Branded GPS devices vs. your phone's GPS app

**first_light** · June 16th, 2011 01:00 AM

Which one is better and cheaper? Any branded GPS device or GPS on a phone?

**rattrapante** · June 16th, 2011 02:48 AM

I have an AVT GPS and is definitely much better than my iPhone 4 and Nokia E71. The iPhone is quick in locating your location, but needs an internet connection to locate a destination. It also doesn't do directions. The Nokia E71 takes forever to get a GPS lock on, unless you use AGPS which once again will need an internet connection, but even though AGPS is faster, it is still much longer than the iPhone and AVT GPS in getting your location.

**ghosthunter** · June 16th, 2011 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by first_light

Which one is better and cheaper? Any branded GPS device or GPS on a phone?

A dedicated GPS navigation device will always have the advantage.

-bigger screen (easy to read while driving)
-faster GPS satellite lock-on time
-more sensitive to GPS signals
-better user interface

GPS equipped phones differ greatly depending on their hardware like CPU speed, memory, screen size, GPS receiver type, GPS software, etc. I have two GPS equipped mobile phones and I do notice the difference. My older Nokia 6110 Navigator is very slow to lock on to GPS signals (taking 2 to 5 minutes) and does not detect signals if there is some cover (like sitting indoors beside a big window). It's GPS nav software is also more basic, lacking some options like pedestrian mode, day/night view modes, etc.

My newer Nokia N86-8MP mobile phone locks on GPS signals much faster (30 seconds to 2 mins) and is more sensitive to signals (detect GPS signals even when indoor when near windows). More modern software also helps (includes pedestrian mode, difference views, favorite, predefined places of interests, etc).

One thing any mobile phone will have a problem is the small screen. Voice guidance helps get around this issue.

BTW, a mobile phone can also have an advantage of having internet access to use Google Maps. Plus it is easier to update software/maps on an internet connected mobile phone.

Overall, a dedicated GPS Nav device is much better for the reason that it has a bigger easy to read screen.

**CVT** · June 16th, 2011 09:53 AM

Definitely, mas maganda ang dedicated GPS Device. Mas malaki ang screen at mas maganda ang mga user interfaces....

13.5K:handinhand:

**shadow** · June 16th, 2011 10:20 AM

^I agree with CVT, mas maganda siyempre ang dedicted kasi yun ang design niya unlike sa phone na jack of all trades expert of nothing.

pero yun mga application naman like papago, no need ng internet connection, mabilis din mag lock in sa satellite...meron din voice direction.

speaking of which sino gumagamit ng papago?

**niky** · June 16th, 2011 11:47 AM

You could use a Galaxy Tab... with Gingerbread, lock-on time is faster than previous Galaxy CPs, and car-mounting kits are available... it's also big enough that the screen size will not be an issue.

Only problem... it's still not as quick at lock-on or as accurate as a true built-in or car-based GPS... and it gets hot when you leave it under the windshield (where it's easiest to read).

**first_light** · June 16th, 2011 06:25 PM

I was surprised that most of you who replied here preferred the GPS device than mobile phone.
Well, as for me, I am using Nokia N8 with GPS and doesn't need internet connection. I only use the internet connection if I'm inside the building. The voice command is great (you can even change the accent and language - meron pati tagalog), very clear, and fast. Maybe, it depends on the satellite service. Another advantage of the mobile is, it's mobility. You can handarry it and no wires attached. Well, depends also whether the user prefer bigger screen. If bigger screen is preferred, there are ipads and galaxy. By the way, you can even use google earth map with the GPS. Regarding it robustness, I think GPS device is better.