Smartwatches – Bluetooth and Cellular
A smartwatch is a watch that is able to host and activate some functions that are commonly found on smartphones, such as making and receiving calls and messages, scheduling events, providing directions, check the weather and many more functions. They usually have touchscreens and often record your heart rate and other vital signs.
Standalone smartwatches have a built-in cellular connectivity that allows then to make calls or send messages without having it connected to a smartphone.
Type of accessory: Standalone Smartwatch
How do you use these accessories?
You can access the different functions and settings of your smartwatch by using their touchscreen, dials and buttons. Some brands allow you to speak commands to them.
Compatibility:
Apple smartwatches are currently only compatible with iPhones and iPads. While Smartwatches based on Google Wear operating system (former Android Wear OS) are compatible with Android phones from different brands, and they and can also have certain compatibility with Apple iPhones.
Please check compatibility with your retailer before purchasing any smartwatch.
Popular Standalone Smartwatches in Australia:
1.Apple Watch Series 9
Features
- Activity Tracker
- Click speed adjustments
- Display Characteristics options - Grayscale, Negative colour, and High Contrast
- Enable direct access to accessibility settings
- Emergency call feature based on heart rate monitor and fall detection service
- GPS, Bluetooth, and Cellular capabilities
- Make calls from your wrist
- Messaging Options - Predictive text, MMS, IM, Email, and Text messaging/SMS
- Personal Assistant / Voice Control (Siri)
- Screen Magnifier
- SOS messages
- Speaker-phone capable
- Haptic Engine: Vibrating Alerts for incoming calls, messages or notifications
- Visual and Vibrating Alerts - Incoming calls, messages or notifications
- Voice Notes and reminders
- Water resistance to 50 meters
- Crash detection
- Skin temperature sensor
You can buy this device on a plan from Telstra, Vodafone and Optus. Also outright at Apple, JB Hi-Fi, and Officeworks, .
More information at:
Apple Watch Series 9 Web PageApple Watch User GuideApple Watch Accessibility Web Page2. Apple Watch SE
Features
- Activity Tracker
- Compass
- Display Characteristics options - Grayscale, Negative colour, and High Contrast
- Enable direct access to accessibility settings
- GPS, Bluetooth, and Cellular capabilities
- Make calls from your wrist
- Messaging Options - Predictive text, MMS, IM, Email, and Text messaging/SMS
- Personal Assistant / Voice Control (Siri)
- Screen Magnifier
- SOS messages
- Speaker and microphone capable
- Haptic Engine: Vibrating Alerts for incoming calls, messages or notifications
- Visual and Vibrating Alerts - Incoming calls, messages or notifications
- Voice Notes and reminders
- Water resistance to 50 meters
You can buy this device fromTelstra,Optus,Vodafone, Bing Lee, Target and other retailers.
More information at:
Apple Watch User GuideApple Watch Accessibility Web Page3.Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Features
- Sleep Tracking
- Health and Wellness Monitoring
- Display Characteristics options – Adjustable brightness, screen timeout
- Enable direct access to accessibility settings
- GPS, Bluetooth, and 4G Cellular capabilities
- Make calls from your wrist
- Messaging Options - Predictive text, MMS, IM, Email, and Text messaging/SMS
- Screen Magnifier
- SOS messages
- Speaker and microphone capable
- Text-to-speech setting - language, speech rate, notifications
- Touch sounds – Sound made when apps or options are selected
- Visual and Vibrating Alerts - Incoming calls, messages or notifications
- Voice Assistant
- Voice Notes and reminders
- Water and dust resistance
You can buy this device on a plan from Telstra, Vodafone and Optus. Also outright at JB Hi-Fi and Samsung.
More information at:
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Web PageSamsung Galaxy Watch 6 User Manual PDF4. Google Pixel Watch 2
Features:
- Sleep Tracking
- Health and Wellness Monitoring
- Display Characteristics options – Adjustable brightness, screen timeout
- Google Assistant
- GPS, Bluetooth, and 4G Cellular capabilities
- Make calls from your wrist
- Messaging Options - Predictive text, MMS, IM, Email, and Text messaging/SMS
- Screen Magnifier
- SOS messages
- Speaker and microphone capable
- Visual and Vibrating Alerts - Incoming calls, messages or notifications
- Voice Notes and reminders
- Fall detection
You can buy this device from Telstra, JB Hi-Fi, and Officeworks.
More information at: Google
5. mCare Watch
Features
- 4G mobile network coverage
- Magnetic recharger stand
- Automatic SOS calls to pre-set contacts
- Auto answer and chat
- On demand location
- GPS and Wi-fi location tracking
- Fall detection alert
- Medication, task and appointment reminders
- Non-movement alerts
- Low battery alerts
- Carers web portal and mobile app
- IP67 Shower proof
- Geo-fencing
You can but this device from mCare Digital.
More information at:
mCare Digital
6. Spacetalk Life Smart Watch Phone
Features
- This watch is designed to maintain Seniors independence while providing peace of mind for the whole family. It uses a subscription based App to manage the device.
- SOS Alerts
- Fall detection
- GPS locator
- 4G phone
- Step counter
You can buy this device fromSpacetalk
More information at:
Spacetalk
ACC532 - Smartwatches - Bluetooth and Cellular - Revised Version 1
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FAQs
Most smartwatches do not need data plans. However, cellular-enabled smartwatches can benefit from having a data plan, such as the ability to make calls and send texts without your phone and access data-intensive apps.
Which is better LTE or Bluetooth smartwatch? ›
LTE smartwatches offer enhanced connectivity and a broader range of features, making them suitable for users who value constant communication and app support. They are excellent also choices for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who prioritize accurate tracking, battery efficiency, and simplicity.
Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch? ›
If your smartwatch has cellular connectivity and is capable of making and receiving phone calls and texts, then you can leave your phone at home and still use your smartwatch to stay connected.
What does smartwatch with cellular mean? ›
Standalone smartwatches have a built-in cellular connectivity that allows then to make calls or send messages without having it connected to a smartphone.
Do you pay a monthly fee for a smartwatch? ›
Do I need a data plan for smartwatches? Yes. Smartwatches make life easier, giving you the features of a cellphone all from the convenience of your wrist. To utilize all the capabilities of a smartphone, such as making calls, sending texts, location tracting, etc., you'll need a data plan.
Can smartwatches work without Internet? ›
This system does not require an internet connection or cellular service to function. However, some smartwatches – think the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch – offer a cellular connection for additional features such as making calls and sending texts.
Is it worth getting LTE on a smartwatch? ›
If you rarely leave your smartphone behind, the extra features of the LTE-enabled smartwatch likely won't be worth the extra cost for the device and the monthly carrier fees. Not only do you have to pay more for the technology to be in the watch, you also have to pay your current cellular carrier for another line.
Does an LTE smartwatch need a SIM card? ›
An LTE or 4G smartwatch is a watch with a built-in eSIM. This is a digital SIM card that provides access to the 4G network. This way, you're always connected to the internet, even when you leave your smartphone at home.
Which carriers support LTE smartwatches? ›
The LTE models stand out by allowing users to receive calls and messages without needing to be tethered to a smartphone. However, activating the LTE service requires a plan from your mobile carrier—AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon—matching the one for your phone.
Does a smartwatch have its own phone number? ›
No. Your Smartwatch pairs with your phone and can make cellular calls without being near your phone using the same phone number you have today.
How far away can my Smartwatch be from my phone and still be connected? The range of the wireless Bluetooth connection between your phone and your smartwatch can vary greatly depending on the environment. In general, you should have at least 10 meters (or 30 feet) of connectivity.
What can a smartwatch do without a phone? ›
If your watch & phone aren't connected over the Internet
- Tell time and display the date.
- Set an alarm.
- Use the stopwatch.
- Use the timer.
- View your calendar for today.
- Display your step count.
- Display your heart rate (if your watch has this feature).
- Change your watch face.
Limited functionality: While smartwatches have many features, they are still limited compared to what you can do with a smartphone. Cost: Smartwatches can be expensive, especially if you want one with a lot of features and a premium design.
Why would I want cellular on my watch? ›
With Apple Watch with cellular and a cellular connection to the same carrier used by your iPhone, you can make calls, reply to messages, use Walkie-Talkie, stream music and podcasts, receive notifications, and more, even when you don't have your iPhone or a Wi-Fi connection.
Do I need a smartwatch pairing plan? ›
Smartwatches without a Smartwatch Pairing Plan fully rely on a Bluetooth tether or Wi-Fi to connect to a mobile phone. This means that in order to stay connected, you need to have your phone within range of your Smartwatch - not ideal if you're out running or on the go.
Will my Samsung watch work without a data plan? ›
Both versions connect to your phone via BT and can be used that way. The LTE version allows you to optionally purchase service from your carrier and provides connection when outside of BT range of your phone. The BT version does not require a separate plan. I hope this helps answer your question.
Do I need a new line for a smartwatch? ›
In most cases, our Data with Paired DIGITS plans will provide the optimal experience for smartwatches and should be used instead. With DIGITS, your smartwatch will have the same number as your primary line for calls and messages so you don't need a new number and you'll never miss a call.
Does a smart watch need a separate phone line? ›
No. Your Smartwatch pairs with your phone and can make cellular calls without being near your phone using the same phone number you have today.
Will the Apple Watch work without a cellular plan? ›
When your Apple Watch is disconnected — for example, if you're hiking in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular signal, or your iPhone is off — you can still do these things. Track your workouts. See the time and use the Alarm, Timer, and Stopwatch apps. Track your activity goals.
