred to as embedded SIMs. They function just like our regular SIM cards. However, they can be programmed to your specifications and are in no physical state. Thus, you do not need to insert a SIM card into your phone. All you have to do is log into the device with your carrier information and your carrier will associate the phone with their network.

It should be noted here that eSIM support will only be provided to iPhone 14 models in the US. In other major countries, carrier integration for eSIM will take some time.

When it comes to international roaming, you will be able to store multiple eSIMs on your phone. However, there are several problems here. First, you will only be able to use the carrier that provides the eSIM. Secondly, you need to be mindful of where you are traveling as eSIM support may not be available.

So what does this entail for your Apple Watch? For those of you who opt for the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular option, it will be easier to sync your iPhone 14 with your Apple Watch, especially if you use the same carrier. Moreover, you will be able to switch eSIMs without any problems.

Of course, you still have to consider where you’re traveling and local eSIM support. For now, eSIM integration and US travel should be much more convenient.

Apple Music and Podcasts

Both Apple Watch options let you stream Apple Music, audiobooks, and Apple podcasts as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi. However, the cellular version has an advantage here, since streaming can also be done via cellular data.

All your entertainment experiences are synced to your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) from your iPhone. This will help you consume content without being connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Plus, you won’t need to have your iPhone nearby!

However, the Apple Watch GPS model requires you to have your iPhone with you and have it connected to the watch for your entertainment. Whether it’s music streaming on Apple Music or expanding your horizons with podcasts on Apple Podcasts, an iPhone is a must if you’re wearing an Apple Watch GPS model.

Battery life

Because the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular model uses two types of connectivity, it’s a bit obvious that the model’s battery life isn’t as good as the GPS counterpart. However, the difference is minimal and only noticeable if you use both GPS and cellular at the same time. While battery life ultimately depends on your usage patterns, Apple says both versions provide 18 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The Apple Watch GPS + Cellular model is expected to have an 18-hour battery life when connected to an iPhone for 14 hours and using LTE for 4 hours. You can take a closer look at battery life below:

• Talk: 1.5 hours using cellular.
• Audio: 11 hours of playback if you listen to music directly through Apple Storage. When streaming, playback is reduced to 8 hours.
• Workout mode: 11 hours indoor training, 7 hours using GPS, 6 hours using GPS and cellular.

As can be seen from the above, neither model offers exceptional battery life when used for long distance running. Fortunately, the release of the new Apple Watch Ultra should solve this problem.

Case materials, strap options and display

Due to the difference in their prices, you would expect there to be certain differences between the models when it comes to case materials. The Apple Watch GPS comes with a durable aluminum case. Fortunately, it also looks quite elegant. However, the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular model has better stainless steel and titanium case options. They give the watch a more premium feel and greatly enhance the aesthetics.

In terms of display materials, the Apple Watch GPS model is equipped with Ion-X glass. The stainless steel and titanium case of the GPS + Cellular model is complemented by a sapphire crystal display. Both have their pros and cons: Ion-X glass is more prone to scratches than cracks. With the sapphire glass of the GPS + Cellular model, the opposite is true.

In terms of strap options, both types of Apple Watch have many types of straps. They are provided by both Apple and third-party vendors. The best replacement Apple Watch bands provide some customization options that you can use.

Family setting

If you’re not familiar with Family Setup, this is a pretty useful feature that’s almost essential for the elderly and kids. Through Family Setup, you can set up and make changes to other people’s Apple Watches, even if they don’t have an iPhone. However, only the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular variant supports Family Setup at the moment.

Price

Finally, we’ll look at one of the most important factors in an Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular comparison: price. Of course, the GPS model of the Apple Watch is much cheaper than its cellular sibling. Moreover, the first option is better if you have access to Wi-Fi and keep your phone with you at all times. However, if you want LTE connectivity and a family setup, you’ll have to shell out extra money for the GPS + Cellular model.

In addition, the GPS model only comes with an aluminum case and an Ion-X display. On the other hand, the GPS + Cellular model comes in stainless steel and titanium cases with a sapphire crystal display. Overall, the GPS + Cellular variant looks better.

Ultimately, it all comes down to preference. In my opinion, if you’re a regular iPhone user, the GPS option for the Apple Watch is worth the price and you’re not missing out on much. However, if you are a power user and want more features, with a better display and body material, the GPS + Cellular model is worth the extra money!

Difference Between GPS and Apple Watch Cellular: A Brief Overview

For this comparison, we used the Apple Watch Series 7 models. Now let’s take a quick look at the differences between the two models:

Keep an eye on this space as we’ll be doing a similar comparison for the Apple Watch Series 8 soon.

Summarizing

So what do you think of this Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular comparison? The differences between both options are quite noticeable, but they do not deprive the main advantages of either of the Apple Watch options. If you think I’ve missed any important comparison point, you can comment below. I hope you found this comparison useful for your next Apple Watch purchase!