As phones continue to develop and grow in their sheer multi-tool usefulness, it has come as no surprise that most people now use their smartphone as their chief navigation device. And why not? Almost everyone already has a smartphone readily available, many cars now connect automatically to them, and there are some great free navigation apps to choose from. Despite all this, there are still those of us who prefer the ‘old school’ aspect of dedicated sat navs; the tried and tested technology that has seen us reach destination after destination without fear of running out of battery or data.
So, if you’re in the market for a new navigation device, which should you go for? The sat nav or your trusty phone?
Phones are so handy though...
Both options have their pros and cons, but on the surface of it, the phone should be the obvious choice, right? Well, continuing to use your smartphone is, on paper, much easier to do, often cheaper and readily available. However, you must consider that, unless your new vehicle comes with ApplePlay or Android Auto, then you are also going to need a suitable phone cradle. It can take a few attempts to get the right one, particularly one that will hold the phone securely while also allowing it to charge. Thankfully, Arnold Clark Autoparts has a universal mobile phone holder available here, and an anti-slip mat here.
Sat nav and smartphone law
It’s important to bear in mind that in 2021, new laws were introduced to further smartphone usage while driving. Previously, it was illegal to hold your smartphone to make calls or texts while driving. However, the new law closed a loophole that meant you could scroll through playlists, take a photo, or even play games.
Now, you’re not allowed to hold your phone for any purpose while driving, even if you’re at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. You can, however, still use your device hands-free.
So, it’s legal to use a smartphone as a sat nav, but only if it’s held in a cradle which most phones don’t arrive with, as mentioned above.
Connectivity
Another key aspect about phones is their connectivity. The navigation apps you get on your phone already have access to the internet, as, well, it’s already on your phone. This means that those directions you’re getting are often completely up to date with adjustments for traffic, roadworks, or even just new roads that have been built. This can be a huge benefit not only when you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar, but for your daily commute as well; knowing that you should avoid your normal route because traffic is jammed can be a real lifesaver.
However, this feature is a bit of a double-edged sword. Using your phone like this is going to drain your data and, if your phone isn’t connected to the car, your battery.
Plus, what happens when you find yourself in an area with no mobile phone signal? This is something a dedicated sat nav doesn’t have to worry about.
What do sat navs offer?
Your typical sat nav is an encyclopaedia of road maps and optimal routes, which means you don’t need to worry about your navigation abandoning you while you’re in the Highlands and signal is scarce. You also have the added benefit of using something that has been specifically designed with navigation in mind – with a much larger screen, louder speakers to hear the directions, and an interface that is easier to use while behind the wheel. Take the Mio Pilot European Car Sat Nav – it offers lifetime map updates, multiple route options, lane guidance, speed alert and more.
And if you’re looking to spend a bit more money, you could consider the BMW Sat Nav VI for prepared models. With a large 5-inch touchscreen, it offers optimal readability while the optional smartphone link offers real-time traffic information and up-to-date weather reports. Other features include an option to avoid built-up areas, country roads, improved route planning, music streaming and more.
But does all this justify what might be a costly addition for your car? Well, there’s one aspect of sat navs that can absolutely make the difference for longer journeys: specific route planning. But what does that mean? Well, how many times has your navigation tried to send you, in your large SUV or camper van, down a dirt road not much larger than bike path? Now imagine how difficult, and how often, this must happen to LGV drivers. Having a sat nav that is specifically planning for ‘larger roads’ can save a lot of headaches and, more importantly, time.
Finally, for many new vehicles these days, there is an expectation for a sat nav to be included. So, if the sat nav is already there, then there’s no real downside to using it and saving on phone data.
At the end of the day, when it comes to directions, it really depends on what you are comfortable with. Even within specific apps and sat navs, how they give you directions, the routes they pick, can vary wildly. So, we recommend giving them all a try, see what works for you and stick to it.
Check out our range of affordable sat navs at Autoparts and see if there’s one that will work for you.
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