TomTom or smartphone?

paddypaws101

I have a fairly ancient TomTom v3 which doesnt have traffic updates or anything fancy and is getting slower and slower to get going each time I use it.
recently I have used Google maps on my iphone for a few local journeys and it seems to work really well, even including real time info about traffic.
Is there really any argument for buying a new sat nav device, or do others find that smartphones have taken over this niche? Are there any downsides to relying on my phone for navigation needs?

fwor

It probably varies a bit from phone to phone, but generally you should find that GPS reception on a dedicated satnav will be better than a phone, because the maker can dedicate more space to the receiving antenna. In a phone it has to compete with a lot of other components for a small amount of space.

Most of the time you won't notice, but on wooded country roads you may find a phone loses lock, especially when it's raining.

You may also find that a nav app on the phone takes a comparatively large amount of power out of the battery, but again that's probably dependent on make/model of phone.

Browntoa

I've used the Waze app on my phone , during virtual gridlock in central London the other weekend it proved priceless darting me round quicker back roads

My ancient satnav wouldn't have coped

keith969

I have the TomTom iPhone app and have used it for over 5 years. The advantage over Google maps is that the map software is stored on your phone, so it'll work even when there is no mobile signal or you want to avoid roaming charges e.g. abroad.

If you buy the online traffic info option (IIRC about £25/yr) it warns you about traffic problems and diverts you round them. Saved me missing a flight once when there was big jam on the M25.

Hoseman

You can download areas on Google Maps for offline use FYI. I did everything within the m25 just in case.

Downside for mobile is the battery so you should ideally charge it at the same time.

Used Waze a few times and it has speed camera warnings.

paddypaws101

Thank you for all the replies.
I am just downloading Waze as that seems to get better ratings than the current TomTom app and is free. I have ordered an in car charger and holder so no need to worry about battery dying or phone rolling around the dash board.
Hoseman how do you download areas on Google maps?
edit....even managed to download my local area map!

Andybez38

I've always relied on my tomtom. This has live traffic. Sometimes i have been dissapointed in it to be honest. I have tried the google maps on my phone and was impressed. I have recently downloaded an app called waze. Yet to put through it's passes, but it is meant to guide you round traffic jams etc.

DigForVictory

Me for two devices every time - not least as when last I tried google the update lag got me off at the wrong junction & that caused a pile of grief.

Also very heavy draw on power but if you've live recharging it's not such a big deal.

[Deleted User]

The Tom Tom ap for iPhone is really good for £14 a year includes traffic. I would not bother with a normal satnav unless I was doing mega mileage through work. Heremaps is quite good for free as it has traffic and speed limits. The problem with google and apple maps is it doesn't have speed limits.

RumRat

I use Google navigation and Here WeGo maps on an android phone and would never go back to a dedicated satnav....

I_have_spoken

I'd always go for the dedicated unit, I have a Tomtom 5000 which gives me lifetime Europe map updates and live traffic with lifetime SIM and decent size screen.

Using the web, I can define destinations and set-up routes which the Tomtom will d/l next time it's switched on.

Leaves the phone for calls (bluetooth hands-free) when travelling.

But if I was a casual, occasional user something like Waze is better then stopping to look at the map or get lost.