Who really needs a smartwatch width
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Smartwatch technology has improved a lot in recent years, and they've also become a lot more popular. But, at the same time, they haven't yet become must-have accessories.
A smartphone is now the obvious choice if you want a new phone. But most people are still happy with traditional watches for telling the time.
So, here's why smartwatches are usefulbut why you don't actually need one.
Why Do People Buy Smartwatches?
Smartwatches take many of the useful features found in a smartphone and put them on your wrist. They can be used to receive notifications, make and receive phone calls, and access a wide range of apps.
They are often equipped with sophisticated fitness trackers that can analyze every movement you make, and some of the apps are genuinely useful.
For example, you can call an Uber from your wrist, keep track of daily to-do lists, and listen to audiobooks. In fact, you'll find that most popular smartphone apps now have smartwatch versions.
The newest models are also pretty stylish. And the wide selection of different faces means that you will never get tired of how they look.
10 Reasons You Probably Don't Need a Smartwatch
There's no shortage of happy smartwatch owners. But these devices are far from perfect. If you're thinking about buying a smartwatch, here are ten reasons you might want to save your money.
1. Smartwatches Are Overpriced
The most popular smartwatches cost $200-300. This is pretty reasonable when compared to other watches. But it's terrible value when compared to a smartphone.
For the same price, you can purchase a mid-range smartphone. The phone will have a bigger screen, higher specs, better functionality, and a built-in camera.
Smartwatches have their benefits, but in terms of value for money, there is no comparison.
2. Smartwatches Need Regular Charging
Most smartwatches need charging every one or two days. This is understandable given the functionality but it's something you should think about if you're planning on replacing a traditional watch.
Having a smartwatch means one more electronic device that you'll need to keep charged. And if you forget, your new watch won't even be able to tell time.
3. A Fitness Tracker Might Be More Practical
Smartwatches are designed to be used as fitness trackers. They achieve this goal, but there's a reason that many people opt for a dedicated device instead.
Fitness trackers are significantly cheaper, often much smaller, and usually have much longer battery lives. For example, some fitness trackers last for up to 30 days without a charge.
If you're looking for a device that can track your activity 24 hours a day, a smartwatch might, therefore, not be the best choice.
4. Smartwatches Are Not Convenient for Phone Calls
Smartwatch technology is improving all the time, but they're not yet convenient for making phone calls. It's easy to argue that they never will be.
Holding your wrist to your ear is never going to be comfortable, and until everybody changes their mind about this, you're always going to look pretty strange doing so.
Smartwatches do work well with hands-free headsets, but the benefit of a watch over a phone in this scenario is debatable.
5. Constant Notifications Aren't Always Helpful
Smartwatches provide access to notifications at a turn of the wrist. This is ideal if you are often in situations where you cannot use a phone. It's also useful if you need access to breaking news.
But most people don't need or want such constant access to updates.
Never-ending notifications can be harmful to both productivity and mental health. Smartwatches make it possible never to miss another notification. But this isn't necessarily a good thing.
6. You Still Need to Have Your Phone With You
Some people purchase smartwatches hoping to leave their phones at home. Unfortunately, this usually isn't practical.
Some smartwatches have sim card slots, but most don't, meaning you cannot make or receive a phone call without having your phone nearby.
The majority of smartwatch apps also cannot be installed without a paired smartphone app.
7. Smartwatch Screens Have Limited Functionality
Smartwatch screens are getting sharper. But given the constraints of the form factor, there's a limit to what it can achieve.
Text input is highly inconvenient, with most applications relying on speech input instead. And most notifications provide limited information.
Many smartphone apps are therefore only useful when combined with their phone-based counterparts.
8. Fitness Tracking Is Sometimes Unreliable
Fitness tracking is a relatively new concept. This means that the data that you receive from them isn't always entirely accurate.
Data tracking issues apply to both smartwatches and fitness trackers. They can give you a lot of information that you wouldn't otherwise have. But the accuracy of that data is not something that anybody's health should rely on.
9. Most Smartwatches Are Not Waterproof
Most smartwatches are marketed as "waterproof," but this usually means water-resistant, not that you can submerge them for a prolonged period. Before buying a smartwatch, it's a good idea to check the specific limitations.
Many smartwatches, for example, will be damaged by saltwater. This is in comparison to traditional watches that are often designed for swimming in the sea.
10. Smartwatches Are Not Available in All Sizes
All of the added functionality in smartwatches has to go somewhere. And this means that there's a limit to how small they can get.
If you have small wrists or you like watches with particularly small profiles, you might find it difficult to find a smartwatch in your preferred style.
There's also a limit to the number of classic styles that a digital display can replicate.
Should You Buy a Smartwatch?
Smartwatches are useful accessories, and many people who buy them end up happy with their purchase. Before buying one, however, it's a good idea to ask yourself what purpose it will actually serve.
Many of their functions are better performed by dedicated devices. And this makes a smartwatch good at many things but not perfect for any of them.
Is a Smartwatch Right for You?
Gone are the days when the answer to most smartwatch questions went like this: Just buy an Apple Watch. Models made by Apple continue to perform very well in our labs, but Android devices are better than ever. In fact, several Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy watches sit near the top of our ratings. Heres what to consider when shopping for a smartwatch.
Apple or Android?For a more seamless experience, try to match your watch to your phone. If you have an iPhone, for example, youll want an Apple Watch. Models that operate on Googles Wear OS work best with an Android phone. And if you have a Samsung phone, you can pair it with any Android smartwatch. But one made by Samsung will offer extra benefits, like compatibility with the companys fitness apps and the ability to control the volume on a pair of Samsung earbuds from your wrist.
Cell ServiceCellular capability adds a bit to a watchs purchase price and roughly $10 a month to your phone bill. But it allows you to leave your smartphone behind when you go out for a walk or a run. With a built-in cell service connection, you can receive phone calls and text messages, and take full advantage of your watchs fall-protection features. (Without one, you need to carry your phone at all times to get those benefits.) A built-in microphone and speaker allow you to place phone calls and also use voice commands for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
The Right SensorsWhile you can add new functionality in seconds by downloading an app, several of the most sophisticated health and safety features require special sensors that are found only on higher-end models. If, for example, you want an Apple Watch that delivers warnings about an abnormal heart rhythm (which needs an ECG sensor), the most accurate sleep tracking (which needs a blood oxygen sensor), or womens health options (which often require a skin-temperature sensor), you need to spring for the $400 Apple Watch Series 8 instead of the otherwise capable $250 Apple Watch SE. Among the higher-end watches that include advanced sensors are the Google Pixel Watch (which has fall-detection sensors), the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 (which can measure body fat and muscle mass), and the Fitbit Sense 2 (which adds a skin-temperature sensor for stress tracking).
Customized Watch FaceThere are lots of simple ways to make a smartwatch your own, just as youd personalize a smartphone. You can, for example, choose between a classy analog watch face or a bold and easy-to-read digital display. On many models you can then add quick access to your favorite information, including hourly weather forecasts and the fluctuations of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
RemindersSmartwatches are great for reminders, from appointment notifications to medication scheduling. If you enable fitness and mindfulness functions, your watch can even prompt you to stand up or take a few minutes for focused breathing or meditation.
Battery LifeFrom a battery life standpoint, smartwatches tend to be more like smartphones (which often need to be charged daily) than fitness trackers (which last a week or more between top-ups). The precise figure18 to 36 hours and beyonddepends on the model you choose and how you use it. Certain apps, like GPS, can be power-hungry. Pro tip: Many smartwatches come in various case sizes, and the larger cases often have a bigger battery for longer battery life.
Water ResistanceIn our labs, we test smartwatches for water resistance in a pressure tank. Most models survived a 10-minute immersion of 164 feet or more, but if you plan to dive with your watch, choose a model with a deeper rating.
The Best FitFit is important for two reasons. To get the most out of a smartwatch, you need to wear it almost all of your waking hours (and maybe while you sleep). A good, snug fit also improves the accuracy of sensors, like those for ECG and skin temperature, that rely on contact with your skin. So be sure to try on several watches before committing. You can often swap out bands in seconds to fine-tune your fit.
The best LTE smartwatches
An LTE or cellular connection on a smartwatch is a surprisingly helpful feature. It can stay connected to the world without a tethered phone and power music streaming, messaging and calls, and emergency features. Many of the best smartwatches boast LTE connectivity, but which are the best for your budget? We round up the best LTE smartwatches you can buy below.
Buying the right smartwatch with 4G LTE
The allure of a smartwatch with cellular connectivity on your wrist is clear. The potential of (almost) limitless connectivity without a smartphone will intrigue most. But there are a few things to consider about LTE smartwatches before buying one.
Do you really need cellular connectivity?
If you constantly have your phone on your person and tethered to your smartwatch, you likely wont require an LTE watch. However, you might occasionally leave your phone at home or require a secondary emergency device on your wrist. An LTE watch might suit you if youre in the latter camp.
The tangible drawbacks
Despite their clear advantages, cellular-connected watches do have their flaws. They generally use a little more battery than their Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only counterparts. Thanks to the added components, they may produce more heat and weigh slightly more. In addition, 4G LTE connectivity shouldnt be the only factor you consider when buying a smartwatch. Smartphone compatibility, battery life, health and fitness tracking kit, and price are all worth considering.
Android or iOS?
Apple and Samsung dominate the LTE-enabled smartwatch market, offering practically every smart and health-tracking feature you could ever want. Both companies provide slightly cheaper variants of their devices, too. If youre looking for an LTE smartwatch to pair with your Android phone or iPhone, picking a device from these two companies will serve you well.
The cost consideration
Finally, theres something else you should consider above and beyond a smartwatchs capabilities. LTE connectivity is usually a costly extra on smartwatches in terms of initial cost and connectivity costs each month, even though this shouldnt be the case. When looking at your available options, consider any deals carriers offer. The best LTE smartwatches may not be the most economical option over time, especially if your plan is expensive.
The best 4G LTE smartwatches you can buy
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best LTE watch for Android phone users. Samsungs new Wear OS watch line retains its predecessors excellent health sensor suite and adds new hardware and a larger display. Its the most complete LTE smartwatch package on the market.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best LTE watch for iPhone users. The Series 9 introduces welcome upgrades to the Series 8 experience, including onboard Siri computations.
- The Google Pixel Watch 2 is the best Fitbit LTE smartwatch (sort of). The second edition Google watch keeps its Fitbit integration but upgrades all the hardware that matters.
- The Apple Watch SE 2 is the best Apple LTE smartwatch for those on a budget. It trades several health features for its lower price, but thats worth it if smart features are more important to you.
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the best affordable LTE smartwatch option for Android users. It might be two generations old, but it still feels surprisingly current, even in 2024.
- The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE is the best purpose-built running watch with LTE support. The Forerunner 945 LTE is also the only Garmin smartwatch with LTE connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: The best 4G LTE smartwatch for Android users
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Bigger, brighter AMOLED display Snappy Wear OS 4 software experience Sporty yet tasteful aesthetic
Bigger and better.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 brings the best of Wear OS 4 and Samsung's smartwatch features to the table. A large display and full Samsung Wallet app make the Watch 6 a powerful standalone device, while integration with Samsung phones makes the Watch 6 a valuable part of your Galaxy ecosystem.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 builds on the solid platform of its two Wear OS-powered predecessors. It might flaunt similar stylings to the Galaxy Watch 5 it replaces, but the wearable gains a larger screen, bigger battery, and new watch strap fastening mechanism that makes switching out bands a breeze.
Adding to these aesthetic tweaks, the Galaxy Watch 6 series also gets a more efficient hardware package, making LTE on the watch more performative and efficient. The Galaxy Watch 6 remains an adept fitness tracker, packing plenty of unique features you wont find on other non-Samsung watches, like body composition and blood pressure monitors. Adding LTE to this only sweetens the deal, allowing users who leave their phone at home to stream music, message contacts, or place and receive calls from their wrists.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series isnt perfect, though. We experienced sub-par battery life during our review of the returning Classic model. This doesnt bode well for LTE models in the series. Once again, Samsung is restricting certain features to Samsung phones.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Pros
- Elegant design and build materials
- Running the latest Wear OS build
- Bright, vibrant AMOLED display
- Robust, snappy software experience
Cons
- Only minor upgrades over Watch 5
- Imperfect heart rate data
- Disappointing battery life
- Some features only work with Samsung phones
Apple Watch Series 9: The best 4G LTE smartwatch for iPhone users
Apple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 9
Powerful processor Upgraded display with 2000 nit brightness Gesture controls and Siri features
Apple's most convenient smartwatch
The new S9 chip makes the Apple Watch Series 9 the most capable, and battery friendly Apple watch to date. Enjoy improved security, improved functionality in low-connectivity situations, and improved health tracking. Introducing new Double-Tap gesture.
The Apple Watch Series 9 finally brings some welcome feature additions to the wearable line. It keeps all the polish introduced by the Series 8, and introduces a new chipset enabling onboard Siri computations, a brighter display, and a Double-Tap gesture, allowing users to control the watch with a click of their fingers.
If youre away from your router, the LTE Series 9 can stream content to your paired Bluetooth audio equipment, receive and place calls and messages, and use Apples Walkie-Talkie smarts. Notably, onboard Siri means that without LTE service, the device can still process voice assistant tasks on your watch.
Beyond specs, the Series 9 introduces a new colorway to the Apple Watch party pink.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Pros
- Powerful new S9 chipset
- Brighter AMOLED display
- Expanded Find My Phone feature
- Onboard Siri query processing
- Excellent WatchOS 10 updates
Cons
- Key new features not available at launch
- Battery life still unimproved
Google Pixel Watch 2: The best Fitbit LTE smartwatch
Google Pixel Watch 2Google Pixel Watch 2
Runs a snappy Wear OS 4 Added and upgraded advanced health sensors Fast charging alleviates battery woes
Wear OS 4, advanced health sensors, and upgraded training features elevate the Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 2 retains the first model's successful features and refines several of the original's shortcomings. Added sensors, upgraded training tools, and a few key changes suggest a more finished product. Google's Wear OS 4 runs flawlessly, while advanced health tools from Fitbit join the lineup.
The Pixel Watch 2 isnt a Fitbit by name, but its the best wearable with Fitbit integration and LTE money can buy.
Googles second-edition smartwatch finally hits the right note, upgrading all the internals that matter from a much-improved wellness tracking loadout to a lighter build and more efficient chipset. The latter makes for a marked improvement in processing speed and battery life, increasing the wearables LTE uptime.
When looks alone matter, its a gorgeous wearable with a striking aesthetic, while its a more than competent fitness watch, packing a cEDA stress sensor, an ECG for heart health, and a skin temperature sensor to boot.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Pros
- Runs a snappy Wear OS 4
- Added and upgraded advanced health sensors
- New training features and automatic workout detection
- Fast charging alleviates battery woes
- Safety Check and other safety features
Cons
- Only available in one size
- Some health features feel underbaked
- Fitbit app redesign oversimplifies
- Flaky GPS recording
- Setup isnt seamless
Apple Watch SE 2: The best affordable 4G LTE smartwatch for Apple users
Apple Watch SE (2022)Apple Watch SE (2022)
Great value Handy Low Power Mode Excellent processor and software
Apple's budget-friendly lineup packs all the tools the average user really needs
With unrivaled app support, detailed fitness tracking, and improved sleep monitoring, the SE 2022 is a great entry point into the Apple ecosystem. It trades a few advanced health sensor for a more affordable price tag, but still offers all the essential features most shoppers want.
While the Series 9 fails to be truly affordable, the Apple Watch SE 2 excels. For under $300, its the best LTE smartwatch you can buy, at least for those in the Apple ecosystem. Best of all, you lose none of the devices smart abilities like the Walkie-Talkie, calls and messaging, and content streaming.
Affordable products are all about compromise, and Apple has stripped the Watch SE 2 of several health features to bring its price under control. The device lacks an SpO2 sensor, ECG, and skin temperature sensor. With this device, you wont get any blood oxygen data, heart health information, or more accurate fertility tracking.
If you can look past these issues and can afford the $50 premium over the base models price, the Apple Watch SE 2 is a great gateway LTE smartwatch that packs all the essentials.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Pros
- Great value, priced lower than original model
- Speedy S8 processor
- Handy Low Power Mode
- Color-matched back panel
- Runs on the Series 9s software
- Much improved sleep tracking
Cons
- Still no always-on display
- Limited screen real estate
- No SpO2 sensor
- No advanced health tracking features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: The best affordable 4G LTE smartwatch for Android users
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Classy, durable designs Multiple size options Good value buy
Even if you aren't a huge Samsung fan, you'll find a lot to like.
Samsung and Google combined forces to improve the software situation with smartwatches on Android. The result is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, running a co-developed Wear OS. The standard Galaxy Watch 4 is for the sportier crowd, while the Watch 4 Classic is for those who'd like a watch they can wear to the office.
The Galaxy Watch 4 might be 2021s flavor, but its still a reliable smartwatch. You wont find too many missing features versus its newer siblings, at least in raw processing power, smart capabilities, and software support. Yes, it lacks the skin temperature sensor and larger battery of the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 6, but those are really the only notable omissions. In reality, these omissions arent deal breakers, either.
While the Galaxy Watch 4 LTE launched for $299, you can regularly find it discounted on popular retailers sites. If you can find the Galaxy Watch 4 at the right price and opt for the larger model, its an excellent budget cellular-capable smartwatch.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Pros
- Classy, durable designs
- Multiple size options
- Runs the latest Wear OS build
- Large models have decent battery life
- Improved heart rate sensor
- Useful body composition metrics
Cons
- Slow, slow charging
- Poor GPS performance
- Sleep tracking needs tweaking
- Small models have short battery life
Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE: The best smartwatch with LTE for runners
Garmin Forerunner 945Garmin Forerunner 945
Reliable GPS Extensive training and recovery features 36-hour battery life in GPS mode
A feature-packed triathlon watch from a trusted brand
Garmin's Forerunner series devices are among the top watches available for runners. The Forerunner 945 LTE offers all the best of Garmin's feature set, plus real-time location tracking and incident detection, without your phone on hand. Gear up for races and runs with an accurate GPS, stored music, built-in maps, and more, all right on your wrist.
Finally, heres an option for those who love the open road. The Forerunner 945 LTE isnt Garmins latest multisport watch, but it curiously remains the only Forerunner model with cellular connectivity. Despite its age, the 945 LTE remains a competent running and triathlon companion.
Its strength is Garmins health tracking and training features, from Body Battery energy management to its Training Readiness algorithm. Training Status and Garmin Coach also help users improve their training regimens, while Training Effect and Recovery Time provide post-workout recommendations. The 945 LTE also packs plenty of features for race day, including built-in mapping and onboard music support.
However, its important to mention that this is not an LTE smartwatch in the true sense of the term. You cannot use its cellular smarts to place calls or send messages, or stream music while on the run. Instead, the cellular feature powers Garmins live race tracking and reporting system, emergency features, and spectator messaging. Its a training watch with LTE enhancements.
Honorable mentions
Thats it for our list of the best LTE smartwatches, but there are plenty of others out there. Find additional recommendations below.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($759.99 at eBay): The second-generation Ultra takes the best of the original model, slaps on onboard Siri computations and the Double-Tap gesture feature, and presents the most feature-packed wearable Apple has ever made. If you want an LTE watch for hiking and trail running, this is it.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 ($264 at Amazon): Samsungs older Tizen flagship may still be an attractive alternative for those with iPhones seeking a device with better battery life and a round face.
- HUAWEI Watch 3 Pro ($80 at Amazon): The HUAWEI Watch 3 Pro is another older watch, but its an intriguing alternative for those in Europe who value battery life and aesthetics over fitness tracking and app support.
FAQs
LTE smartwatches, or smartwatches with cellular and data capabilities, are wearables that can connect to the internet without a tethered phone. Theyre often pricier than their Wi-Fi-only counterparts but are more useful when not tethered to its companion phone.
LTE on smartwatches is helpful for those who are often without their smartphone and who require data connectivity for emergency features, communication, or content streaming.
Usually, LTE smartwatches are more expensive, and youll likely have to pay an additional monthly connection fee to your carrier.
