Ditching the Smartphone for an LTE Smartwatch: An Experience That Changed My View on Connectivity

The decision to abandon my smartphone and rely entirely on an LTE-enabled smartwatch for a week was a unique and astonishing experience. The idea of leaving home without my phone had always felt like a nightmare, especially with my job requiring constant connectivity. But I decided to embark on this adventure to see if it was possible to reduce screen time while staying connected.

Before delving into the details of the experiment, it's important to clarify what an LTE smartwatch is. Simply put, it's a smartwatch equipped with an electronic SIM (eSIM), giving it the ability to connect to the 4G network completely independently of your phone. This means you can make calls, receive notifications, stream music, and use maps even if your phone is off or left at home, making it a standalone device for staying connected, according to specialized tech sources.

Initial Challenges

I began the experiment using a cellular-enabled Apple Watch, paired with an iPhone 13 Mini. I faced challenges on the first day, as logging into apps like Strava and Spotify required doing so on the phone first for them to work correctly on the watch. Using the watch's tiny keyboard was surprisingly accurate but tiring, while voice input was more effective despite feeling awkward talking to the watch in public places. I felt a mixture of frustration and wonder simultaneously.

Changing Habits

By the end of the first day, my spirits were significantly lifted. Instead of habitually grabbing my phone and browsing in the evening, I found myself solving Sudoku puzzles with pen and paper, which gave me a sense of satisfaction. On the second day, I carried a second phone as an e-reader (without cellular connection and in an e-ink-like mode) with only the Kindle app, which I considered a small cheat that didn't betray the spirit of the challenge. I discovered that turning off the iPhone prevented some notifications, such as Slack messages, from reaching the watch due to the absence of a dedicated app, which gave me unexpected relief from work. The watch's battery held up well, even with a 40-minute call.

Overcoming Obstacles

On the third day, I overcame the anxiety of navigating by bus by relying on my memory instead of using the watch. I also realized I couldn't order an Uber without my phone, which highlighted one of the limitations. However, I later discovered alternative solutions like public transport, calling a regular taxi, or even the option of ordering Uber via phone. In the following days, I occasionally had to bring my phone as a backup for tasks outside the watch's scope, such as searching for a nearby restaurant or completing a QR code login at an Ikea store. Despite this, I found Apple Maps on the watch to be perfectly usable while driving, thanks to voice and haptic directions.

Benefits and Lessons Learned

This experience, even for a few days, helped me break the habit of compulsively checking my phone. Now, I find myself less tethered to my phone at home, enjoying podcasts directly through my watch and earbuds, or turning to a physical Sudoku book to fill my free time. To successfully achieve this experience, it requires more planning and discipline. Good ideas include adding an Uber service number to contacts, keeping the phone out of the bedroom, and ensuring the watch battery is strong enough for a full day.

The Future of the Experiment and Technology

The smart assistant on the watch, like Gemini, can be incredibly useful for tasks like checking calendars or Google document details, as Siri doesn't fulfill these tasks. Ultimately, the smartwatch is not a complete replacement for the smartphone, but it is an excellent tool for reducing screen time and staying connected. I realized that building positive habits by adding enjoyable activities (like jigsaw puzzles or Sudoku) is more effective than feeling deprived. This experience is not a magic solution, but an ongoing practice. I will continue to use the cellular watch with my phone plan to give myself more opportunities to practice when I need a break from my phone.