question regarding Samsung smart watches purchased through Verizon

ZepTepi · Sep 7, 2019

A question for any of you Verizon customers who purchased Samsung smart watches through them.

On their website it shows that you can purchase a watch with or without a service plan. Does that mean that if you have a smartphone through them and also get a smartwatch that you have to pay for 2 service plans?

Dannydet · Sep 7, 2019

ocnbrze · Sep 7, 2019

ZepTepi said:
A question for any of you Verizon customers who purchased Samsung smart watches through them.

On their website it shows that you can purchase a watch with or without a service plan. Does that mean that if you have a smartphone through them and also get a smartwatch that you have to pay for 2 service plans?

it depends. some smartwatches have built in cellular so that you can make phone calls without a phone. while most watches just syncs via bluetooth that can also make and receive phone calls, but you have to have the phone nearby.

so the one that does not need a phone to make and receive phone calls will need a plan....while the other one does not. i have two samsung galaxy watches ( gear s3 and a brand new gear sport) with no plan for the watches.

olbriar · Sep 7, 2019

They offer watches of stand alone as well as synced models. I chose the stand alone which has it's own number and service plan. They charge $5 a month for the service. The majority of the time it is synced with the phone and answers and places calls and texts through the phone. It will, however, stand alone if the phone is off or I'm out of BT range of the phone. If I were buying again, I'd most likely go without a plan. Though the additional cost is minimal, I'm rarely out of range of my phone.

Added:
I have the Samsung Gear S3 and after two years of service it still has excellent battery life. However, in stand alone mode it rips though a charge in no time at all. A night with the phone off and watch on will drain a charge. I discovered this while charting sleep habits with my phone off. Lesson learned. Synced a charge will easily last over a 24 hour period.

I've not owned a synced model only so I can't speak for them. I only assume that the watch will make a tone when it's out of BT range. My stand alone model alerts me that it's in stand alone mode or that it's lost it's BT connection.

ZepTepi · Sep 8, 2019

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm leaning towards the Galaxy 46mm model but still looking at all models.

olbriar · Sep 8, 2019

I purchased my watch on a whim when I purchased my last phone. I'll never be without one now. I hope that you enjoy whatever you buy.

ZepTepi · Sep 9, 2019

olbriar said:
I purchased my watch on a whim when I purchased my last phone. I'll never be without one now. I hope that you enjoy whatever you buy.

Thank you

ZepTepi · Sep 9, 2019

I'm leaning towards getting the Galaxy 46mm at the same time I get my N10+

Steven58 · Sep 9, 2019

olbriar said:
I purchased my watch on a whim when I purchased my last phone. I'll never be without one now. I hope that you enjoy whatever you buy.

I am going to present the counterpoint to my brother Olbriar. I find the the constant notifications on my wrist unnecessary and annoying. Additionally, my phone automatically switches calls to my watch via bluetooth without my requesting it. I hate that. I like the steps feature, but that's about it. I can live with it? I can live without it.

olbriar · Sep 9, 2019

Steven58 said:
I am going to present the counterpoint to my brother Olbriar. I find the the constant notifications on my wrist unnecessary and annoying. Additionally, my phone automatically switches calls to my watch via bluetooth without my requesting it. I hate that. I like the steps feature, but that's about it. I can live with it? I can live without it.

I'll counter your counter.

I have perhaps a unique situation that makes the watch a true asset. I'm a carpenter by trade and wear a traditional sort of tool belt. Though I have my phone in my pocket, it is near impossible to retrieve within the duration of receiving a call. I can answer the call easily with the watch or decline the call. The same goes for receiving a text. I can read the text on my watch and either respond with a pre-composed response or ignore. It if is import, I can fetch my phone from my pocket to respond as needed or I can call the party with my watch and leave my phone alone. It works really well for me. I understand that my situation is not the same as most but I reiterate,.I would not be without the watch.

I also find it quite handy while driving. I can tell at a glance of the watch if an incoming call or text should be immediately addressed or can wait until I'm off the road and feel safe to do so. A hands free setup would be superior to a watch but I find my S3 a good alternative... at least for me.

ocnbrze · Sep 9, 2019

Steven58 said:
I am going to present the counterpoint to my brother Olbriar. I find the the constant notifications on my wrist unnecessary and annoying. Additionally, my phone automatically switches calls to my watch via bluetooth without my requesting it. I hate that. I like the steps feature, but that's about it. I can live with it? I can live without it.

you can select what notifications you get on your watch. for me it is only set to notify me of texts messages incoming calls and emails (though i rarely get important emails these days and keep getting more spam emails so i most likely will turn that off.)

i agree with @olbriar that hands free is the best thing about a smart watch aside from the fitness apps. i am aquarium service and maintenance technician so my hands are always busy being in and out of the aquariums and being able to look and see who is calling or texting really helps.

olbriar · Sep 9, 2019

I get a kick out of the fitness app on the watch. I have a second job mowing lawns. I mow 30+ lawns a week in my spare time.

I have two commercial mowers and both you ride on. One sitting and one standing up. The fitness app thinks I'm riding a bike when I'm sitting and always tells me "Great Ride" after every lawn. With the stand on mower it tells me great "Great Run" However, I love to ride my E-bike and do so with every chance I get. Though I am pedaling, it never says anything. It thinks I'm driving down the road.

Steven58 · Sep 10, 2019

I'll fight you both! (Steven runs first). No, I can totally see your point. That's not my life, though. I bought a Galaxy Gear S2 classic used on Ebay about 3 years ago and I can't kill the thing...although I'd like to!

olbriar · Sep 10, 2019

Steven58 said:
I'll fight you both! (Steven runs first). No, I can totally see your point. That's not my life, though. I bought a Galaxy Gear S2 classic used on Ebay about 3 years ago and I can't kill the thing...although I'd like to!

And I can see your viewpoint as well Steven. It wouldn't be such a useful tool to me if I had easy access to my phone. I've always worn a watch so moving to a smart watch was more desire than need at the time of purchase. Since, it has become an important communication tool. I find myself looking at my watch first and the phone second when my phone is setting in front of me at my desk.

One other feature I often use is the Hi Gear command to set a timer. I love setting a timer when I'm grilling or smoking on the patio. My phone will be on my desk but my watch on my wrist.
I will admit it is always listening and on rare occasion it will ask me to repeat my command when I'm having a casual conversation with someone.
It is also unreliable on understanding who you want to call or text and voice to text is lousy. It could use a lot of improvement in these areas. It's far from perfect and is not a cheap accessory. I will buy again when mine dies. They do prove to enjoy a long life and it's built well to keep pace with me and my work. Not for everyone...

ocnbrze · Sep 10, 2019

my favorite watch to date was the samsung gear s.

i loved the curved glass. it was eye catching and a great conversation piece.

the only thing that sucked was the charger and how it charged. it was not made very well. i would still be using it, if i could get it to charge. the contacts wore out underneath the watch and would not work with any new charging cradle i purchased.......so i had to retire it......i still think i have it someplace.

question regarding Samsung smart watches purchased through Verizon

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