Can we really use a connected watch without a smartphone?

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.

The two large families of connected watches

To fully understand, let us distinguish two essential categories:

1. Dependent connected watches : These models work as extensions of your smartphone. Without him, their features are drastically reduced. They can generally display the time and follow a few health metrics, but can neither receive notifications nor use connected applications.
2. Autonomous connected watches : Equipped with their own SIM or ESIM card, these watches can operate completely independently. I recently ran a half -marathon with only my Galaxy Watch LTE, leaving my phone at home - an incomparable feeling of freedom!

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.

How to operate a smartphone connected watch?

To fully use your connected watch independently, several options are available to you:

Solution 1: opt for a model with cellular connectivity

Watches with 4G/LTE connectivity represent the ideal solution. Equipped with a SIM or ESIM card, they can:

• Make and receive calls
• Send and receive messages
• Use connected applications
• Music streamer
• Use geolocation and GPS

My personal experience : During a mountain hike last summer, my Apple Watch Cellular allowed me to stay in touch with my family and even call the help following a slight sprain. Without a phone at hand, this watch was my only link with the outside world.

Solution 2: Use internal storage and Wi-Fi

Even without cellular connection, some watches offer partial autonomy:

• Download your music directly to the watch
• Connect to the available Wi-Fi networks
• Use applications that do not require a permanent connection

Solution 3: Activate offline mode

All connected watches have offline features like:

• Monitoring your physical activities (not, calories, etc.)
• Measurement of your heart rate
• The time and alarms display
• The use of preinstalled applications

What distance between phone and connected watch?

For watches that require a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone, the maximum distance is a crucial factor to consider.

Bluetooth connectivity limits

In theory, Bluetooth 5.0 technology allows connection up to 100 meters outdoors. But let's be realistic! In practice, this distance is often much less:

• Indoors : 10 to 15 meters maximum, depending on obstacles (walls, floors)
• Out of the way : 20 to 30 meters
• In urban environment : 15 to 20 meters

I conducted the experience in my apartment: beyond two rooms separating my watch from my phone, the connection was starting to show signs of weakness.

Go around distance limitations

To overcome these distance constraints, several solutions exist:

• Use the Wi-Fi connectivity of your watch when it is available
• Activate periodic synchronization rather than continuous
• Go to an LTE model for total freedom