Learn About Smartwatch Connectivity

What is it?

Smartwatches connect mainly with your mobile through a Bluetooth wireless connection. Some smartwatches have a cellular modem which allows them to get an internet connection directly from cellular providers without the need of a mobile. The following are the most used standards in smartwatches with their capabilities:

• Wi-Fi 4

  Also known as 802.11n, it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
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  Wi-Fi 4 Speeds

  1 Stream = 150Mbps

  2 Stream = 300Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 5

  Also known as 802.11ac, it supports 5GHz only.
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  Wi-Fi 5 Speeds

  1 Stream = 433Mbps

  2 Stream = 866Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 6

  Also known as 802.11ax, it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
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  Wi-Fi 6 Speeds

  1 Stream = 600Mbps

  2 Stream = 1200Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Bluetooth

  It is mainly used for connecting with accessories wirelessly.
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  Bluetooth Speeds

  Bluetooth 1.0 = 700Kbps

  Bluetooth 2.0 = 2Mbps

  Bluetooth 3.0 = 3Mbps

  Bluetooth 4 LE = 1Mbps

  Bluetooth 5 = 2Mbps

• Cellular

  Used to connect with your cellular provider to provide long range internet connections
  

  
  

  Cellular Speeds

  1G = 2.4Kbps

  2G = 14.4 - 64Kbps

  3G = 7.2 - 42Mbps

  4G - LTE = 150Mbps

How does it work?

Connectivity works by doing the following (over simplified) steps:

1. Send data
2. Receive data

Look for

• Compatibility

  Make sure the smartwatch is compatible with your mobile

• Mobile Proximity

  Make sure the smartwatch is near your mobile

• Cellular Coverage

  Make sure your cellular connection is covered in your location

  Smartwatches usually use different cellular spectrums from mobiles. So if you have coverage for your mobile doesn't mean you will have coverage for your smartwatch.

• Cellular Compatibility

  Check if your smartwatch cellular is compatible with your cellular provider

  Not all cellular providers support smartwatches.

Avoid

• Cellular

  Avoid using cellular, use your mobile connection instead

  Bluetooth is much more energy efficient compared to cellular.