Essential criteria for choosing your connected watch with SIM
Compatibility with your operator
Before any purchase, check absolutely compatibility with your mobile operator. Not all do not offer packages adapted to connected watches, especially for ESIMs.
- Supported networks – Most recent watches support 4G, only some 3G. 5G is still rare in this segment.
- Compatible operators – In France, Orange, SFR and Bouygues offer suitable multi-Sim offers. Free remains more limited on this service.
Generally count between € 5 and € 10 € per month to add your watch to your existing package. Some operators offer promotional offers when buying the watch from them.
Autonomy and battery
It is the Achilles heel many connected watches, even more when cellular connectivity is active. According to my experience, the permanent activation of SIM reduces autonomy from 30% to 50% depending on the model.
Watches offering the best energy performance is generally:
- Amazfit GTR 4G (up to 7 days)
- Huawei Watch GT (about 3 days)
- Ticwatch Pro (up to 5 days in economics)
To optimize autonomy, remember to deactivate the functions you do not need constantly: Always-On screen, permanent GPS, or certain notifications. Many watches now offer smart energy saving modes that are automatically activated according to your user habits.
Sports and health features
The sensors available vary considerably from one model to another. If sports follow -up is your priority, pay attention to:
The precision of autonomous GPS – Samsung and Apple generally offer the best results, followed closely by Huawei. Budget models like Lemfo can sometimes derive from 5-10% over the measured distances.
Health sensors – cardio, oximeter, ECG, body temperature … The range is constantly widening. The Apple Watch and the Galaxy Watch offer the most complete and precise features, but the Huawei Watch quickly catches up.
A definite advantage of watches with SIM: being able to follow your performance and share your sports exploits without taking your phone, while remaining reachable in an emergency – ideal for runners or cyclists!
Practical user guide
Configuration and activation of the SIM card
The installation of a SIM card in your connected watch may seem intimidating at first, but rest assured, it’s rather simple. For watches with physical slot, it is generally enough to open a small drawer on the side (a bit like on your smartphone) and insert your nano-Sim. Be careful however, this manipulation can sometimes compromise the tightness of certain models.
For ESIM, it’s even easier. I recently configured my brother’s, and frankly, everything is done via the companion application of the watch. You scan a QR code provided by your operator, and that’s it! Of course, all French operators do not yet offer this service, but it improves.
In terms of phone number, you have two options:
- Share your existing number – Practical but requires a multi-Sim package
- Use a different number – cheaper but involves juggling between two identities
Applications and ecosystem
Watches with integrated SIM generally work with the main mobile platforms, but experience varies considerably. Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch only works with iPhone, while Android watches are more versatile.
The applications available directly on the watch remain limited compared to those of your smartphone. Count essentially on messaging, navigation, music and fitness applications. And beware: even the best watches cannot completely replace a phone for certain tasks like watching videos or writing long emails.
Detailed comparison: what watch for what use?
For athletes
If you are a regular athlete, waterproofing and robustness will be essential. The Apple Watch Ultra or the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Excellent in this field with waterproofing certifications up to 100m for certain models. The GPS of these high -end watches remains precise even in dense forest or in urban canyon.
I tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch during a triathlon last summer, and I was amazed by the accuracy of follow -up in water as on earth. Being able to be attached in the event of a problem during a mountain trail outing also brings a real more in terms of security.
For professionals
In a professional context, the quality of calls and the ease of access to notifications count enormously. The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offer the best performances, with an amazing calling for aims worn by the wrist.
The models with efficient voice assistants (SIRI, Google Assistant) also quickly dictate answers to your messages or emails between two meetings. Autonomy remains the weak point, however – always provide a charger in your bag for marathon days.
For daily life
For daily use, favor a watch with a passout design and the intuitive interface. The Huawei Watch GT and the Amazfit GTR are distinguished by their excellent quality/price ratio and their prolonged autonomy, perfect for regular use of the battery.
Carrying comfort is often overlooked, but crucial for a device that you keep 24 hours a day. The flexible silicone or braided nylon bracelets are generally the most comfortable over time.
FAQ: All about the connected watches with SIM
Can I receive calls and SMS without my smartphone?
Absolutely! This is precisely the main interest of a watch with SIM. You receive and make calls directly from your wrist, even if your phone is miles.
What is the difference between Sim and Esim?
The traditional SIM is a small physical card to insert into the watch, while ESIM is an already integrated electronic chip that is programmed remotely. ESIM allows more thin and waterproof watches, but is not supported by all operators.
Is autonomy really sufficient in daily use?
It depends on your definition of “sufficient”! High -end models generally hold a full day with the active SIM. Mid-range models can reach 2-3 days, but at the cost of fewer features.
