Can the Gear S Operate without the Data Plan?

[SMD]

So today Samsung announced the upcoming Gear S2 3G model. I was excited. Then, found out that I couldn't add the watch to my plan because I have an old (unlimited data) plan through Verizon and you can't add any more "lines" to that plan. Ugh. Sucks. So another thread post mentioned I might be able to still use the 3G model via Bluetooth to make/receive calls, if I buy it outright and don't connect it to an actual data plan. So it'd be just like having a BT version, except it'll have 3 extra features vs the regular Gear S2...a slightly bigger batter, GPS, and a speakerphone.

This leaves me with a few questions for you Gear S owners...

1) Are you able to use your Gear S for making/receiving calls with the speakerphone, without a data plan connected? I'd assume yes, considering even the Neo can, but figured I'd ask.

2) Without a connected data plan and no 3G independence, what would a feature like GPS be good for? Please name all the possible uses for GPS, assuming again you just buy the watch and don't connect it to it's own plan. I'm trying to wrap my head around the possible uses/advantages of GPS. People mention going for runs with it, but how does that work (or does it) without the data plan? And how about navigation (google maps??) etc.?

3) I'm assuming that when you're on a call via BT and you go out of BT range and the watch switches over to Wifi, that you'll be disconnected, right? I can't imagine a call would continue on wifi. Again, I know with the 3G versions and having it's own line, it would work fine, but this is all assuming I got the 3G model but didn't give it it's own line.

Thanks!

 

[dabombcra]

I can't answer all of your questions because I don't have the Gear S, but I did talk with a Samsung Rep and he said you don't have to have the cellular activated to use the watch. You can answer call through your was like you can on a Gear 2

Note 4 using Taptalk

 

[mountainbikermark]

1) yes it's like the Neo in that regard.
2) anything you'd use maps and things for you'll use the GPS to know where you are. I map my kayak excursions and bike rides on my S1 .
3) I'm not sure but I suspect you are correct that it will not continue over Wi-Fi .

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[SMD]

2) anything you'd use maps and things for you'll use the GPS to know where you are. I map my kayak excursions and bike rides on my S1 .

Thanks for your reply. However, if you don't have a data plan connected but your watch does have GPS, then I'm guessing GPS wouldn't work unless the phone was in range, right? Seems like it takes away the real advantage of having GPS on a watch. Or are there still advantages over those watches that don't have GPS like the regular Gear S2 (again, this is all under the assumption that I won't be connecting a data plan to my S2 3G because I can't add a line to an old unlimited data plan)?