Smartwatches made simple! At TommieKelly.ie, we cut through the tech talk to help you understand, compare, and get the most out of your wearable. Got questions? We’ve got answers—making your smartwatch experience smarter, easier, and way more fun.
Cellular vs Non-Cellular Smartwatches
When shopping for a smartwatch, you’ll see two main types: cellular (LTE/eSIM) and non-cellular (GPS/Bluetooth-only). Understanding the difference is key to making the right choice.
Cellular Smartwatches
A cellular smartwatch has its own built-in mobile connection—usually via eSIM and LTE—allowing it to make calls, send messages, stream music, and access apps without your phone nearby. Think of it as a mini-smartphone on your wrist. This independence can be a game-changer for runners, cyclists, or anyone who doesn’t want to carry a phone everywhere.
Non-Cellular Smartwatches
A non-cellular smartwatch connects to your phone via Bluetooth (and sometimes Wi-Fi). It can still track fitness, display notifications, and use GPS for location tracking, but for calls, messages, or mobile data, it relies on your phone being nearby.
Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your lifestyle.
- If you want to go running without your phone, need quick emergency access, or want to use a smartwatch for a child without giving them a phone, cellular is the way to go.
- If you mostly wear your watch alongside your phone and prefer better battery life and lower costs, non-cellular is the smarter choice.
Extra Features to Look For in a Smartwatch
Modern smartwatches offer far more than timekeeping. Here are some standout features that might influence your decision:
- Fitness and Health Tracking
Most smartwatches now monitor your heart rate, daily steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns. Premium models add advanced health metrics like ECG readings, blood oxygen levels, and stress tracking. - GPS and Navigation
Even non-cellular watches often include built-in GPS, allowing you to track routes and distances during outdoor workouts without carrying your phone. - App Ecosystem
- Apple Watch works seamlessly with iPhones, offering Apple Fitness+, Wallet, and countless third-party apps.
- Wear OS (Google) supports Android (and iOS to a degree), with Google Maps, Assistant, and a wide app selection.
- Safety Features
Fall detection, SOS alerts, and location sharing can provide peace of mind—especially when paired with cellular connectivity. - Customization
Swappable straps, different watch faces, and downloadable widgets mean you can personalise both the look and the function of your smartwatch.
Smartwaches FAQ
- Can I use a smartwatch without a SIM card?
Yes — most smartwatches (especially non-cellular ones) don’t require a SIM card at all. Cellular models use an eSIM instead of a physical SIM, and you can still use them without activating cellular service—they’ll just function like a GPS/Bluetooth model.
- Will my smartwatch work abroad?
- Cellular models: They may work abroad if your mobile carrier supports international roaming for eSIMs. Check with your provider before travelling.
- Non-cellular models: Yes, they work everywhere as long as they can connect to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- How accurate are smartwatch health readings?
Heart rate and step counts are generally accurate enough for everyday use, but they’re not medical devices. Features like ECG and blood oxygen are helpful indicators, but shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
- Do smartwatches store music?
Many do. Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and some Garmin models allow you to store songs directly on the watch so you can listen with Bluetooth headphones without carrying your phone.
- Can I pay with my smartwatch?
Yes — if your watch supports contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Fitbit Pay, you can tap your watch at compatible terminals just like you would with a phone or card.
- Can smartwatches detect if I fall?
Some models have fall detection sensors that can automatically alert emergency contacts or services if they detect a hard fall and no movement afterward. This is more reliable on models with cellular connectivity
- Will my smartwatch work if my phone battery dies?
- Cellular models: Yes, as long as they have their own connection and battery power.
- Non-cellular models: They will still tell time and track activity, but most connected features will stop until your phone is back on.
- Can I reply to messages from my smartwatch?
Yes, if your watch is connected to your phone or has cellular. On Apple Watch, you can type, dictate, or send quick replies. On Wear OS, you can use speech-to-text or preset responses.
- How long do smartwatches last before they need replacing?
Most last 3–5 years before battery performance or software updates become an issue. Heavy daily use can shorten battery lifespan faster.
- Do smartwatches need internet?
For many features (apps, updates, messaging, navigation), yes. They can connect via your phone’s internet, Wi-Fi, or their own LTE if cellular-enabled. Fitness tracking works offline.
- Can I change the strap on my smartwatch?
Most models support interchangeable straps, so you can switch from sporty silicone to formal leather or metal bands easily.
- Will a smartwatch work with multiple phones?
Usually no. Most watches can only be paired with one phone at a time, though you can reset and pair it to a different phone when needed.
- Do smartwatches get software updates?
Yes. Just like phones, they receive firmware updates to add features, improve performance, or fix bugs. Premium models tend to get updates for longer.
- Can I leave my phone at home and still track a run?
Yes. Most watches have built-in GPS, so they can map your run even without your phone. Cellular models can also keep you connected during the run.
15.Why Tommie Kelly Euronics?
We don’t just sell smartwatches — we help you find the one that truly fits your life.
- Hands-on testing: Try different sizes, straps, and screen types before you decide.
- Expert advice: Match the watch to your phone, goals, and budget.
- Setup assistance: Pair devices, install apps, and configure features.