Can a smartwatch work without your phone nearby?
Short answer
Cellular models can: Apple Watch Series 12 (5G and LTE), Pixel Watch 5 LTE (with 2 years of data included) and Galaxy Watch9 LTE keep working when your phone stays home.
Which products can do it?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch9Yes
Galaxy Watch9 LTE models can use GPS without a paired phone; non-LTE models need a Bluetooth connection.
Good to know: Needs a carrier plan for LTE.
- Google Pixel Watch 5Yes
Pixel Watch 5 LTE comes with 2 years of data and offers satellite SOS when there's no LTE coverage.
Good to know: LTE model only; maker's offer terms apply.
- Apple Watch Series 12Yes
GPS + Cellular models of Apple Watch Series 12 support 5G (RedCap) and LTE.
Good to know: Needs a carrier plan; costs vary.
Why it matters
Runners and parents want to leave the phone behind and still be reachable or call for help.
Not proven yet
Carrier plan costs and battery impact of cellular use; check with your carrier.
How we know (3 sources)
Apple Watch Series 12 tech specs (read Oct 23, 2026): up to 24 hours of normal use, up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode, up to 10 hours of workout tracking; 15 minutes of charging gives up to 12 hours. GPS + Cellular models support 5G (RedCap) and LTE. Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple's notes list iPhone 11 or later on iOS 26 for its watchOS 26 features.
Read the sourceGoogle Store page for Pixel Watch 5 (read Oct 23, 2026): from $399.99; raise your wrist to talk with Gemini; up to 40 hours of battery, 15 hours from 15 minutes of charging. LTE models include 2 years of data and offer satellite SOS when there's no LTE coverage. Works with most phones on Android 12 or newer, with a Google Account and the Pixel Watch app.
Read the sourceUS Galaxy Watch9 page (read Oct 23, 2026): from $379.99; Google Gemini answers questions and organizes tasks by voice. LTE models can use GPS without a paired phone; non-LTE models need a Bluetooth phone connection. Some features need a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone; Bedtime Guidance needs Android 13 or later. No battery hours on the page.
Read the source
Status timeline
No status has changed since we started tracking. Every entry is dated and backed by the sources on this page.
- First recorded: In storesSamsung Galaxy Watch9
Galaxy Watch9 LTE models can use GPS without a paired phone; non-LTE models need a Bluetooth connection.
- First recorded: In storesGoogle Pixel Watch 5
Pixel Watch 5 LTE comes with 2 years of data and offers satellite SOS when there's no LTE coverage.
- First recorded: In storesApple Watch Series 12
GPS + Cellular models of Apple Watch Series 12 support 5G (RedCap) and LTE.