But that's not a typical use case. When jumping between phone and LTE connection as most people will do, I was easily able to make it through a full day. With the exception of making calls and listening to music, I measure my Apple Watch interactions in seconds, not minutes, but even when using it...

LTE gives Apple Watch the freedom it's always deserved; Incredibly fast chip and excellent battery life; Great health and fitness features

Some connectivity issues; No onboard App Store

While the cellular capabilities of the new Apple Watch Series 3 are a big deal from a technology standpoint, after two years of wearing an Apple Watch we can understand how users may actually find themselves split on the necessity of always-available connectivity.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is a breakthrough product that offers even more features and stand-alone connectivity with the freedom and versatility of not being weighed down by your iPhone while still having access to your calls, messages and apps.

Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE and cellular is the ultimate wearable and the smartwatch to rule them all.

LTE gives Apple Watch the freedom it's always deserved; Incredibly fast chip and excellent battery life; Great health and fitness features

Some connectivity issues; No onboard App Store

How many worlds has Apple left to conquer? It its lifetime it has triumphed with computer, phone, tablet and watch. So, in 2017, does the world need an Apple computer inside an Apple Watch, with an Apple phone attached? It's got it with the Apple Watch Series 3.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is essentially a suped up Series 2 with improved battery life and performance. Apps load faster, Siri is smarter, and the sports/activity tracking features are better.

Improved battery life over Series 2; though still not that great; Large ecosystem of apps and accessories; Much faster than the Series 2; Water resistant with plenty of sport features; Very helpful smart features including notifications; music playback; and Siri

Still requires phone to be helpful (this is not the Cellular version; Expensive; Always looks like a smartwatch; Not terribly durable

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the closest attempt we've seen at a truly standalone smartwatch yet, and for that it deserves credit. But at the end of the day, it's still just a neat accessory for your iPhone.

Built-in cellular connectivity; Improved heart rate monitoring; Faster processor; Clear call quality; New band and case options

Expensive; LTE drains battery rapidly

It's not easy to thoughtfully integrate cellular and LTE service on a wearable. A number of Android Wear devices have tried in the past, and none of them hit home runs. In my short time with the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE, it's clear that Apple has the software chops to make cellular and LTE a...

Battery life can stand up to some LTE use; Audible Siri responses make hands-free; eyes-free Watch interactions easy; Improved performance thanks to S3 dual-core processor

Why the red dot? Why; LTE models require additional monthly charges by wireless service providers; Quite expensive even before extra monthly wireless charges; Standalone LTE can be unreliable; No on-Watch toggles to disconnect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth manually

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the best smartwatch you can buy -- and oh so close to replacing your phone.

Makes calls from your wrist; Voice control is excellent; A joy to use; Masses of personalization options; Superb fitness tracking ability

Third-party app support is lacking; Expensive; Speaker is quiet

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the best overall smartwatch you can buy, but battery limitations and add-on fees keep it from being a must-have upgrade.

Cellular connection works well for phone calls, email, Siri and messages; Music now syncs more easily; Improvements in fitness tracking and added watch faces; Adds barometer to GPS and swimproofing; Same overall size as last year's watch

Battery life takes a major hit when making calls or during GPS workouts; 42mm cellular model is expensive, and that's before monthly wireless service and Apple Music fees; Still requires an iPhone to set up and pair with