What is a Cellular Smartwatch? (And their Pros & Cons)

What does cellular mean? 

Halfway through 2024, it’s hard to believe that smartwatches have only really been around in their current form since the early 2010s. The concept of a computerised watch is not a new one – see Seiko’s short-lived TV watch from 1982 (the wristwatch itself was highly compact, the accompanying TV receiver less so). However, the first known use of the term ‘smartwatch’ only dates back to 1996.  

Today, the market is booming. Even the old calculator-augmented Casios from the 80s still enjoy a healthy trade. In such a congested field, it can be hard to parse attention-grabbing gimmicks from meaningful innovations. Cellular technology, however, is a genuine game-changer in the wearable tech sphere.

Cellular watches, sometimes referred to as LTE or 4G watches, are still an emerging product. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution - put simply, it’s a type of high-speed mobile data.  LTE is often used interchangeably with 4G, though the two terms aren’t exactly the same (more on that later). Recently, you may have heard it used to describe certain smartwatches and other wearable technology. While this invention is still recent, it has been swiftly adopted in the consumer gadgetry market. So, who uses it? What exactly does it do? And is it a passing trend - or the next evolutionary stage of smart tech? 

Before cellular, smartwatches solely functioned as an accessory to a connected phone. They were paired via Bluetooth – meaning if your phone died, or ran out of data, your smartwatch immediately became not-so-smart. Cellular smartwatches directly address this. LTE and 4G are similar wireless networks, that supply many of the same functions, and are often used interchangeably when referring to mobile networks. While their speed, coverage and availability vary slightly from country to country, both are widely found across the globe and allow cellular smartwatches to operate like an independent phone handset. 

Bluetooth and cellular smartwatches 

Smartwatches today can be loosely grouped into two categories: cellular and Bluetooth.  Cellular watches can connect to the internet and use mobile data without the need for a connected smartphone – they are self-contained, independent mobile devices. This allows you to use them freely in situations where it’s not always convenient to be reaching for your phone. 

Bluetooth smartwatches tend to be less expensive than cellular watches. They need to be paired with a nearby smartphone to receive notifications, access the internet and perform other connected services through the phone. Think of them like a Bluetooth speaker, just with more added features. 

A backup battery 

Some of the earliest and most enthusiastic adopters of these new models have been outdoors and water sports enthusiasts. Even for a quick morning jog, the freedom offered by cellular watch is immediately noticeable. For hikers, the potential benefits are more serious. Cellular connectivity provides more precise location and mapping services, as well as a backup means of contact if the phone runs out of battery or breaks. The “belt and braces” approach of a cellular smartwatch provides that much more peace of mind (just remember to charge the watch as well).  

The long-established field of GPS watches are often literal lifesavers. GPS hiking watches have been widely available for years prior to the Apple Watch, while almost every smartwatch today is GPS-enabled as standard. However, an independent 4G connection is far more precise than a GPS signal and allows for far more specific location services. It’s worth noting that heavy data use such as video calls can drain the watch battery faster than Bluetooth-only usage. Most watches give you the option to turn cellular data on and off, but it’s still a factor to bear in mind when venturing into the great outdoors.  

Digital Detoxing

Perhaps a broader appeal to cellular smartwatch technology is that it allows us to stray a little from the digital leash. This may sound counterintuitive – a smartwatch is essentially a notification machine strapped to your wrist – but the ability to leave your phone at home while you venture out is a tempting prospect. It’s almost nearly impossible to doomscroll on a watch screen, but important messages, contacts and music will still be readily available. Those who aren’t ready or able to undertake a full digital detox may still find some small respite in a cellular watch – especially if they mute notifications. 

This downturn in screentime also bolsters their appeal to parents and caregivers. Supplying a child with their first mobile phone has long been a source of parental headaches; striking a balance between security and independence is a vital, if at times seemingly impossible, duty of care. Nowadays, this is compounded by the ever-evolving and often unregulated world of mobile internet access. A smartwatch addresses many of these concerns, allowing for the use of calls, messages and location services, while curbing the availability of photo and video functions. Apple Watches have limited appeal as gaming or video streaming devices, for example, but they’re perfect for keeping in touch. Apple has capitalised on this niche with the introduction of Family Setup – a software feature that allows a parent or caregiver to set up multiple independent cellular smartwatches on their iPhone and hand them out to family members.

Cellular Watches: Pros and Cons

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Bluetooth and Cellular Smartwatches – who are they for?

So should you upgrade your current smartwatch to a cellular one? Well - it depends. If you’re never more than 2 feet from your phone and have access to regular charging, you might not be interested in the possibilities offered by a cellular smartwatch. However, the freedom to roam can open up a world of opportunities – and the potential of wearable cellular technology is still being explored.