Differences between Apple Watch Series 4 Cellular and GPS

At a glance, it's difficult to distinguish the Cellular model and the Apple Watch's GPS. There is a red ring around the Digital Crown on the Cellular model, the remaining points are identical. The real difference between these two models is on the inside.

Minimum requirements for iPhone

Although the Apple Watch Cellular doesn't need an iPhone nearby to work, it requires the iPhone to set up, organize features, and update the operating system. The GPS version of the Apple Watch Series 4 requires at least iPhone 5S to use iOS 11 or later, while the Cellular version requires at least iPhone 6 to use iOS 11 or later.

Carrier restrictions

The Apple Watch Cellular comes with an LTE connection, allowing you to use your current carrier plan and get Internet and phone connections even when your iPhone is far away.

You cannot register a separate Apple Watch mobile plan from iPhone.

Note : If you buy a paid SIM card when traveling internationally, consider leaving your iPhone at home as it will incur international charges when used abroad (no SIM card in Apple Watch).

Support Apple Music and Podcasts streaming

The Cellular version supports streaming Apple Music apps and Podcasts. If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can enjoy your music wherever you want without requiring an iPhone or WiFi.

The GPS model does not support Apple Music streaming, but you can download songs for offline listening.

Storage capacity

Both the Apple Watch GPS and Cellular Series 4 have 16GB of storage.

Case and screen material

The Apple Watch GPS only has an aluminum case, while the Apple Watch Cellular is available in aluminum, steel, ceramic and titanium.

Battery life

Will the battery life of Apple Watch Cellular be worse than the Apple Watch GPS?

The answer is yes - but only if you use GPS + Cellular (mobile data). Apple's own battery tests conclude that both watches are at an average of 18 hours.

Although Apple did not note which Apple Watch configuration was used for these tests, they came to the conclusion that the 18-hour Cellular version with 4 hours of LTE connectivity and 14 hours of iPhone connection.

The Apple Watch GPS version has better battery performance than the Cellular model when using LTE.

Price

GPS version is cheaper than Cellular. The Apple Watch Series 4 Cellular starts at $ 499 (VND 11,560,000), while the GPS version only costs VND 9,990,000.