The better the navigator from the smartphone. Which navigator is better to install on Android? Strengths of Navitel Navigator

Just don't rush to answer! If you cannot immediately name at least three advantages and disadvantages of each of the devices, then we strongly advise you to read this article to the end. Because we want to end the discussions around this confrontation of gadgets once and for all. So let's go! What is better to use for navigation, a smartphone or a navigator?

Cons and pros of smartphones

First, move on to the next situation. You are a young father (or mother) of a small family, which, in addition to you, includes your wife (or husband) and two children, aged 7 to 10 years. All of you will have to make a small tour of unfamiliar cities located within 1000 kilometers from you. Represented? Fine. There are a few days left before the start of the trip and you are faced with the choice of which device to use for navigation. You look at your iPhone (or any other smartphone) and feel insecure. Will the mobile device cope with the task assigned to it? Is not a fact. Because smartphones have a number of very significant drawbacks.

1. Most modern smartphones run out of battery quickly. And this is a serious problem. If you find yourself on an unfamiliar road, and even at night, a dead smartphone will upset you very much ...

To prevent this from happening, you can resort to using chargers that work from a standard 12V car connector. Only, for God's sake, do not save on charging! By purchasing a cheap Chinese device, you will certainly save some money in your pocket. But you will most likely have to buy a new smartphone, because it can simply burn out ...

2. This implies another significant disadvantage of smartphones - high-quality additional equipment costs a lot of money. If we are talking about "apple" products, then the price tag can easily exceed 2,000 rubles ...

3. We smoothly approached the next drawback. In order for the smartphone not to lead you into unfamiliar wilds, you will need to download the highest quality maps and applications into it, which most often cost almost the same as not the cheapest navigator.

4. Remember that there are always places on the roads where there is absolutely no cellular connection, not to mention high-speed Internet. The trouble is that for the stable operation of cards on smartphones, the constant presence of a network signal is required. In the absence of it, you risk going to the wrong place.

5. If you want to use your smartphone as a navigator, then you should choose a suitable mount for it that will securely hold it on the windshield or car dashboard. And this is another waste of money. However, many purchased brackets do not do their job very well.

But enough about the cons. Smartphones also have advantages. True, there are not many of them ...

Firstly, you do not have to carry a bunch of different gadgets with you. After all, the beauty of a smartphone is precisely in this - “all in one”. Secondly, if you still decide to buy good cards, you can choose them according to your taste. Hmm, that's probably all. Now let's talk about navigators.

Advantages of navigators

To be honest, comparing two devices, one of which is narrowly focused and the other is all-in-one, is not a good idea in itself. For example, you need a gadget in order to take good photos. What do you prefer: a new smartphone with a fancy camera or a not the most expensive SLR camera? Of course a mirror! Although the cameras on the latest iPhones are good, you can't argue.

That's all the salt. If you are not used to making compromises and want to always be confident in the device, then choose the one that is designed specifically for your purposes. Everything is simple. But back to the advantages of navigators.

1. Most modern navigators have a built-in radar detector that will help you avoid chain letters. In addition to it, many models have a built-in DVR, without which it is simply scary to go out on the road today.

2. Included with the navigator are a charging wire for a standard car connector and a mounting bracket. You do not have to spend time and money searching for and buying additional accessories.

3. Modern navigators have learned to update traffic information in real time. And many of them are able to do this without a direct connection to a cellular network or the Internet. Choosing models with a built-in 3G module is not the best option, because you will have to monitor the balance of another SIM card. A good option is when the Bluetooth navigator communicates with your phone and uses it as a modem, quickly loading information. And even if the connection is lost, the maps in the navigator will not go anywhere, and you can safely continue on your way.

4. Long battery life is another plus for navigators. And it's not about a more capacious or special battery. And the fact that smartphones are overloaded with functionality and due to frequent use, the battery quickly fizzles out. The navigator performs a strictly defined function.

5. Price. A functional and reliable navigator costs around 5,000 rubles. Of course, there are models costing under 20,000, but much cheaper devices can handle most tasks.

What is the result?

The conclusion suggests itself. If you value convenience, simplicity and reliability, then feel free to choose a navigator, and many problems along the way will bypass you. Imagine what your journey can result in if suddenly at night on an unfamiliar road you get a smartphone that is responsible for laying the route.

And you will have a couple of young children in the car and a spouse (or spouse), who will certainly not miss the opportunity to tell you everything that she thinks about you. But all this can be avoided by simply buying a normal navigator on the road ...

Sooner or later, each of us has to travel to unfamiliar places, be it another city or some place outside of it. To navigate in space, there are many tools, such as a compass or a map. As for the city, usually people are guided by street names and house numbers. In extreme cases, you can always ask passers-by for directions.

However, these are too outdated methods of orientation, which are extremely inconvenient to use. Moreover, there are many modern technologies that can facilitate this task.

First of all, we should mention the so-called GPS navigators. This technology most reliably helps to navigate in space, and it is oriented, first of all, for car drivers.

As for pedestrians or cyclists, mobile devices with built-in GPS navigators can be considered the most convenient tool.

The most common gadget, at the moment, can be considered a smartphone on the Android operating system. Most of the devices on this system have complex specifications, including many modules and sensors. Among others, almost every device has a built-in GPS module. In fact, any smartphone can be turned into a GPS Navigator, albeit not as high quality as a full-fledged device.

When purchasing a new device, usually the operating system already has a built-in application for navigation, however, most often it is Google Maps, which, although easy to use, require the user to have a permanent connection to the Internet.

The Android operating system is good because you can install any software on it, at the discretion of the user.

First, you need to turn on the GPS module and, if possible, . Internet access will help you quickly connect to satellites and determine the approximate location.

Navigation is enabled in the system settings, namely, in the section " Location" or " Geolocation", may still occur" Geodata". To enable GPS navigation, you need to put the switch in the active position, after which you can see which applications have access to navigation services.

Another way to quickly turn on the navigation module is to open the curtain vertically from the top of the screen and click on the corresponding icon.

In the first section " Mode”, you can select the positioning accuracy and speed. Choosing the first item By GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks”, a person receives the fastest and most accurate connection to satellites, but at the same time, energy consumption and should be taken into account.

The slowest navigation is the determination of the user's location, only by GPS satellites.

Choosing and installing a third-party navigation app

As mentioned above, on any smartphone, be it iOS or Android, you can install a third-party application. For navigation in space, there are dozens of high-quality programs. Some applications are oriented for navigating the city and city roads, others for moving along intercity connections. There are also those who help specialists in complex, geodetic work.

As navigation satellites, American, Russian and Chinese satellites can be used, however, most smartphones use American GPS technology. If the smartphone supports other navigation systems, it will not be difficult for any program to connect to certain satellites.

One way or another, all navigation applications can be divided into two categories: those that work on a pre-compiled map and those that are positioned on satellite images. The most popular applications that work with satellite images are Google Maps and Yandex Maps. Both applications meet all the requirements, and yet, Yandex Maps is a more convenient application that allows you to save the entire previously displayed route in memory.

As the main program for moving on the roads, it is worth stopping your attention on the paid Navitel application.

Like any other application, Navitel is downloaded from the Play Store. After installing and running the program, a special directory " NavitelContent". Inside this folder, there is another directory called "Maps". It is in this folder that new maps should be loaded.

After launch, the application automatically starts searching for satellites. When the smartphone connects with at least one satellite, the application will display the approximate location of the person on the map. The more satellites are involved, the more accurately the user's location will be determined. It should be recalled that the Navitel application is paid, but it's worth it.

Unlike the previous application, Yandex Maps is absolutely free. To get started, you just need to run the program and wait until the program loads the selected area.

Yandex Maps can work both in satellite mode and as a map. For offline operation, you can download a map of your hometown. Unlike many other navigators, the maps of this application are absolutely free.

In the satellite imagery mode, a person can move not only on roads, but also on other terrain, such as a field, lake or forest.

On the right side, there are keys for scaling the map. You should be extremely careful, because the same area, but with a different scale, will reload the location. Thus, the phone's memory will fill up pretty quickly.

Of course, it is best to use a phone with a permanent internet connection. At the same time, the created cache must be cleared regularly.

If a person wants to use a smartphone without access to the Internet, the cache of satellite images can be downloaded in advance, while setting the same scale.

Summing up, it should be noted that, if desired, Yandex Maps can be replaced by Google Maps, and Navitel, by any other free alternative, for example, 2Gis.

Thus, any smartphone can be turned into a powerful navigation device.

There are many phones with GPS modules - state employees and flagships are equipped with them, so it is definitely impossible to single out the best models - in each segment these will be different devices. In this review, we will present smartphones with support for satellite navigation GPS, GLONASS from three categories - low, medium, high. Let's start with simple phones.

state employees

1st place - Xiaomi Redmi 5A

The best device in the low price segment is from the Chinese brand Xiaomi. The model is equipped with satellite navigation modules: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and also supports the A-GPS cold start technology - because of it, position determination is carried out almost instantly. In the reviews, buyers note this, there are no complaints about the operation of navigation - location is always accurate.

The smartphone also received a good mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 3000 mAh battery. The display is based on a 5-inch IPS matrix with HD resolution. In the price category “up to 7000 rubles” there is no better offer, and in we put the device in 1st place.

This also includes other budget smartphones of the brand: Redmi Note 5A, Redmi 4A. And in general, look for a quality cheap phone - look at the Xiaomi lines.

2nd place - Meizu M6

Chinese manufacturer Meizu is trying to keep up with its rival Xiaomi. Its M6 model is designed to compete with Xiaomi Redmi 5A, but so far it is lagging behind.

Nevertheless, the phone received GPS and GLONASS navigation modules, the A-GPS system, so it quickly establishes communication with the satellite and shows high positioning accuracy.

On the plus side, you can write performance (MediaTek MT6750 chipset, 2 GB of RAM), a 5.2-inch IPS screen with HD resolution, and a 3070 mAh battery. The device collects positive reviews - it is a reliable and fast smartphone - one of the best on the market, given the low price.

3rd place - Huawei Honor 7A

A novelty on the market, which is now sold in all salons. The device received a new Android 8.1 software, a 5.45-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1440 × 720. It is equipped with GPS and GLONASS modules, supports the A-GPS system, which guarantees fast positioning and tracking accuracy.

Inside - a mid-range processor MediaTek MT6739, 2 GB of RAM and a 3020 mAh battery - with active use, the smartphone lives a day without recharging, no more.

On our own, we add that the phone collects not only positive, but also negative reviews. There are complaints about glitches in the system, a very easily soiled screen that is hard to wipe off.

Middle price segment

1st place - Huawei P20 Lite

P20 Lite is the younger version of the flagship P20 model (there is also an older one - P20 Pro), which gained popularity due to the quality of shooting on the camera and performance. And although there is not a TOP processor, the phone is fast. It is equipped with modules for satellite navigation using GPS and GLONASS, the A-GPS system, and is distinguished by the accuracy and speed of positioning.

Unlike previous models, there is 4 GB of RAM, 2 cameras with resolutions of 16 and 2 MP and f / 2.2 aperture, a cool 16 MP front module. A big plus is the NFC chip for contactless payment, support for fast charging technology, a fast fingerprint scanner, face scanning technology (although it works doubtfully).

2nd place - Nokia 6 (2018)

Nokia has always been valued for the high quality of its products. "Six" received a cool IPS screen with Full HD resolution and a diagonal of 5.5 inches.

All 3 navigation modules are present here: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou. And although the processor is not a flagship - Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 - the phone paired with 3 GB works quickly and without brakes, finds the location instantly and guides it when moving without distortion in place.

The advantages of buyers include design, a very cool speaker, ergonomics, build quality, a suitable camera, taking into account the price (it clearly does not reach the flagship level). The smartphone is one of the best in its price category, so it is recommended to buy.

3rd place - Apple iPhone SE

Apple's "Sixes" have become the best, and even the iPhone X will not surpass them in quality. iPhone SE is the iPhone 6s, but in the shell of the five, so all the flagships of the iPhone 6 series are suitable for this position.

The device received GPS and GLONASS modules, and they work perfectly. It is enough once in a house with Wi-Fi (or via mobile Internet) to pave the way for any distance and the Google Maps navigator, even without the Internet, will accurately guide you along it without the slightest deviation.

Plus, the smartphone is equipped with an NFC chip, fast Bluetooth, Wi-Fi module operating at a frequency of 5 GHz. If you don’t like Android devices, in the middle price segment, it’s better to take the iPhone 6 or SE.

High price category

It makes sense to continue reading below only if you are ready to spend 40-60 thousand rubles on a phone. Truth be told, all flagships are equipped with efficient navigation modules, so the phones below are simply the best. They work equally well with satellites.

1st place - HTC U12+

Expensive premium phone - it often appears in our reviews. For example, it recently took 1st place thanks to sensitive side panels that perceive the force of compression.

Naturally, he received GPS / GLONASS / BeiDou navigation modules, an A-GPS system. The phone quickly and accurately determines the location, guides the map accurately and without deviations to the side, so you can safely use navigation - do not get lost. Plus, the device has a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor, cool rear cameras. Everything is top notch, including the large 6-inch 2K screen.

2nd place - Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

In addition to GPS / GLONASS / BeiDou satellite navigation modules, the smartphone has the fastest Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc. interfaces for the middle of 2018.

Performance is top notch. For the first time, phones have a camera capable of shooting in Super Slo-mo mode - at a speed of 960 FP

On the screen with a diagonal of 6.2 inches with 2K resolution, it is very convenient to observe the position on the navigator. The device can easily replace a conventional car navigator, although it is not intended for this.

3rd place - Xiaomi Mi 8

The flagship, presented on May 31, is already actively sold, however, it is difficult to find it in stores, since these phones are sold out on the day the batches arrive.

The smartphone is equipped with interfaces relevant for 2018, GLONASS, GPS, BeiDou satellite navigation modules. Thanks to the TOP hardware and 6 GB of RAM, everything works quickly, the position is determined accurately, and the driving is at the highest level.

Of course, the flagship is valued not for its interfaces, but for its high build quality, shell optimization, cool 2-module camera with optical stabilization and f/1.8 aperture. If you plan to take the device, then take a look at our

We reviewed the best navigators for Android smartphones and tablets. Choose the best option that suits all your needs.

Yandex Navigator- an excellent program for both motorists and pedestrians. Like Yandex Maps, stands out from the competition with an attractive interface and rich functionality. Both applications display the highest quality and realistic view of the map from the satellite. You will be able to explore in detail the places of interest to you in the city. The software is most useful when traveling in the CIS countries.

Google Maps- a unique tool for travelers, which will help not only to get directions, but also to get acquainted in detail with all the sights located nearby. Special attention deserves the 3D Photo Tours tool, created for three-dimensional viewing of images from anywhere in the world. Also, the user will be able to read reviews of various establishments nearby, which will definitely come in handy when choosing hotels and restaurants.

cityguide And Waze will be a good choice for drivers on long journeys. Utilities are able to notify about traffic police posts and CCTV cameras in real time. Like Navitel, these programs have received the option of determining traffic congestion on the roads, so they can plot a route to avoid traffic jams.

Among analogues CityGuide differs in the integrated database of RosYama, which provides the owner of the gadget with all the information about the state of roads in the territory of the Russian Federation. Weisz includes a good speedometer with the ability to fine-tune voice notifications at the slightest speeding. Navitel known for its fast alternative route building and smooth offline operation.

If you are interested in a free Android application with a good route building system for any type of transport and a search function for various establishments and attractions, choose MAPS.ME. Cyclists will find many benefits in the program Tom Tom GPS.

OsmAnd- good software that works without the Internet. Provides detailed information about public transport stops and routes, can measure the distance you have traveled. GPS Sygic notable for the presence of a Dashcam DVR, you can record what is happening on the road. Thanks to the SOS option, the utility makes it possible to make emergency calls to the police or ambulance at any time.

The rating did not include such solutions as TourMap, CoPilot GPS, Navigon, Route 66 Navigate. Each of them has its own shortcomings. Basically, it's about poorly detailed maps, a small amount of useful information on the screen, a heavy load on the processor and battery, the lack of support for gps-glonass and other nuances.

If you were looking for an autonavigator for a car, not a mobile phone, and you are considering only individual devices, modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of models, including top-end devices HD Drive Route, Lexand SA5, Garmin Drive 61 rus lmt, Digma Alldrive, etc. We did not consider such systems, not only because of the significant segmentation of their firmware by operating systems (Windows Phone, Android, Linux) and their obvious shortcomings. The purpose of the review was to help you choose a navigator for your mobile phone.

By the way, many of the considered applications are also available for iOS devices (iPad, iPhone). The only difference is that good offline navigation on iPhones usually comes at a cost. In addition, the operating system already contains a built-in online service that is suitable for both hiking and traveling by car. If Apple maps do not suit you, you can download Google Voice Assistant with its proprietary navigation.