One of the decisions that every Apple Watch buyer has to make is to choose between the GPS model or the LTE model. To help you make the best possible decision and choose the one that suits you best for your uses and needs, in this post we are going to tell you about all the differences that exist between both models and in which cases it is worth one and the other.
Main differences
To make the best decision about buying an Apple Watch in the LTE or GPS version, you have to know what are the differences that separate both models, and thus, be able to choose the one that will best satisfy the needs you have in your day. day. Something you have to know is that at the design level, both models are exactly the same , since the differences lie in some of the functions that you can do, and that we will tell you about them below.
Internet connection and calls
The two main differences that exist between both Apple Watch models are the way in which they connect to the internet and the possibility of making calls without having the iPhone nearby , therefore, the independence it has is, without a doubt, a differential point and that many users value positively. On the one hand, the more traditional model, which is the GPS model, always connects to the internet through a Wi-Fi network, and obviously has total dependence on the iPhone, so actions such as going for a run with it, but without the iPhone , they will make you unable to access the internet or make calls.
On the other hand, the LTE version does give you that independence from the iPhone that many users were crying out for, since it has an internet connection at all times, which will allow you to perform actions such as listening to music without having to download the songs, but not only that, since this connection is really caused by the presence of an eSIM card. This also allows all users of this model to make calls independently of the iPhone, something that can be really useful on some occasions.
Price
Naturally, the Apple Watch LTE having functions that the GPS version does not have, its price increases. Specifically, whenever you want to buy the LTE version it will cost you exactly 100 euros more than what the same model would cost you but with a GPS version. Now you have to be yourself who decides if it is really worth paying that difference to enjoy these advantages.
But beware, not only are those 100 euros the difference in price that you have to take into account, but you will also have to hire an eSIM card that will give you the possibility of having that independence from the iPhone to be able to connect to internet and make calls whenever you want from your Apple Watch. Here is a list of the companies that offer this service in Spain.
- Movistar
- Vodafone
- Orange
What models are currently sold with LTE?
The year 2017 was chosen by Apple to launch its first Apple Watch with an LTE version , and it did so with the Apple Watch Series 3 . Since then, all Apple Watch models have had both versions, both LTE and GPS. However, despite the fact that today, Apple continues to sell several of its Apple Watch models, not all of them have the LTE version. Next we leave you the list of models that have counted and have this version, and we specify those that you can currently buy through the Apple Store.
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 7 .
* Note: Apple currently only markets LTE versions for these devices.
When are they worth buying?
We have already told you the differences that exist between both Apple Watch models, and you even know which models are that currently have an LTE and GPS version in the Apple Store. Now we want to talk to you about the cases in which it is really worth paying that difference of 100 euros and purchasing the LTE model over GPS.
Advantages of the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular
As you have seen in this comparison, the difference between both models lies in the presence of an eSIM card and all that this entails, which is mainly independence at the level of internet connection and making calls from the Apple Watch with respect to the iPhone, something that for some users is irrelevant, but that for others is really useful in their day to day.
The reality is that the advantages provided by the LTE model, or GPS + Cellular, whatever you want to call it, are very interesting for certain users. Being able to have an internet connection at all times means, for example, that when you want to go out for a run or play sports away from home, you don’t have to take your iPhone with you and you don’t have to download music on your watch beforehand. In the same way, if you have any emergency, you can call with the Apple Watch even if the iPhone has been left at home or is not close enough. The same happens with those applications that need to have an internet connection, which you can use at any time from your Apple Watch.
Disadvantages of the Watch with LTE
The reality is that the advantages offered by the LTE version of the Apple Watch are very interesting, however, all that glitters is not gold and it also has certain disadvantages that you have to know before opting for this model. The first drawback, as we have already mentioned, is the price increase compared to the GPS version.
However, the price does not go alone in this bag, but autonomy is another of the points that you will be affected whenever you use this version of Apple Watch. In addition, due to the components it has, both the connection speed of the Apple Watch, and the coverage in many cases is not as good as one might expect, making the user experience not as positive as one might expect.
Therefore, and for you to make the best possible decision, what we recommend is that you really value if you have the need to use mobile data and calls with your Apple Watch independently of the iPhone, especially taking into account the moments of your day to day in which you make use of it, since the extra cost with respect to the GPS version is considerable and perhaps, later, you will not be able to get the most out of it that you initially thought.
