General questions about the gear s3

[Android Central Question]

Hello i want to buy an S3 gearwatch from amazon and i want to know some details
1.Whats the main Difference between LTE/bluetooth version
2.If i get the Bluetooth version i can still make calls / sms ( but i will have to have my phone with me )?
3. what if I buy LTE model and i don't make any data plan will it work just like Bluetooth version?
4.Does the watch apps like calorie count and map work just with Bluetooth or data plan needed?

 

[Javier P]

Mod note. Thread moved to the Gear S3 forum for better visibility.

 

[Mattman86]

1. Only difference is that the LTE version requires a data plan with your carrier to take advantage of all the features. Features such as receiving calls and messages without your phone around.
2. Yes, while it is connected to your phone.
3. Yes, it will act as if you have the Bluetooth version. However, (in the United States) if you are ever in an emergency, law requires the watch to allow calls to 911 regardless of if it has a carrier plan or not. So that's a plus.
4. They should work with a phone also.

 

[afblangley]

4.Does the watch apps like calorie count and map work just with Bluetooth or data plan needed?

There are some functions/app that are inherent to the watch and do not require a phone or data plan. The health sensors, HR, calories, sleep tracking, etc. are among them. As are Samsung Pay, calculator, timer, alarm, etc. Unfortunately, there is no good mapping program for the watch.

 

[convergent]

I believe you can only buy the LTE version through a carrier, so if you are buying on Amazon its likely the Bluetooth version. As far as I can tell, the price is the same.

I have the LTE version. The benefit to me is that I go to the gym and now I can leave my phone in the car. I am able to stream Spotify to the watch, and if I get a text of phone call it forwards to the watch. I'm not sure if Samsung Pay works without the phone unless you have LTE... but that is the other place where I don't have my phone and use it.

 

[afblangley]

I'm not sure if Samsung Pay works without the phone unless you have LTE...

Samsung Pay works without any connectivity at all. It is hardware associated functionality within the watch itself.

You can prove this to yourself by putting the watch in airplane mode and then initiating a Samsung Pay transaction.

 

[Ca_lvn]

My watch is BT and I often leave my phone at home and use SP I think the limit is 5 transactions, then once I'm in Bluetooth range of my phone it'll update the Samsung pay or gear app with all my transactions and earn points, and give me notifications for my sales or purchases