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Do you have enough to constantly have to take your smartphone during your sports activities? Do you dream of a freedom of movement while remaining connected?
The solution exists: The connected watch without phone. Passionate about portable technologies for over 10 years, I have tested dozens of models to deliver this final guide to you how a smartphone -free connected watch works.
Prepare to discover how these little technological jewels can really transform your daily life!
The question deserves to be clearly asked: Does a connected watch works without phone ? The answer is both simple and nuanced: yes, but not all, and not for all features.
To fully understand The operation of an autonomous connected watchdistinguish two essential categories:
When buying my first “standalone” watch, I was amazed by the difference. Being able to make calls, send messages or stream music, all without transporting my smartphone, has really changed my way of approaching my days.
THE operation of a smartphone connected watch is based on several complementary technologies. To fully use your connected watch independently, several solutions are available to you:
Watches with 4G/LTE connectivity represent the ideal solution. Equipped with a SIM or ESIM cardthey create their own network connection and can:
My personal experience : During a mountain hike last summer, my Apple Watch Cellular allowed me to stay in touch with my family and even to call for help following a slight sprain. Without a phone at hand, this watch was my only link with the outside world.
Even without cellular connectionsome watches offer partial autonomy thanks to their local storage:
All connected watches have Off-line features Robust like:
For watches that require a Bluetooth connection With your smartphone, the maximum distance is a crucial factor to consider to understand how a connected watch works in dependent mode.
In theory, technology Bluetooth 5.0 Allows connection up to 100 meters outdoors. But let’s be realistic! In practice, this distance is often much less:
I carried out the experience in my apartment: beyond two rooms separating my watch from my phone, the connection was starting to show signs of weakness with intermittent cuts.
To overcome these distance constraints and optimize The autonomy of your connected watchseveral solutions exist:
The market Autonomous connected watches has been enriched considerably in recent years. Here are my top 5 top 5 models currently:
See Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Amazon reviews
L’Apple Watch Ultra 2 represents the ultimate in autonomy for iOS users. With sound ESIM Integratedits long -term battery (up to 36 hours) and its advanced features, it offers an unrivaled user experience.
Strengths:
Weak point:
See the Galaxy Watch6 and opinions on Amazon
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic LTE offers an equally complete experience. I particularly appreciate her rotating telescope and her fluid interface with Wear OS.
Strengths:
Weak point:
See the 945 LTE and opinions on Amazon
Recently out, this Garmin combines exceptional sports performance and LTE connectivity For useless use during your training.
Strengths:
Weak point:
See the Watch GT4 ESIM and opinions on Amazon
With a more accessible price than premium models, the Huawei Watch GT4 ESIM offers excellent user experience and a autonomy impressive.
Strengths:
Weak point:
See Ticwatch Pro 5 LTE and opinions on Amazon
Less known than its competitors, the TICWATCH PRO 5 LTE However, deserves your attention with its double display technology and its platform Wear OS.
Strengths:
Weak point:
After having tested more than twenty models, here are the essential criteria to assess before your purchase to fully understand how a smartphone -free connected watch works ::
Check the type of connectivity (4G/Lte/5G) and compatibility with your operator. Some operators offer attractive multi-SIM-SIM packages to connect your watch to the same number as your phone.
A autonomous watch consumes more energy than a standard model. Favor models offering at least 24 hours ofautonomy in use with connected with cellular connection active.
To store your music and applications locally, opt for a minimum of 16 GB of internal storage. This internal memory will allow you to download enough content for extended autonomous use.
A really watch autonomous Must accompany you everywhere, including for swimming or in the shower. Aim at least one ATM or IP68 certification for total peace of mind.
After years of use of Connected watches With and without dependence on the smartphone, my verdict is final: the freedom offered by a autonomous watch largely justifies additional investment.
Imagine being able to go running, swimming or cycling without worrying about taking your phone, while remaining reachable in an emergency. Or simply enjoy a light evening, without bulky smartphone in your pocket, but with all features essentials on the wrist.
Technology of Autonomous connected watches is not perfect – theautonomy There remains the main challenge to take up for manufacturers. But progress is constant and the 2025 models already offer remarkable user experience with their esim integrated and their LTE connectivity optimized.
Now that you know how a smartphone -free connected watch worksare you ready to take the plunge towards freer connectivity?
Do not hesitate to share your experience or questions in the comments below. And if you already use a Autonomous connected watchtell us what model and what you think!
