Smartwatches with built-in phone functionality are uncommon and go by a number of different brand names. Both “Standalone Smartwatches” and “Cellular-enabled Smartwatches” have been used to describe these devices. The term “4G LTE smartwatches” is another common one.
A few details about these timepieces need to be made more clear. In addition to being able to make phone calls independently, a solo smartwatch can also:
- Send Text messages
- Send Emails
- Stream Music
- Do Contactless Payment
- Browse The Internet
Plus, you can control all of these functions from your wrist without even needing your phone. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the top available smartwatches that do not require pairing with a smartphone. As more cellular-enabled smartwatches become available, we plan to add them to this list.
Let’s jump right into our first choice, shall we?
Contents
Best Standalone Smartwatch: Comparison Table
Best Standalone Calling Watch:
Apple Watch Series 6
Key Features:
- eSIM: Yes
- Size: 44mm Version
- Weight: 47.1 g (1.66 oz)
- OS: watchOS 7.0, upgradable to 7.1
- Display: Sapphire crystal glass | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 1.78 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~60.0% screen-to-body ratio) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak)
- Storage & Memory: 32 GB and 1 GB
- Battery Life: Up to 18 h (mixed usage)
- GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
- NFC: Yes, Apple Pay (Coverage: 41 countries worldwide)
- Water Resistance: 50m water resistant
Two Minute Review:
The Apple Watch Series 6 may be the newest offering from the tech giant, but it is not the only LTE smartwatch from Apple. Apple Watch Series 3 and higher, including the Watch SE, offer the feature at a reasonable cost. The Apple Watch is the best watch available, period, and not just for iPhone users. There’s no doubt that Apple controls close to half of the smartwatch market in the United States.
Size-wise, the Series 6 Apple Watch comes in two options: 40mm and 44mm. The latter works better for thicker wrists. The Retina OLED display on the watch is superior to other display technologies such as AMOLED and low-cost LCD in terms of sharpness, color accuracy, and the depth of black it can achieve.
However, there is a catch: the battery life of almost every Apple watch is disappointing. Several different functions (Global Positioning System, Long-Term Evolution, and
Other Prominent Features:
- Measures blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) on demand
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) Tracking
- Always-on altimeter for real-time elevation tracking
- Fast new processor
- Best third-party apps (20,000 plus apps)
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Apple Watch Series 6?
In this regard, the organization provides this fantastic resource.
Typically, you may only use the watch with the same carrier plan as your phone. Series 6 of the Apple Watch adds the option to change the watch’s carrier so that members of the family who don’t have iPhones can still use it. This cellular watch is perfect for your children.
Best Value Standalone Calling Smartwatch For Android:
Ticwatch Pro 4G
Key Features & Specs:
- eSIM: Yes (By Verizon)
- Size: 45mm Version
- Weight: 47.4 g (1.671 oz)
- OS: Wear OS by Google™
- Display: 1.39” AMOLED 400×400 | 1000 nit brightness
- Storage & Memory: 4 GB and 1 GB
- Battery Life: 2 days (mixed usage)
- GPS: Yes, GPS/AGPS + GLONASS + Beidou
- NFC: Yes, Google Pay ( 29 countries Worldwide)
- Water Resistance: IP68 + pool swimming suitable+US Military Standard 810G
Two Minute Review:
To date, Mobvoi’s Ticwatch Pro 4G is the most reasonably priced LTE watch running Wear OS. Please note that at this time, this watch will only work with the ‘Verizon Wireless provider,’ therefore we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Like other high-end LTE wristwatches, this one uses an eSIM instead of a conventional nano-SIM.
The Ticwatch Pro LTE has a huge and bulky design, which may disappoint consumers who prefer their smartwatches to have small, sleek cases. On the other hand, the watch doesn’t look out of place even on a broad wrist. The 1.39″ AMOLED Display has a high 400400 resolution and a peak brightness level of 1000 nits, putting it head-to-head with the displays used by Samsung and Apple in their watches (often regarded the GOLD Standard for display technology).
Even though AMOLED screens perform poorly in direct sunlight, their tremendous brightness makes up for it. The watch is well-known for being equipped with the latest and most powerful Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon Wear 4100 Plus. Often forgotten is the fact that this is Mobvoi’s (a Chinese wearable tech startup) first LTE watch. The business skimped on storage, resulting in a 4GB decrease compared to the Ticwatch Pro 3 GPS.
The watch’s Dual Screen technology was developed in response to Wear OS’s excessive power consumption (Also the very first effort by any company) With the watch set to its lowest power consumption setting, it can go 30 days between charges. This watch has been tested to and passed both the Military Standard and the International Protection (IP) Standard for water and dust resistance.
Other Prominent Features:
- Being 45 millimeters in diameter and 12.6 mm thick, suitable for large wrist size
- There is also a voice-to-text option, Google Assitant Integrated
- Safety features included: SOS and 911 auto-dialing and location sharing
- Spotify, Google Pay Integrated.
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Ticwatch Pro 4G?
This smartwatch only supports 4G LTE on ‘Verizon Wireless’ at the moment. TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE users on Verizon will have to pay an additional $20 monthly on top of their regular data fees if they want to use the device.
The AMOLED screen of the GWA2 is bright and clear. The watch’s displays are exceptionally bright, clear, and impressive. The straps may be removed quickly and easily, allowing for a wide variety of customization options. Tizen OS, used in Galaxy Smartwatches, is considerably quicker than Google Wear OS. But it isn’t without its own drawbacks.
In comparison to Google Assitant, for instance, Bixby falls short. Further, there isn’t a huge selection of programs from which to pick. With LTE capabilities, the larger version of the watch offers the highest battery performance, therefore we’re showcasing it here. How long a charge lasts mostly depends on how often you use your device. Using LTE or GPS will quickly drain your battery.
Other Prominent Features:
- ECG tracking (Available for Samsung Phone users)
- Touch screen bezel
- Track over 39 workouts
- Can stream Spotify Playlist
- Has Samsung Pay (Coverage: 24 countries)
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2?
- AT&T
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
Best Fashion Watch With Cellular Connectivity
Fossil Gen 5
In this post, Samsung lays out the procedure in detail.
Key Features & Specs:
- eSIM: Yes (By Verizon Wireless)
- Size: 45 mm Version
- Weight: 100 g (3.52 oz)
- OS: Wear OS by Google
- Display: 1.28″ AMOLED / 416 x 416 / 328ppi /Always-on Display
- Storage & Memory: 1GB , 8GB
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- GPS: Yes
- NFC: Yes
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Two Minute Review:
This watch was introduced by Fossil at the beginning of this year, during CES 2021. This watch is an LTE variant of the company’s flagship smartwatch, the Fossil Gen 5. Fans are happy to see that the smartwatch has voice and text messaging capabilities, but many were hoping for more from the device. (Quick computational abilities)
People have been waiting for this watch since it was announced, hoping that it would use Qualcomm’s newest processor, the Snapdragon Wear 4100 Plus. Together, this and the watch’s 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage make for a very respectable set of specs indeed.
The watch’s display remains unchanged from its previous iteration. The Always-on Display is a nice addition to the 1.28-inch AMOLED screen’s wide bezel and 416-by-416-pixel resolution. The 4G/LTE version of the Fossil Gen 5 watch may be enticing if you already own a Gen 5 watch. The convenience of being able to talk, text, and listen to music all from your wrist makes the purchase price worthwhile.
Keep in mind, though, that this watch wouldn’t survive long at all and would likely stop working by the end of the day. Lastly, the watch is only water resistant to a depth of 3 meters (5 feet), which is a bit disappointing given that even budget smartwatches adhere to the minimal criterion of 5 meters.
Other Prominent Features:
- Google Assistant and Google Pay
- Spotify integrated into the watch
- Customizable battery modes
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Fossil Gen 5 LTE?
A reliable source is currently unavailable. As soon as we get to number one, we will add it in.
Best Standalone Smartwatch For Android:
Galaxy Watch 3
Key Features And Specs:
- eSIM: Yes
- Size: 45 mm Version
- Weight: 53.8 g (1.9 oz)
- OS: Tizen by Samsung
- Display: 1.4″ AMOLED / 360 x 360 / 328ppi /Always-on Display
- Storage & Memory: 8GB , 1 GB
- Battery Life: 20-50 hours
- GPS: Yes with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
- NFC: Yes
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM IP68 + Military Grade 8100
Two Minute Review:
Due to the similarities between the Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2, and the fact that they are both sold by the same firm, we will not repeat ourselves here.
The pricing is a major distinction. As could be expected, the cost of a Watch 3 is higher. Another distinction is in the watch’s size and aesthetic; the largest Watch 3 model is 45mm in diameter and features a revolving bezel that gives the watch a hefty appearance.
The Watch 3 also offers twice as much storage as the Watch Active 2, which is a major improvement. For Spotify listeners who prefer listening without an internet connection, this is great news. With the latest iteration of Tizen OS, the performance of the Galaxy Watch 3 is also improved.
Other Prominent Features:
- FDA-approved ECG Watch, heart rate, and blood pressure tracker
- Samsung Pay
- Bixby Integrated into the watch
- Comes with an elegant, leather-like band
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Samsung Galaxy Watch 3?
It’s a nearly identical procedure to that of the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Best 4G LTE Watch For Fitness Enthusiast:
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music 4G LTE
Key Features And Specs:
- eSIM: Yes By Verizon
- Size: 43.1 x 43.1 x 13.6 mm
- Weight: 39.0 g (1.37 oz)
- OS: Garmin OS
- Display: 1.2″ AMOLED / 240 x 240 pixels
- Storage & Memory: 8GB , 1 GB
- Battery Life: 20-40 hours (4 hours on GPS Mode)
- GPS: Yes with GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO,
- NFC: Yes (Garmin Pay)
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Two Minute Review:
This watch’s 4G LTE connectivity is limited to texting, streaming music, and emailing exclusively. The watch doesn’t allow you to make calls because it doesn’t have a speaker or microphone. Additionally, this is a Verizon-only offering. For sending and receiving texts, the watch uses eSIM technology, which mimics your cell phone’s contact information.
The security options built into the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music 4G LTE have also garnered a lot of praise. When an emergency is detected, the watch automatically notifies three people and shares your GPS location with them. You have 5 seconds of standby time before it goes off completely. Keep in mind that it can do this action without ever touching the smartwatch.
It’s not really impressive that the watch’s display. This watch uses an AMOLED display, but the visuals are not as sharp, vibrant, or crisp as those on the Samsung and Apple watches. The smartwatch’s battery life, together with its durability and comfort, is sufficient. The watch’s GPS tracking is backed up by a huge network of satellites that greatly expand your range of visibility.
The watch can store up to 500 songs and serves mostly as an improved activity tracker. And if you upgrade to a premium Spotify account, you can play your personal playlists.
Other Prominent Features:
- Comprehensive Activity tracking
- Good GPS and heart rate monitor
- Comfortable Strap
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music LTE?
For the time being, this smartwatch is a Verizon exclusive. That means you can only get 4G LTE on your phone if you’re on the Verizon network.
Learn all you need to know to get started with your new Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music LTE right now!
Amazfit NEXO (4G LTE) —Best Affordable Standalone Smartwatch
Key Features And Specs:
- eSIM: Yes
- Size: 35.4
- Weight: 49 g without strap
- OS: Amazfit OS
- Display: 1.39″ AMOLED / 454 x 454
- Storage & Memory: 4GB , 512 MB
- Battery Life: 20 hours
- GPS: Yes with GLONASS, GALILEO
- NFC: Yes
- Water Resistance: IP68
Two Minute Review:
The watch is compact, making it ideal for those with narrow wrists, and it supports LTE data connections in a limited number of countries. You guessed it; the United States is not one of them. The corporation, however, has lofty goals of expanding into new areas through strategic alliances with regional carriers.
Nexo’s screen is impressive for such a cheap watch. It has a whopping 454 × 454 px resolution on its 1.39-inch AMOLED screen. The watch’s face will be crisp and clear, and it will have a polished appearance.
Everything about this watch is standard fare for a low-priced timepiece, except for the style and, of course, cellular connectivity. Take the Snapdragon Wear 2100 with its aging Qualcomm engine and paltry 512 MB of RAM, for example. Because of Amazfit Wear’s instability, I would advise against purchasing this watch.
Nexo’s battery life, which is normally a strong point of the Amazfit watch, seems somewhat average. You may take it in the shower or the pool with you because it has an IP68 rating for water resistance.
Other Prominent Features:
- Wifi connectivity
- Ambient light sensor
- Dedicated charging
- Sleep, heart rate, and activity tracking
- ECG version is available in China.
How To Set Up Cellular Connectivity On Amazfit Nexo?
| Country | Network |
| UK | VDF, O2 |
| Germany | VDF, O2 |
| Spain | VDF, Movistar |
| Vietnam | Viettel |
Here, you find all the details to enable eSIM functionality on the smartwatch.
Best Calling smartwatch for kids:
Watch Phone Z6
Key Features And Specs:
- eSIM: No
- Weight: 66g
- OS: Unknown
- Display: 1.41″ AMOLED / 320*360
- Storage &: 8GB
- Battery Life: 20-50 hours
- GPS: Yes with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, Wifi
- NFC: No
- Water Resistance: IPX8
