The functionality of smart watches is enormous - they show the time, wake users up in the morning, measure heart rate, estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood, control stress levels, and help make sports training more effective and safe. Some users want call functionality in them. Voice calls in the watch are implemented in two ways:
- Using a SIM card - it is installed directly into the watch, turning it into a mobile phone. Constantly rearranging SIM cards is inconvenient, so backup numbers are installed here. Also, such watches are used by children;
- Using a smartphone - here the watch acts as a headset or speakerphone. The call itself is initiated by the smartphone.
The second method is convenient because it does not require rearranging the SIM card.
Our review included three smartwatch models with their own SIM cards and seven models that work as a headset connected via Bluetooth. Brands – Samsung, Apple, LEMFO, Huawei, Honor, iCONIX, GEOZON and Amazfit.
Smart watches with phone function: how they differ from all others
An interesting and necessary feature of a smartwatch is the ability to make and receive calls. Today there are two main options for implementing this function.
The first option is that the watch has its own SIM card and you can make and receive calls directly from it. This is a compact alternative to phones that will be of interest to athletes, students, and schoolchildren.
The second option is that the watch is synchronized via Bluetooth with a smartphone and plays the role of a headset. They have a speaker and microphone. The only condition for receiving calls is to have a smartphone with a Bluetooth connection nearby.
Each option has its own advantages, but only gadgets of the first type have full telephone functionality. Let's take a closer look at 2 popular models of smart watches with phone functions.
GEOZON Sprint
Accurately counts steps, bright display
An excellent and inexpensive smartwatch that can replace a mobile phone while playing sports. The functionality allows you to track data for certain types of activity, for example, running or cycling.
The watch is also protected from moisture, which allows you to take a shower directly in it, but not dive to depths.
PROS:
- Bright screen that is clearly visible even in the sun
- Soft strap does not rub your hand
MINUSES:
- You need to remove the strap to install the SIM card.
- Its own operating system, not Android
Click to view product specifications...
- Built-in memory: 1 GB
- RAM: 512 MB
- GPS support: yes
- GSM band: 850/900/1800/1900
- SIM card slot: yes
- Available network: 2G
- Available connections: Bluetooth
- Multimedia: speaker, microphone, audio, video
- Battery: non-removable Li-pol 340 mAh
- Screen: touch IPS, 240*240 pixels
- Application installation: possible
- Strap adjustment: yes
- Health support: sleep monitoring, daily activity notifications, heart rate monitor, accelerometer
- Compatibility: android 4.4/IOS 8.0
- Strap/case material: silicone/plastic
- Additional functions: dust and moisture protection ip65, alarm clock, stopwatch, calendar, voice recorder
TOP smart watches with phone function
KingWear GT88 watch
A beautiful model, which is essentially a microphone with its own SIM card and touch screen. You can make or receive calls from your watch. They show the date, count steps, pulse, and can even take photos. There is even a slot for a memory card. The watch is compatible with Windows, iOS, Android OS. Provides excellent connection with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
The stylish watch fits perfectly on the hand - a tight fit is ensured by a silicone strap with two latches. The model fully performs its functions: it shows the time and can act as an additional phone for those situations when, for some reason, using a full-fledged phone will not be convenient. Such a watch-phone, priced at only 3000-4000 rubles, will perfectly complement the image of a business person. This is an excellent option for athletes and schoolchildren, as well as for representatives of those professions who are not particularly comfortable using a phone at work.
Price: ₽ 3,490
Watch ZDK Z60
The ZDK Z60 shockproof stainless steel smartwatch, priced at just 1,300 rubles, is equipped with an IPS touch screen and the ability to install your own SIM card. The model has the ability to receive 2G Internet and connect via Bluetooth. Additional options allow you to monitor physical activity, sleep, and count calories. There is a slot for installing a memory card. The phone can be synchronized with a smartphone, laptop, tablet.
The model has a good modern look and fits comfortably on the hand. The noble black color will fit well into any look. The phone is suitable for men who are periodically uncomfortable using their main phone, and for women who monitor their activity and want to lose weight.
Price: ₽ 1,290
Watch KingWear KW18
Inexpensive, but at the same time nice and functional model of smart watch with phone function. The device can be synchronized with a smartphone - and then it will act as a kind of headset on the wrist - or it can be used separately, for which the watch has a separate slot for a SIM card.
Of course, in terms of the materials used, build quality and technical capabilities, the KW18 is inferior to more expensive analogues from well-known manufacturers. But the price of around 3,500 rubles allows us to consider them as a good gadget for a child or simply for someone who has long wanted to try a smartwatch, but does not dare to spend a large amount on them.
Price: RUB 3,289
Smart Baby Watch T58
Another smart watch with a price tag of just over 3,500 rubles, which is positioned as a gadget primarily for children. However, the strict appearance and limited choice of body colors (silver, gold, and black) indicate that the T58 is quite suitable for an adult. The watch looks nice, fits well on the hand and can be used as a separate small smartphone with its own SIM card. The built-in speaker produces extremely decent sound, and the microphone picks up voices well - communicating using this device is quite comfortable.
Along with the gadget in the box there is a QR code for downloading an application that allows you to track the location of the watch using GPS - just the thing for worried parents who want to know where their child is now.
Price: RUB 3,590
Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cellular 40mm Stainless Steel Case with Milanese Loop
Not all Russian Apple fans know that the Apple Watch has several modifications with a SIM card that turns it into a tiny, but, in general, almost a real iPhone. The fact is that in Russia the issue with eSIM, which is used in Apple watches, has not yet been properly resolved, so we will not be able to make calls from them legally. Moreover, they don’t even sell them officially... But there are also unofficial retailers! The Apple Watch looks cool, can do a lot (even without taking into account cellular communications), and models with phone functions, housed in cool ceramic and steel cases, will appeal to those who are tired of the ubiquitous aluminum.
Yes, such watches cost much more than their counterparts without a SIM card - about 65,000 rubles. On the other hand, they, by and large, have no other shortcomings.
Price: RUB 68,990
KingWear KC10 watch
Another smartwatch from a Chinese brand. This time - based on full-fledged Android with all the ensuing consequences. The main thing is that for normal and convenient operation the watch needs to be adjusted to your needs. But those who are willing to devote a little time to this will receive a reliable and attractive gadget in a stainless steel and ceramic case, with a powerful 4-core processor, 3 gigabytes of RAM and a bright 1.6-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 400 by 400 pixels.
Of course, the watch is equipped with a SIM card slot, supports 4G and can be used not only in synchronization with a smartphone, but also in completely autonomous mode as a separate phone.
The issue price is approximately 17,000 rubles.
Price: RUB 15,990
CARCAM i6 watch
Smart watches with a phone function, which can be classified as mid-price (by the standards of Chinese manufacturers). They ask for about 9,000 rubles for the gadget, but I must say that it earns its money in full. First, the assembly: the strap here is nice and comfortable, and the case is not some kind of plastic, but normal stainless steel. Secondly, the hardware: the watch runs on a good processor, is equipped with 512 MB of RAM and 16 GB of permanent memory - for a device of this type it is just right. Thirdly, the capabilities: in addition to standard communications with a smartphone, Bluetooth and sensors for monitoring health, there is a slot for a separate SIM card of the nanoSIM standard, so you can make calls and receive SMS directly from the watch.
A great gift for a teenager - or for yourself.
Price: RUB 8,947
KingWear KW99
The smartwatch runs on the Android operating system, so it is possible to download various applications and watch faces through PlayMarket.
PROS:
- Easily change from a round screen to a square one
- Has voice control
MINUSES:
- Short operating time on one charge
Click to view product specifications...
- Built-in memory: 8 GB
- RAM: 1 GB
- Processor: MKT6580
- GPS support: yes
- GSM band: 850/900/1800/1900
- SIM card: nano
- Available network: 3G
- Available connections: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Multimedia: speaker, microphone, audio, video
- Battery: non-removable Li-pol 400 mAh
- Screen: touch AMOLED, 400*400 pixels
- Application installation: possible
- Strap change: possible
- Health support: sleep monitoring, daily activity notifications, heart rate monitor
- Compatibility: Android/IOS
- Strap/case material: leatherette/steel
- Additional functions: smartphone camera control, alarm clock, stopwatch, calendar, voice recorder
Comparison table of the best smartwatches with phone function
| Name | Main characteristics | Price |
| KingWear GT88 watch | Own SIM card, touch screen, memory card slot, camera, video recording, sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activities, compatible with Windows, iOS, Android OS | ₽ 3 490 |
| Watch ZDK Z60 | Shockproof, own SIM card, stainless steel case. steel, touch screen, memory card slot, camera, video recording, sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activities, compatible with Windows, iOS, Android OS | ₽ 1 290 |
| Watch KingWear KW18 | Shockproof, waterproof, own SIM card, touch screen, sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activities, compatible with Windows, iOS, Android OS | ₽ 3 289 |
| Smart Baby Watch T58 | Own SIM card, LCD screen, compatible with iOS, Android | ₽ 3 590 |
| Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cellular 40mm Stainless Steel Case with Milanese Loop | Waterproof, stainless steel housing. steel, own SIM card, touch screen, sapphire glass, sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activities, compatible with iOS | ₽ 68 990 |
| KingWear KC10 watch | Waterproof, stainless steel housing. steel and ceramics, own SIM card, touch screen, sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activity, 5 MP camera, video recording, compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, OS X | ₽ 15 990 |
| CARCAM i6 watch | Waterproof, stainless steel housing. steel, own SIM card, touch screen, sleep monitoring, calories, physical. activities, camera, compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, OS X | ₽ 8 947 |
KingWear KC09
Buyers note that this is a very fast watch. Due to the Android operating system, there are a bunch of applications that can be installed for more advanced use of the gadget.
PROS:
- Good autonomy
- Large and bright display
MINUSES:
- Sets up quickly at maximum operating mode
Click to view product specifications...
- Built-in memory: 16 GB
- RAM: 2 GB
- GPS support: yes
- GSM band: 850/900/1800/1900
- SIM card slot: nano
- Available network: 4G
- Available connections: Bluetooth, Wi-fi, USB
- Multimedia: speaker, microphone, audio, video, camera
- Camera: 8 MP
- Battery: non-removable Li-pol 800 mAh
- Screen: touch AMOLED, 454*454 pixels
- Application installation: possible
- Strap adjustment: yes
- Health support: sleep monitoring, daily activity notifications, heart rate monitor
- Compatibility: android 4.4/IOS 8.0
- Strap/case material: silicone/plastic, ceramics
- Additional functions: dust and moisture protection ip67, alarm clock, accelerometer, calendar, gyroscope, anti-theft
Samsung Galaxy Watch (4G LTE model)
The Apple Watch may be the best choice for those looking for an LTE smartwatch, but especially for those with an Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is the next best choice.
With LTE available on both the 42mm and 46mm model (shown above), Samsung's flagship smartwatch is one of the few that can stack up in almost every area (besides perhaps health monitoring) with the Apple Watch .
For the most part, we found LTE performance to be fairly consistent in use, but there's potentially a slight issue with battery drain—more so than on, say, the Apple Watch.
However, streaming music from Spotify and calls is smooth thanks to the Tizen watch, and it has a beautiful design, an elite-level display, and all the smartwatch essentials you could want, such as notifications, contactless payment support, GPS activity tracking, and waterproofing.
Just keep an eye out for the potential arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 2, as some early leaks suggest it could arrive in 2022.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (4G LTE model)
After the initial launch without the LTE version, you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 with full cellular support - even if it costs $150 more than the Bluetooth version.
In terms of offline support, there's no difference between this and the Galaxy Watch above—you get all the same coverage, and in the US it's available through Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon. We've just given the Galaxy Watch a slight edge due to the steep price jump between the Bluetooth and LTE versions.
In fact, if money is no object, choosing between Samsung smartwatches depends on whether you prefer the design of the sporty Active 2, which has a 40mm or 44mm case size.
It's certainly an upgrade over the now cheaper original (which only came out a few months earlier) when the digital rotating bezel debuts, but you may prefer the more "classic" look of a Galaxy Watch smartwatch.
If you opt for the Active 2, you can also look forward to Samsung's first foray into ECG readings, as the feature is currently undergoing regulatory testing before going live.
Miwear M3
The Miwear M3 model is a smart device with a large 1.54-inch display, a built-in phone and a 0.3 MP camera. For 1,500 rubles, buyers receive a device through which they can talk, play audio, control steps and other functions. The battery capacity is 380 mAh, which is enough for 5-6 hours of operation.
pros
- support for major operating systems;
- comfortable silicone strap;
- light weight 52 g;
- availability of Bluetooth option;
- USB connection capability;
Minuses
- periodic interruptions when connecting;
- small functionality;
Customer reviews show that for many these smart phones are often the best in terms of design and price. You can use them to talk, watch the time and use other options. The disadvantage is the limited functionality, which is not enough for many buyers.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular model)
Apple's first smartwatch to feature cellular connectivity is still a very viable option and is one of the cheapest on this list.
Coverage works the same as on newer models—meaning you can make calls, receive notifications, and stream from Apple Music—and upgrading to the cellular model starts at $100 over the Bluetooth equivalent.
What's missing from Series 3 that's missing from Series 5? Well, it features an older, smaller design without the perk of an always-on screen and can't provide basic health tracking metrics like ECG readings.
However, for those most interested in the prospect of cellular connectivity from the wrist, this is a great smartwatch. It runs on the same watchOS 6 software as the latest models, and you still get all the core features like GPS activity tracking, offline apps, and notification support.
Samsung Gear S2
Samsung Gear S2 is the first smartwatch with eSIM support on the market.
An eSIM is a programmable SIM card rather than a physical SIM card, and it allows you to choose which carrier you would like to use. You can read more about eSIM here. A word of caution regarding the use of eSIM. They're still not supported by all carriers, so do your research before taking the plunge.
In fact, the global version of this watch will not work autonomously. You should receive modified versions of the media that include a small subscription from your carrier. The US version is supported by major carriers such as AT&T and Verizon.
This device is powerful and has almost the same configuration as the Samsung Gear S, except the screen size is reduced to 1.2 inches and the chipset is slightly faster than the Exynos 3250.
This is a seriously attractive watch. We prefer the silver version, but the standard gray looks great too. Is this the best standalone smartwatch in terms of looks? It's definitely up there in our opinion.
Samsung Gear S
The Samsung Gear S is a cute smartwatch with a curved Super AMOLED display. The screen size is larger, which is an advantage, and the touchscreen is very smooth.
This is the first Samsung smartwatch to support micro SIM cards and allow users to make calls, send and receive messages. However, you must first connect to your smartphone for it to work.
Samsung makes solid products, so you don't have to worry about build quality. Gorilla Glass 3 makes it even stronger.
The only thing you may not like is the lack of a camera, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Some say this only works with Samsung phones, so you should keep that in mind.
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a newcomer to the industry, keeping the classic watch faces (they are changing).
This is the latest version of the Samsung Gear LTE smartwatch series. Just like the Samsung Gear S2 (coming later), it works with eSIM. ESIM actually allows you to choose which carrier you would like without being tied to a specific carrier associated with the SIM card. You must be careful to use the same carrier as your phone to ensure maximum compatibility.
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The display is 1.3 inches and uses a new screen technology for wearables called “Corning Gorilla Glass SR+”. This material is stronger than ever and prevents scratches on your display. This watch is very durable and Samsung says it has "military-grade durability." It is also waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming.
The operating system has been updated with an even more powerful chipset and increased RAM. This improves the user experience, but doesn't drain the battery like you'd expect. Battery life for the 42mm (LTE) version is an impressive 2 days. Moreover, it can be charged wirelessly.
New to this version is a rotating bezel that further simplifies the interface, making it easier and faster to use than ever.
Samsung Gear watches work best with Samsung phones. So if you own a Samsung smartphone, this might be for you. It's also a pretty good price compared to the Apple Watch and is significantly cheaper (but still not exactly cheap). This is one of the best LTE smartwatches.
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon connected)
Garmin has largely stayed away from LTE, with the Vivoactive Music 3 being the only device in its wide arsenal to offer cellular support.
Now there's the Vivoactive 4 to consider, but at the time of writing, you don't have an LTE version to buy. And while we expect this to change in 2022, this is the only option for Garmin fans for now.
There is a pretty big caveat to this device, however, other than the fact that it may be replaced soon. First, LTE features are available exclusively through Verizon.
If you're happy with this, you'll be able to receive texts and download music from Spotify and Deezer without your phone. What's more interesting, however, is that Garmin uses cellular connectivity for security.
Read also: Review of Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Nexo with eSIM and 4G
There's both assistance and incident detection, which can be useful in a pinch if you're going camping, as many Garmin owners likely will be.
Otherwise, your usual Garmin features are present, from Garmin Pay to detailed fitness tracking. And it's a really solid choice, even if you do need to think a bit before purchasing.
