You’ve decided to get a new Apple watch but don’t know which one to choose? With the vast range of options, you’ll need to learn more about the features of these watches before you can make up your mind. If you’re looking for the absolute best options, we’d say go for the GPS or Cellular.
The Cellular option is more on the higher end, as it packs GPS and cellular features. If cellular data isn’t that important, you can always use the cheaper version and get the GPS watch. Still, there is much more about these two watches, so let’s look at the difference between GPS and Cellular Apple Watch.
What’s the Difference Between GPS and Cellular Apple Watch?
Apple Watch GPS: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Less expensive
- The most lightweight model of Apple watches
- A slightly longer battery life
- Various color options
Cons
- Only an aluminum finish is available
- No Family Setup support
- Has to be connected to an iPhone to perform some tasks
Apple Watch Cellular: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ability to stream Apple Music
- Aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium finishes are available
- No need to connect it to an iPhone
- Supports Family Setup
Cons
- More expensive
- Monthly subscription
Cellular Carrier Support
The main advantage of the Apple Watch Cellular over the GPS-only model is its ability to connect to a cellular network. But before you consider purchasing the Apple Watch Cellular, you must find a suitable carrier.
The Apple Watch Cellular will need to use the same carrier as your iPhone. Therefore, if your current carrier doesn’t offer Apple Watch support, you won’t be able to make much use of the cellular option and connect your watch.
Major carriers such as Sprint, Verizon, Xfinity, and T-Mobile offer cellular connectivity for Apple watches. Still, if you’ve subscribed to another carrier, you’ll have to check whether they support the device before you make a purchase.
Another thing to remember is that the Apple Watch Cellular comes with a monthly fee. The average price ranges around $10.
Workout Mode
Both of these Apple watches come with a built-in workout mode. They both have pretty similar features, so the workout mode doesn’t come with any significant differences between the two. Both devices’ batteries last for around 11 hours for an indoor workout.
The outdoor use makes a slight difference, with the GPS version offering you 7 hours of uninterrupted service, while the Cellular version will get you around 6 hours of use.
The differences in workout modes are pretty negligible, and it seems like none of these devices would be practical for long-distance marathons or cross-country rides.
Read more: What Is the Water Drop on Apple Watch?
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the critical factors to consider when looking into smartwatches.
The GPS variant needs to connect to an iPhone using a Bluetooth connection. It uses GPS to help you navigate around the region.
On the other hand, the Cellular model connects directly to the internet via WiFi or LTE, which inevitably means a shorter battery life.
Although there is a difference between the two, it is barely noticeable.
To help you visualize the difference, let’s look at the tests run by Apple. The Apple Watch Series 6 GPS was tested using all of its features while connected to an iPhone, and its battery lasted around 18 hours. They tested the Apple Watch 6 GPS + Cellular under similar conditions, and its battery lasted approximately 16 hours.
Overall, the difference in battery life ranges around 2 hours, so keep that in mind before shopping for your next smartwatch.
Band Style
Although the watch’s smart features might be more important, the physical appearance also matters.
The GPS model is only available with an aluminum casing. It has an attractive appearance and is pretty solid while being lightweight. The cellular version comes in three casing finishes: aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Therefore, if the casing finish is crucial for you, you might be more interested in the Apple Watch Cellular.
Talking about appearance, band options are also important. Band options are where these two watches are pretty similar. You can customize both these watches with a non-standard Apple band, which you can purchase separately from the watch. Despite the official Apple bands, you can also purchase some third-party options that would significantly enhance the look of your Apple watch.
Price
Despite these phones’ smart and visual features, to answer your question about the difference between GPS and Cellular Apple Watch, we also have to talk about price ranges. With fewer features than the Cellular variant, the GPS-only Apple Watch costs around $100 less.
However, the purchasing cost isn’t the only thing you need to consider. If you go with the cellular option, you’ll need to factor in the network subscription fee that enables the cellular features of the watch. Cellular data costs depend on the carrier and the subscription plan.
Also read: How to Change Weight on Apple Watch
The Final Verdict
If you were wondering what’s the difference between GPS and Cellular Apple Watch, you should now have more information to help you compare the two properly.
Generally speaking, the cellular option will provide you with the basic cellular features. If you’re a person who often forgets their phone at home, it can come in handy, as you’ll be able to receive calls, send messages, view notifications, stream music, etc., even if you’ve forgotten your iPhone at home. It is also convenient for athletes or joggers, as it allows you to exercise without carrying a chunk of hardware in your pocket while still connected.
Most of these features are also available with the GPS version, but only when your iPhone is near. The GPS watch needs iPhone connectivity to provide these features, or it can only operate essential functions such as calculating distance, pace, or route mapping while you workout.
Overall, you can think of the Cellular model as a convenient small phone you can wear and the GPS-only version as your iPhone’s add-on.