Do we still need GPS when we can use Smartphone?

[s10pao]

First is that I think GPS devices are better and faster in terms of getting your actual location. While some phones are better than others, most are still I feel not at par with dedicated GPS devices.

True.

Second is that most of the software available for Smartphones are paid applications. Some of these applications do have trial periods, but in the end you will have to pay for them.

Try mo ung OSMAND kung naka android phone ka. Free sya pero 16-times mo lang ata pwede ma-update ung map. Afterwards kailangan mo na bilhin ung full version for less than Php 200 for unlimited map updates. So kung meron kang latest Android smart phone sulit na sya.

Third is that the lack of a really good software available for Smartphones for navigation. Those that are available I feel are not as good in terms of user interface and friendliness as the Garmin software, and not as easy to update the map on your own.

True pero masasanay ka rin. Tapos marami pa kulang dun sa maps kung gusto mo mag-search offline ng mga "points of interest" tulad ng restaurants, shops, etc... Pero in terms of accuracy ng mga streets OK naman sya. Ongoing naman ung pag-update ng maps so eventually makukumpleto rin sya.

[the_wildthing]

I still need a GPS because I am cheap and do not want to pay for unlimited data plan (and the tier 1 carriers have stopped selling those here).

Plus I don't want to use up my phone battery, because I still make calls.

Plus I don't want big brother knowing where I am or where I am going. Hehe.

[Pipefish]

My vehicle has a built-in GPS that uses iNav and the maps are regularly updated. The graphics is cool and directions are mostly accurate. One disadvantage is that while it allows you to find a street address, it only asks you for the city or district; there's no option to define the village. That's a problem if there are several streets with the same name in a city.

I've also used Android apps and the best in my opinion are Locus (there's a free version) and NDrive. NDrive is expensive, while the paid version of Locus is more affordable. I've never had a problem with battery life because I use a charger. They both can use offline maps so you don't need a data connection. One advantage of Locus is it has track recording.

[bobzy]

now i'm using Sygic installed on my tab. i've been using it for more than a week now and i'm really amazed! it works like a dedicated GPS when navigating. i'm using it offline coz maps can be downloaded to be used outside (offline). many thanks to bro sticker for the enlightenment!