LTE Vs Bluetooth Calling: LTE vs Bluetooth calling in smartwatches: How the two technologies are different, what they offer and which is a better choice for you
Modern smartwatches come with tons of health and fitness features. They include a wide range of activity tracking, and several health monitoring features like SpO2, heart rate monitor and so on. But, these watches go beyond this as another notification or tel-tel screen for smartphones by allowing them to make and take calls, showing important notifications and also supporting reply options.
But, when it comes to supporting calls, there are two types of technologies smartwatch makers implement in their devices.One is the LTE (4G) and the second is Bluetooth-based calling. The question is how are the two implementations different and which is a better choice overall.
LTE support in smartwatches: What is this, pros and cons
LTE-enabled watches support 4G connection via eSIM support. These smartwatches are mostly premium offerings from companies like Apple, Samsung, etc. Recently, the budget segment has also started seeing this feature.
That said, LTE-enabled smartwatches connect to 4G networks and facilitate far more than just calling. The main benefit of LTE support is the watch can act as a standalone device. For instance, you can leave your phone at home while going to the gym or jogging and still stay connected and receive calls, and notifications and even stream music and run maps. They have their own data connectivity as well which makes these things possible.
The con here is that the LTE support in watches is limited mostly to the premium and expensive offerings. They also consume a lot more power compared to the regular version.
Bluetooth calling in smartwatches
Bluetooth calling is a basic calling feature that smartwatches support. With the feature, the watch acts as Bluetooth earbuds with the option to take and reject calls using the watch. The feature is handy but has limited range and functionality. For instance, you can leave your phone behind as it only works when the watch is connected to the phone. There’s no data support or additional features available with this. The good thing is that the feature is pretty common and even affordable offerings come with this feature.
However, the feature is not limited to affordable offerings. Premium watches also come with GPS versions which support Bluetooth calling features.
Which is a better choice for you
A better choice between the two is subjective. It depends on your needs. If you are someone who wants to rely on a watch alone in certain situations, then LTE is a good choice for you. However, if you take occasional calls on your watch, then a Bluetooth calling watch can do the job pretty well.
But, when it comes to supporting calls, there are two types of technologies smartwatch makers implement in their devices.One is the LTE (4G) and the second is Bluetooth-based calling. The question is how are the two implementations different and which is a better choice overall.
LTE support in smartwatches: What is this, pros and cons
LTE-enabled watches support 4G connection via eSIM support. These smartwatches are mostly premium offerings from companies like Apple, Samsung, etc. Recently, the budget segment has also started seeing this feature.
That said, LTE-enabled smartwatches connect to 4G networks and facilitate far more than just calling. The main benefit of LTE support is the watch can act as a standalone device. For instance, you can leave your phone at home while going to the gym or jogging and still stay connected and receive calls, and notifications and even stream music and run maps. They have their own data connectivity as well which makes these things possible.
The con here is that the LTE support in watches is limited mostly to the premium and expensive offerings. They also consume a lot more power compared to the regular version.
Bluetooth calling in smartwatches
Bluetooth calling is a basic calling feature that smartwatches support. With the feature, the watch acts as Bluetooth earbuds with the option to take and reject calls using the watch. The feature is handy but has limited range and functionality. For instance, you can leave your phone behind as it only works when the watch is connected to the phone. There’s no data support or additional features available with this. The good thing is that the feature is pretty common and even affordable offerings come with this feature.
However, the feature is not limited to affordable offerings. Premium watches also come with GPS versions which support Bluetooth calling features.
Which is a better choice for you
A better choice between the two is subjective. It depends on your needs. If you are someone who wants to rely on a watch alone in certain situations, then LTE is a good choice for you. However, if you take occasional calls on your watch, then a Bluetooth calling watch can do the job pretty well.