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Smartphone or GPS: which is better for you, depending on your activity?

Surely this is not the first time this question has come to mind, especially when you are looking to renew your device, is it? Well, you should know that there is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on your usage and activities.

Apparently, a smartphone with an app and a GPS do the same thing. As you’ll see below, there are unique features that set them apart and can help you decide which device is better for your off-road activities.

It is important that either GPS or the app always offer the highest precision with regard to your position. This is why the technology they work with is so important. The TwoNav app works with the same software as the GPS, which ensures additional safety on trips into the mountains.

Before making a decision, you should analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each product. Then it will be easier for you to make a decision. One piece of advice: don’t think big, choose the one that best fits the reality of your routes and what you really need.

TwoNav App

If you’ve recently started a sport and don’t want to spend too much money

Your own smartphone / tablet is your navigation deviceTwoNav Free app contains advertising and limited functions (does not apply to TwoNav Premium app)
Very affordable priceLower autonomy (if the battery is empty, the phone is also empty)
You can use the same app license on multiple devicesPoor reception of position signals
Low weight of the smartphone / tabletTouchscreens not suitable for gloves or moisture
Free online map downloadANT+™/ BLE sensors not available on iOS
Built-in, high quality map shopDifficult to find compatible accessories
Function friends, position relay

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Short journeys or distances that do not require a lot of battery power or technical difficulties.

Is there anything better than trying it yourself?


TwoNav GPS

If you want to improve your performance and achieve maximum safety in your sport.

Meets standards for temperature, shock, water and vibrationA smartphone connection is required for some functions
Displays perfectly suited to sunlightNo integrated maps shop
Longer battery life (Aventura 2 allows batteries to be changed with standard AA batteries)Higher price
Touchscreens designed specifically for gloves and wet conditions
More buttons available (configurable according to your needs)
Guaranteed ANT+™/BLE sensor compatibility
3 tracking networks: GPS + Galileo + Glonass
SeeMe function, position retransmission and emergency warnings
High quality topographic maps included
Including Land Standard ™ software
Included Accessories

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Long distances or trips that require a device with a long battery life and a technical difficulty that requires a robust device with a good satellite connection.

We encourage you to take a look at the TwoNav GPS range as you will see that there are devices in different sizes and resolutions.


In summary, the main differences between using a smartphone and a GPS are:

  • TOUCHABILITY: GPS devices are designed to be waterproof, shockproof, weatherproof, and stain resistant. The screen is unlikely to break if it falls. On the other hand, this makes a GPS device a little heavier than a smartphone.
  • AUTONOMY: GPS batteries have a long lifespan, unlike smartphones, which can last up to 4 hours. It is important to reserve the battery life of the smartphone for emergency calls.
  • DISPLAY: The screen of a GPS is easy to read even in sunlight and easy to use even with gloves.
  • SAFETY: In an emergency, when the smartphone battery is empty and you cannot make an emergency call, the GPS can send an emergency alarm with your location.
  • COST: Downloading an app on your smartphone costs much less than downloading a GPS device.