As a Digital Nomad who relies heavily on my smartphone for navigation and location tracking, I often wonder about the capabilities of my device. One of the questions that frequently comes to mind is whether or not smartphones have built-in GPS. In this article, I will address this question and provide some additional information related to GPS functionality on smartphones.
I can confidently say that all modern smartphones have an A-GPS (Assisted GPS) chip built into them. However, not all smartphones use this feature, so it’s essential to inquire about the presence of a full, autonomous A-GPS that is user-accessible when looking for a new device. The best configuration for users is when a smartphone supports this feature, although some phones may only offer limited A-GPS capabilities.
Both Android and iPhones come equipped with a built-in GPS system, making them some of the most advanced GPS locators and trackers available on the market. The GPS system on your phone is entirely independent, which means you can obtain GPS coordinates even without a data or internet connection. This is particularly useful when traveling to remote areas or places with poor network coverage.
If you are considering using your phone as an A-GPS, Android phones are an excellent choice. They are cost-effective since you don’t need to invest in additional trackers or IoT devices. Any old or in-use smartphone can serve as an efficient GPS tracker, eliminating the need for purchasing a new device specifically for this purpose.
One common question that arises is whether GPS works without service or a SIM card. Fortunately, GPS functionality on smartphones does not rely on an internet connection. You can use GPS navigation and receive GPS coordinates without data or an internet connection on both Android and iOS devices.
However, if you want to send GPS location from one device to another, such as from your GPS tracker to your phone, you will need a SIM card for communication between the two devices. The data is typically sent via SMS from your tracker to your phone, thanks to the SIM card.
When it comes to data usage, using navigation apps on your phone does consume some amount of mobile data. The exact amount varies depending on the level of detail on the map. On average, active navigation can use around 5-10 MB of data per hour. However, you have the option to download maps on Wi-Fi for offline use, which eliminates the need for mobile data while navigating.
To activate GPS on your phone, follow these steps on an Android device:
– Go to the ‘Settings’ menu.
– Look for and tap on ‘Location’ or ‘Location services.’
– Enable or disable your phone’s GPS by toggling the ‘Location’ option.
Regarding the legality of using your phone as a GPS in the UK, it is strictly prohibited to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device capable of sending or receiving data while driving or riding a motorcycle. This includes tasks like texting, making calls, taking photos or videos, and browsing the web.
In terms of non-conventional smartphones, there are devices available that do not come with a GPS module or built-in cameras. These devices prioritize user privacy by removing features that could compromise it. However, the vast majority of smartphones in the market come equipped with GPS capabilities, which are crucial for navigation and location tracking.
In conclusion, smartphones do have built-in GPS functionality, making them powerful tools for navigation and location tracking. Whether you are a Digital Nomad or an everyday user, having access to GPS on your smartphone can greatly enhance your travel experiences and provide peace of mind.