Smartphone Sat-nav Test

Which sat-nav software works best on your phone? We look at five top choices.

Auto Express Car Reviews

June 2007

Satellite navigation remains the kit to have in 2007, but it's one of many 'essential' gadgets you have to carry round with you. So you can lighten the load by equipping your smartphone with one of the latest sat-nav programs - after all, not many of us travel very far without our mobile these days.

We tried five systems on a range of phones, and were generally quite impressed with the way they worked. Some mobiles feature a built-in GPS receiver, which is more convenient and saves buying a separate Bluetooth device. These have to be positioned on the dash, and cost between £30 and £60. However, all this software drains batteries, so you'll need a 12-volt car adaptor for longer journeys.

Prices given are for stand-alone products, but many providers now offer complete packages with the smartphone and sat-nav software. Before buying, check manufacturers' websites for compatible mobiles.

The Test

We repeated our portable sat-nav test from Issue 957 by examining six POI (points of interest) categories on each set-up. These include cash machines, hotels, restaurants etc - but bear in mind many are sponsored, by a hotel or fast food chain for example, so you don't always get a full list of local amenities.

All the software had a seven-figure postcode search, so we checked four sample addresses to rate accuracy. Then, out on the road, we looked for quick routing and re-routing, clearly spoken directions and an informative screen.

Verdict

All these programs were very capable. The Wayfinder's maps would always be up-to-date, but the POIs here needed work. And a mapping error counted against the TomTom software.

The Mio was great value for Continental travellers, and ideal if you didn't need traffic information. If the Garmin price was confirmed at, say, around £85, it would have won. But for overall UK use, the CoPilot is best.

1. CoPilot Live 6
2. Garmin Mobile for Smartphones
3. Mio Map V3