What do you want to know
- We asked our readers whether or not LTE connectivity is a necessary feature when buying a smartwatch.
- Of more than 3,200 votes, 50% say they use Bluetooth/Wi-Fi smartwatches very well.
- Nearly 30% say it’s a nice feature to have but not vital for a smartwatch.
We recently polled our readers to ask whether or not LTE connectivity is a must-have feature for a smartwatch. After all, an LTE connected smartwatch can free you from your smartphone, allowing you to receive calls and messages, stream music or browse from your wrist.
We got over 3,200 votes, with 50% saying they’re happy with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Nearly 30% say LTE connectivity is nice to have in some scenarios, but it’s not a necessity. Finally, 21% of the votes declare absolutely need LTE connectivity on their smartwatches.
Godwin Stewart on Twitter thinks LTE on a smartwatch is unnecessary and redundant since we usually always have smartphones on us:
“LTE is totally useless IMO. I will never be in a position where I have the watch but neither the phone nor wifi connectivity and I need internet access or the ability to call on the watch. AND pay for the privilege never used? I do not think so.”
A Twitter user by the name of Cloverlief says that LTE on their Galaxy Watch 4 hasn’t proven to be very helpful:
“Not really. I have a Galaxy Watch 4 with LTE. At first the experience was horrible (overheating etc.). Eventually through updates that fixed it. I honestly don’t use any of the LTE features. Once my contract expires, I will probably cancel it and only use wifi.”
However, some users have no problem justifying the extra cost. George K says it’s useful for people who hike a lot or travel a lot.
“To anyone unable to substantiate this, I, a hiker/explorer, and even a driver, have relied on my LTE connectivity countless times, I can hardly sum them up. Countless. 100% requirement when buying a smartwatch.”
Jordan Macedone agrees that LTE is convenient, especially when it comes to receiving notifications:
“I have tried several different smartwatches, and they will stop giving me notifications after a week or two. Then I have to reset it to keep it going.
I upgraded to an LTE model and I no longer have this problem.”
Thankfully, many of the best Android smartwatches come in LTE models, though some companies like Fossil and Fitbit stick to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only. That said, those interested in LTE smartwatches may want to – maybe stick to devices from Samsung, Google and maybe even Mobvoi for convenience. And these models are also available without LTE if you don’t think the extra cost isn’t worth it.
The Pixel Watch is a sleek Wear OS smartwatch with the latest and greatest software from Google, including Fitbit integration and exclusive Pixel features. You can also get an LTE connected model for even more convenience.