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Just like smartphones, when it comes to smartwatches, Apple has made its spot at the very top. Although the brand launches 1 or 2 models each year, the Apple user waits impatiently all this time so that they can have the latest model as soon as it’s released.
Apple has recently launched its newest smartwatch of their only series of wearables, which is the Apple Watch 7, and just like its predecessor, it is one of the best smartwatches for an iPhone user.
The Apple Watch 7 is available in different sizes, colors, and materials, plus two variants; Apple Watch GPS and Apple Watch GPS + Cellular. So, if you’re confused about whether you should choose the Apple Watch Series 7 GPS or the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular, then keep reading, because you’ll know everything.
Let’s get started.
Apple Watch Series 7: What’s new?
If we’re looking at the changes Apple has made in Watch 7 as compared to its predecessors, then the first and foremost difference would be the display size. Apple Watch 7 comes with 20% more display than Series 6 and 50% more display area than Series 3, which is amazing, to say the least, as, for this change, there are no major changes in the size.
The watch is also slimmer than the previous series, which gives a good screen-to-body ratio as well. Apple has also introduced the QWERTY keyboard in this series, and with a larger display, it’s going to be the best texting watch for an iPhone user.
There’s also a change in Case sizes, as unlike the previous series which used to come in 40 and 44mm size options, Apple Watch Series 7 comes in 41mm and 45mm case sizes to choose from.
This Watch 7 has the most crack-resistant glass yet, which makes it durable under extreme conditions. It is rated as an IP6X watch now, which means it’s dust-resistant as well.
Apple also claimed that this watch is going to charge 33% faster than series 6, and can go on from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes. Plus, the 8 minutes of charging would be enough for tracking 8 hours of sleeping tracking at night.
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Apple Watch Series 7 GPS vs Cellular – Neck to neck comparison
You probably won’t be able to differentiate between two variants just by looking at them, if they were placed in front of you, because they are identical in shape, size, and overall features. However, there are some major differences between GPS and GPS + Cellular versions, which are going to be the deciding factor in choosing the best smartwatch for you.
But before we get into it, here’s a small comparison of Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular. The models in this comparison are Apple watch GPS 7 (Aluminum) 45mm, and the GPS + Cellular version.
| Features | Apple Watch 7 (GPS) | Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) |
| Release date | 15th Oct 2021 | 15th Oct 2021 |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Colors | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red |
| Weight | 38.8g | 38.8g |
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| eSIM | No | Yes |
| Display Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| OS & Chipset | Watch OS 8.0, Upgradable to 8.4 & Apple S7 | Watch OS 8.0, Upgradable to 8.4 & Apple S7 |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| WLAN & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band & 5.0, A2DP, LE | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band & 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Always-on altimeter, Compass, SpO2, VO2max Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart rate & barometer | Always-on altimeter, Compass, SpO2, VO2max Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart rate & barometer |
| Battery | 18 hours (Avg use) | 16 hours (Avg use) |
| Price | 379$ at the moment | 479$ at the moment |
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS vs Cellular: Case and Color options
Apple has released Watch 7 in 5 color options when it comes to aluminum, which includes blue, green, red, starlight, and midnight. These color options get limited you choose to go with case options of Stainless steel or titanium material, as the stainless-steel watches come in graphite, space gray, and gold, while the titanium only comes in titanium and space black color options.
Along with this, the Apple Watch GPS model comes in aluminum case options, so if you’re choosing stainless steel or titanium watch, then you’d automatically be opting for the cellular Apple watch. keep in mind that both these case options might cost you a lot more than the aluminum one, which goes around 800$+ if you’re choosing the titanium watch, depending upon the carrier options and case size.
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS vs Cellular: Connectivity
As we have seen in the comparison chart that there’s no difference in terms of Size, display, resolution, sensors, and other features except for a few factors, which make the whole difference in both these versions.
The first one and probably the most important feature that separates both these variants is the connectivity option. The cellular version uses the eSIM technology, through which you’d be using the watch like your mini-iPhone. You’d be able to make calls, send messages, listen to music/podcasts, and whatnot without having to stay connected to your iPhone.
Of course, you’d need your phone for the initial connectivity, but once it’s set up, you can leave your phone behind and enjoy two-way communication without any hurdles. This makes the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular version, one of the best standalone smartwatches, without any shadow of a doubt.
The GPS only Apple Watch, on the other hand, would do all the features/perks mentioned above, but staying connected to the iPhone, or being in a specific range through the Bluetooth connectivity. You wouldn’t have the freedom of leaving your phone behind and getting the notification, making calls sending messages, or checking emails, without being your phone nearby.
One more thing, for choosing the Cellular network for your Apple Watch, you’d have to go with the same carrier as your iPhone, otherwise, it gets very complicated, and not every carrier has the option of this.
So, before going with the Cellular Apple Watch, make sure to double-check whether your current carrier supports the watch connectivity, and family setup, so you’d not get into trouble later on.
Apple Watch 7 GPS vs Cellular: Apple Family setup
In the latest update, the Apple Watch cellular comes with a family setup feature, which allows your family members who don’t have an iPhone to send messages, make calls, location sharing, etc. through their Apple Watch, which is an amazing feature, especially if for kids. In short, you can manage multiple watches for a single iPhone, which wasn’t the case previously.
However, this feature is only specific for the Cellar versions of the Apple watches, for which you’ll have to go with the one to enjoy this.
Apple Watch 7 GPS vs Cellular: Pricing
There’s a difference of straight-up 100 bucks between both these variants for now, which keeps on changing depending upon many factors, although there’s more to that. You’d have to pay almost $10 each month because of the carrier charges if you’re going with the Apple Watch Cellular, which can be a bit hefty for some people.
On the other hand, the GPS-only model is just a one-time deal, where you’d be paying a definite amount, and not have to worry about paying a single penny after that.
Apple Watch 7 GPS vs Cellular: Battery life
In terms of battery life, Apple still needs improvement, as the Watch 7 can last for 18 hours with average use, which varies from user to user. However, there’s not much of a difference between the battery life of both these variants, the Apple Watch cellular might only go on for about 16 hours, because of the Cellular and LTE connectivity.
But again, battery life might not be the deciding factor, since the difference is very minute, and can be neglected in daily life usage.
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Apple Watch 7 GPS vs Cellular: Which one is better?
It’s hard to decide which variant is better, since there’s no winner in this, and frankly enough it all comes down to one’s preferences. If your usage requires the watch to be standalone, should be able to make calls, send messages, you can listen to music/pay from it while leaving your phone behind, then yes, you should go with the cellular version of Apple Watch 7.
You can also go with different Case options, will be enjoying the perks of Family setup, and can take your watch with you for outdoor workouts, trips, and whatnot.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind carrying your iPhone with you, and can enjoy all these perks except family support, and standalone features, then, in that case, GPS only Apple Watch is a better option.
Since, there’s no point in buying an expensive variant that is not a one-time investment thing, since you’d be paying the carrier charges every month, and would be using the perks as well.
FAQS
Is it worth getting Apple Watch with cellular?
It solely depends upon one’s usage. If you’re going to use the cellular apple watch for standalone features, then it would be worth it by all means.
From Cellular and Apple Watch GPS, which one is better?
Both these watches have their benefits, so there’s no clear winner here. If you want to make calls, send messages, or stream apple music without your iPhone nearby then the cellular apple watch might be a better option. Contrary, Apple Watch GPS only model would cost you less and might go on for more time.
What is the difference between Apple Watch 7 GPS and cellular?
You can go hand-free with the cellular Apple watch 7 making calls, sending messages, and whatnot, while the Apple Watch GPS model requires your phone or Wi-Fi network for it.
Can you answer calls on Apple Watch without cellular?
Yes, you can answer calls on Apple Watch without cellular if it’s connected to the working Wi-Fi.
What is the difference between Apple Watch and without a cellular?
The Cellular Apple watch uses eSIM for two-way communication, while the Apple Watch GPS version utilizes Wi-Fi and your iPhone for all the features.
What is the monthly fee for Apple Watch cellular?
The monthly fee for Apple Watch cellular depends on the carrier network you’re opting for, but it costs around $10 monthly.
Do you need a data plan for the cellular Apple Watch 7?
Cellular Apple Watch 7 would work just fine without the data plan, and it would act like GPS only model. However, if you need to make calls, and send messages without your iPhone all the time, then you should buy a data plan for it.
Is Apple Watch SE better than Apple Watch 7?
Apple Watch 7 comes with a bit of change, and it’s the newest apple watch in the game right now, so it’s going to have an edge over Apple Watch SE.
