I have a series 4 WiFi only watch. Pretty happy with it, also don’t demand a lot of it. But the battery is getting worn down, it doesn’t last an entire day any more.

A replacement battery is $99. Right now Verizon is offering $180 trade in value if I were to buy a Series 9 watch and I’m tempted but once I calculate the additional cell cost over three years it’ll cost me around $350 in total. Meanwhile Target were selling the Series 8 (non-cell) for $250 or so a few weeks ago and I imagine we’ll see similar stuff on Black Friday.

So I’m looking at roughly $100 difference between a non-cell 8 and a cell 9. One thing I can’t quite fathom: what benefits does the cell connection bring? Obviously it means I can go out without my phone… but I never do (don’t go running, I bike). But I’m wondering what I’m missing so I’m curious to hear what makes the cell connection worth it for others.

EDIT: thanks all, just dropped $225 on a Series 8 from Target!

  • -PlagueDoctor@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Personally, even if I don’t use the watch for regular calls or texts, I think it’s worth having / paying for, just for the added safety. Who knows if in future you have no phone or battery and you’re in need of emergency services for some reason. You have your watch as back up.

  • butterflypup@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I can leave my phone at home without feeling like I’m totally disconnected from family. Like when I walk the dogs or whatever. For $10 a month it’s a nice thing to have.

  • Josh2942@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I run nearly everyday. I dont want to carry my phone. I stream music and podcasts. I also turn on my security system from the watch. If my wife needs to call me she can do that or even ping me with the walkie talkie function. It’s been great to not be tethered to the phone. Sometime I walk into the store without the phone and I can use Apple Pay without it as well. I use Visible+ and it’s only $5 bucks a month. I used to have Verizon and they keep jacking up the prices. After taxes and fees you could find yourself close to $17 bucks a month if you live in a city and state with a lot of taxes.