When choosing a GPS device for your upcoming hiking trip, you may have to scratch your head when selecting between Smartphone vs. GPS for hiking. Let’s see
Smartphone vs. Gps for Hiking: Comparison Table
You would not want to get lost while enjoying nature, would you? That’s why you should prepare a GPS device or smartphone before starting each journey unless you are one master navigator who can effectively wield a map and compass.
Nowadays, a lot of devices come with GPS features. But the devices that hikers use most for their trips are handheld GPS devices and smartphones (with built-in GPS).
Each device has its own pros and cons, and one may be better than the other in specific cases.
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Smartphone |
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Smartphone vs. Gps for Hiking: What Are the Differences?
Smartphones vs. Gps for Hiking are better for a specific purpose, which I will discuss further in the following sections.
1. Pros
GPS device
- Batteries
Most handheld GPS devices come with removable and rechargeable batteries. You can quickly change the device’s battery when needed. So it is unnecessary to worry about losing access to your maps.
- Durability
In most cases, GPS devices are tough gadgets with rubber protection, and some even feature a little water resistance.
- Maps
Most GPS devices feature a base map and various loaded maps. It means there is less need to download extra maps into the system.
- Intent
Unlike smartphones, GPS devices were specifically created with navigation in mind. So not a lot of extra frills that can detract from its purpose. So you can expect these devices to keep you safe and enhance your excursion.
Smartphone
- Ease of Use
There is no denying that almost everyone owns at least one smartphone, regardless of age. It means that almost anyone knows how to use this device. Even if you’ve never touched a smartphone, you’ll quickly get used to it.
So it’s effortless to download a GPS app to your smartphone to start exploring your city or a national park.
- Budget
Nowadays, it is not difficult to buy a smartphone at a low price. They even tend to get cheaper as the competition between brands is fiercer. So price is not a concern as most of us have owned a smartphone.
- Syncing
Smartphones are increasingly popular, and coverage is also growing, leading to syncing maps being faster and updated more often.
Your smartphone can update any area, provided you have service with waypoints and markers. Hence, smartphones, no doubt, are ideal for hiking on the trails.
- Screen
Smartphone screens are more extensive than GPS devices in most cases. Moreover, thanks to touch screens, smartphones enable you to navigate the maps more easily.
2. Cons
GPS device
- Screen
Most GPS devices are small, leading to their screen being small too. As a result, it becomes more challenging to keep track of your map.
- Price
These devices are not cheap, although they do not have as many features as smartphones.
Smartphone
- Battery Life
The biggest downside of smartphones is their battery life. Even if the latest models come with technologies that extend battery life, they are still unreliable for hiking.
- Quality of Build
Although phones are getting robust, they can’t be as durable as handheld GPS devices for hiking.
3. Best For
GPS device
A GPS device is better suited for backcountry hiking because of its efficient working and long battery life. But it does not work with as many concurrently running features as a smartphone.
Smartphone
If your hiking trips usually occur within areas close to home or urban regions, you will often find a smartphone the best and most convenient option.
It is also a versatile device for touring and driving around towns and cities, with seamless access and technology from one location to the other.
Hiking GPS vs. Smartphone: Which One Is Better?
A smartphone is a better choice for camping and hiking trips on trails as communication and charging facilities are in your hands. It comes with various apps available to support fun-filled and comfortable hike trips.
It also works well with a hike around the park, as hand-held GPS devices might be overkill.
However, a standalone GPS is more reliable for a hike out into forests and the mountains. A GPS device is better created for the rough outback than a smartphone.
A GPS device’s solid and robust build quality makes this device ideal for camping expeditions and backcountry hikes.
Technology advancements have allowed smartphones to take over many of the functions of handheld GPS devices.
Ease of use and the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously is a huge plus of a cell phone. You can also solve durability issues by investing in rugged smartphones or cell phone protection like carrying cases.
One of the significant advantages of handheld GPS devices includes battery types and life.
GPS devices support non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries, allowing you to quickly reconnect to a navigation service once the power has run out.
As a result, you can instantly reconnect by replacing the battery, whereas most smartphones do not allow you to remove the battery, let alone replace it.
Smartphones are the ideal choice for those who favor the aesthetic experience. They also allow you to quickly capture memorable moments without carrying a bulky camera.
Generally, both devices are decent selections for a hiking experience, depending on how far into the wild you prefer to dive.
FAQS
Below here is common questions and answers related to Hiking GPS vs. Smartphone.
Is GPS Better Than Phone GPS?
Dedicated GPS devices are more accurate than GPS on smartphones as they connect to the satellite network.
So if you travel to remote locations where cellular coverage is unavailable, you can expect to get more accurate information with a dedicated GPS device.
Is It Worth Getting a GPS for Hiking?
The answer is it depends.
A GPS device allows you to navigate on the go without having to stop and take bearings, set your map, or triangulate your position, which brings a significant upgrade in terms of convenience.
Also, these devices are easy to use, and their battery life is excellent, too, making them perfect for hiking in remote areas.
But a smartphone is your best bet if you do all your hiking in areas with great signals and rare ventures on any all-day epics.
Should I Use a Cell Phone App or Handheld GPS for Hiking?
Both devices are good selections for a hiking experience. Depending on how far into the wild you want to dive, you may want to choose one or the other.
For example, if you want to explore remote areas with no phone signal, you should use a Handheld GPS.
But if you are mainly hiking in areas with great signals, such as those around your city or town, we recommend choosing a smartphone with useful apps.
How Accurate Is the GPS on a Smartphone?
If you are outside and can see the open sky, the GPS accuracy from your smartphone is approximately five meters, which is constant for a while.
Is Google Maps Good for Hiking?
Many people do not realize that not only is it great for sightseeing and navigation, but Google Maps is excellent for planning out hiking expeditions.
Is The Phone Gps as Good as Garmin?
For nearly every purpose, people will find an Android device or iPhone performs better than a Garmin or other outdoor GPS unit.
Is Google Maps More Accurate Than Garmin?
Google maps accuracy should depend on the quality of your device’s GPS transmitter. In our experience, Garmin is far more accurate.
But Google’s alternative route selection is excellent, and it is Google’s strong point. It will give accurate traffic information, highlighting congested sections of routes with the highest accuracy.
