Deciding on the choice of the best navigator for an Android tablet or smartphone is not such a simple matter. There are many factors to consider, including whether the program itself is suitable for the selected tablet model. There are incredibly many questions about this, for example, which navigator is better, what functions it should have, and much more. In this article we will describe in detail the criteria for choosing the right assistant for your tablet, as well as the features of installing and configuring it.
Main functionality of the navigator
The best navigator should be excellent in all respects. Essentially, this will be a device on which your safety depends. It’s easy to get lost on unknown roads, and an inconvenient navigator that can’t show you the right path to your destination won’t be that good. What exactly should a good navigation app have?
- Convenient operating system. Look at different tablet options and read reviews specifically about the OS. Screenshots will also help you determine whether this particular operating system will be convenient to use.
- Constant firmware updates. Buy an application that has regular updates. This will also help you in future trips and travels. In addition, this significantly improves the stability of the navigator, and this is perhaps even more important than updated maps. The latest version often contains additions with maps in Russian.
- Do not buy a navigator for Android without the Internet. It is ideal to take one that has the ability to install a 3G connection. Remember that it is better to buy a high-quality, but more expensive gadget than a cheaper one, but with consequences.
- High screen resolution, viewing angles. An important factor that will help you stay focused on the road, but at the same time understand where the navigator is pointing. It is also advisable to purchase a device whose screen will be equipped with an anti-glare coating.
- Good "filling". A tablet with GPS is the main requirement for direct navigation work; it must also have a powerful processor, a decent amount of RAM and built-in memory that can handle any software perfectly. All of the listed factors are very important for any good navigator, because without them, comfortable work will be impossible.
Additional navigator features
Of course, powerful hardware, a good screen and similar factors are important, but there are still some without which navigator control will not be as user-friendly.
- For example, one of the important factors will be access to 3G and, accordingly, SIM cards. If you have already decided to buy yourself a tablet that will be used for navigation, then the ideal option for you would be to purchase a tablet that can always access the Internet to receive updates.
- GPS chip. This type of device must house a chip rather than receive location data over the Internet. A GPS connection to your location will be much more accurate and faster, which is exactly what you need for a tablet computer with navigation functionality.
- High processor frequency. As in individual navigators and tablets prepared for them, processor frequency plays a special role. Essentially, it is responsible for the frequency of data updates. If the processor on your device is weak, then the navigation system's response to the road will be very weak. A good device should be equipped with at least 2 cores with a frequency of 1.5 Ghz.
However, there are a lot of different navigation programs for tablets. Which ones are the best?
Popular navigation programs
We will provide you with a list of the most popular and best navigators for Android, so that you can independently choose the option that will be best for you. To simplify the task, the advantages and disadvantages of each application will be given below.
iGO
Indeed, this is one of the best navigator programs for Android. It provides the most accurate data to drivers and travelers. Everything is great, everything is convenient. Many gadgets use this application as proprietary software precisely due to its functionality. Of course, there are some disadvantages, but they are very few.
A high price almost always becomes an obstacle for buyers who want to save on such a purchase. It is possible to determine the optimal route between several points. In addition, the manufacturers did their best and produced three-dimensional images of many roads, buildings, as well as main landmarks. The special TMC service, which is especially loved by many drivers, reports possible traffic jams on highways and even small roads, calculating a more convenient route.
Pros:
- highest quality navigation system;
- compatible with a large number of devices;
- convenient Windows CE;
- the ability to 3D view roads and streets;
- TMC service support;
- simple interface.
Minuses:
- high price;
- irregular update system.
Not bad, but far from the best navigation system. It has both advantages and a lot of disadvantages. Well, firstly, it is installed in most navigators that are sold in our country. Navitel stores a huge number of maps of both Russia and other cities, which is a very convenient option.
However, in order to purchase other cards, you literally need to purchase them for a special subscription, the cost of which is shown to its customers exclusively in dollars. On the one hand, developers want to make money on their application, but they are too arrogant. If we evaluate the system requirements of the device, it is important to say right away that it supports work with various operating systems, ranging from the old Android 1.6 to the latest, recently released version 6 of the Android 5.1 operating system. But the screen has its own problems. There are not so many supported screen resolutions, and those that are supported do not show such a high-quality picture, especially in detailed view mode.
It is extremely inconvenient and causes a lot of negative reviews against Navitel. In terms of functionality, there are practically no questions - all the main functions work with a bang, without any restrictions in cost or anything like that. If the user buys, then he buys a high-quality, reliable navigator. The simple and clear interface fits perfectly with most screens and is very convenient. There are no complaints about him either.
The most pleasant and original thing is that a very large number of buildings in 3D viewing mode are drawn with high quality. It becomes intuitively clear which building is located at a given point. Overall a good navigation system, however, the developers are too greedy.
Pros:
- support for a large number of OS;
- high-quality detailed maps;
- simple interface;
- all the most basic functions are supported.
Minuses:
- cost of cards;
- a large number of unsupported screen resolutions.
The cheap and still developing navigation system Yandex.Navigator entered the world market relatively recently, namely four years ago, in 2012. Of course, a lot can be achieved in 4 years, however, this is not about the Russian Yandex system. A large selection of various functions that are more suitable as an addition to it, and not as the main functions - this is what is included in the peculiar “stuffing” of this system.
A simple, intuitive interface, without any special features. The 3D mode isn't really 3D. Some objects simply rise up in comparison with the others and it becomes clear where the road is and where the tall building is. However, given that we don't have many skyscraper buildings, this feature is not that useful. The satellite mode is also not particularly high quality. The picture is so-so, outdated. But there is a useful function that shows where traffic jams are and how to avoid them. Incredibly useful thing. But that's probably all.
Pros:
- simple interface;
- clear maps
- TMC interface (shows traffic jams);
- There is hope that it will continue to develop.
Minuses:
- low-quality satellite 3D map modes;
- Many important features are missing.
Waze
In general, it’s hard to say that this is a full-fledged navigation system. This is more like another additional and very useful function for the navigator. What does it include? Information about many different establishments and buildings. Basically, Waze gets all its information from Wikipedia, which means the information is pretty reliable.
If you're traveling through an unfamiliar area and want to know where to stop, grab a bite to eat, or just spend an hour or two, then Waze's navigator is a great help. The maps are poorly designed, to put it mildly, there is no 3D mode, and many important functions are missing. The best option would be to install such an application as an additional application to existing ones.
Pros:
- special design;
- the ability to find any small eatery on the map;
- universal search.
Minuses:
- incredibly few navigation system functions;
- interface is too childish;
- lack of a huge number of functions.
Useful, interesting and, surprisingly, easy navigator program. osmAnd itself provides its users with a huge number of navigation options, including the basic ones that relate to updated maps and satellite views, as well as a very interesting, but at the same time clear interface. Simple, but tasteful. However, it is better to purchase the osmAnd version rather than looking for hacked ones. Its cost is not so high - 199 rubles, but the benefits are incredibly many. With its help, you can not only find the desired place on the map, but also learn many interesting facts and reviews about it. The ability to work without the Internet is also a good feature. We recommend installing the OsmAnd application.
Pros:
- powerful, but at the same time lightweight;
- low cost;
- quality information;
- regularly updated maps;
- ability to work offline.
Minuses:
- no 3D maps;
- irregular updates of the application itself.
Conclusion
From the proposed options, you can easily decide which navigator is best for an Android device and what main functions it should stand out. Of course, there can be a lot of suitable options for navigation systems. We recommend that you buy a high-performance tablet and install additional software on it. We strongly recommend installing OsmAnd, which is full of various features,If you want to enjoy all the features but at a higher price, the best option would be iGO, which supports many gadget models.
For many, using a navigator on their Android device becomes quite problematic, since most navigation applications require a constant Internet connection. Constantly reloading new maps with your navigator not only consumes Internet traffic, but also drains the device's battery power.
If you want to save on traffic and not waste battery power, it is best to use navigation applications that do not require an active Internet connection on the device. Fortunately, today there are a large number of them, and in this review we will look at the most popular of them.
The Navitel navigator has gained great popularity in the CIS countries. It was this navigator that many smartphone manufacturers included in the factory firmware of their devices. However, unlike MAPS.ME, the application is not free.
From the very beginning, the development company adhered to a strict policy according to which the user must pay for everything good. Therefore, in order to use maps from Navitel, you will first have to purchase them.
Each card is sold separately. For example, you can pay only for topographical data of your city, or buy a map of the place you are going to travel to. In the future, purchased and downloaded maps can be used for offline navigation. You can also rent cards. This will be convenient if you have to travel abroad and the cards are needed for a short period of time.
The only thing worth criticizing the application for is its not the most convenient interface on devices with a screen of 5 inches or larger. All descriptions become small and difficult to read. If you just stand and look at the route, you simply don’t notice this drawback, however, when the device is mounted in a holder on the windshield or panel of the car, problems may arise with the perception of information on the display.
You can download the latest version of the Navitel navigator from the official website of the developer or on the Google Play page.
Navmii Free GPS
Navmii is a free navigation app that you can use without an internet connection.
However, the application is not completely free and for an additional fee you can get access to some useful functions. For example, you can pay for a service that enables the ability to use voice commands to make navigation easier. Viewing traffic on the roads is also available for a fee.
The disadvantages include not the best optimization and stability of the application. Many users complain about constant freezes and crashes during work. In addition, I would like to note the appearance of the maps themselves, which is much worse than in other navigators.
You can download the latest version of Navmii for Android at .
The free navigation app MAPS.ME is currently one of the best in its category. The navigator is constantly being improved, and the maps in the database are regularly updated. At the same time, routes are precisely lined up with absolute precision in any place, even in the most remote Russian village.
All that is required to configure the navigator is to download the necessary maps of cities and regions. In total, topographic data from 345 countries has been loaded into the database, the total volume of which is about 100 GB.
MAPS.ME requires Android 4.0 or higher operating system.
The free navigation app Sygic GPS Navigation uses the highest quality maps developed by TomTom. The navigator downloads maps and uses them for navigation without using an Internet connection.
The application can inform the driver about police posts on the roads and approaching cameras that record speeding. It is also possible to plot a route, excluding toll roads. What will be especially useful if the navigator is used abroad.
You can download the latest version of the navigator for your Android device from.
The MapDroyd navigator can work without the Internet in any region. It is distinguished by its freeness and speed of work. The maps are detailed and easily scaled.
Unfortunately, there is no search feature in the maps, and most likely it will never appear again, since the development and support of the navigator has long been discontinued. Therefore, I would like to recommend this navigator primarily to owners of old smartphones using an earlier version of Android.
You can download the latest version of MapDroyd and maps on the 4pda forum.
Conclusion
We've reviewed some of the best Android navigators with offline support. The review included both new and old applications that still do not lose their relevance.
When choosing an application for navigation, you need to be guided not only by the appearance of its interface, but also by the quality of optimization and functionality. Good luck on your journey!
Even an experienced driver finds it difficult to plan a route, because there may be traffic jams, repair work and other unpredictable obstacles along the way. Why waste time looking for a solution to a problem if you have already encountered it? The problem can be easily solved if the tablet has a special one for the navigator.
Not only motorists, but also cyclists and tourists who visit an unfamiliar city encounter such troubles. And in everyday life, for ordinary residents of populated areas, the utility will serve faithfully when searching for cafes, libraries, schools, businesses and shops, but you never know what kind of object the user is looking for - with the navigation program he will even find an interesting object to photograph.
A modern tablet is a super-compact and universal support in everyday life. Thanks to it, you can always be fully armed and even use it as a navigator. Many companies produce their gadgets with built-in GPS sensors, which can be used without connecting to the Internet.
The GPS module connects to a satellite, which calculates the current location of the user or object and plots the best route. The device already has everything you need for work: maps of countries, a navigation program for Android and a sensor for communicating with a satellite.
The main condition for using navigation functions is a GPS sensor, which is equipped with a significant number of gadgets. If there is no such module, then the service is only possible when connected to a mobile network. Naturally, the service will be paid, the cost is determined by the mobile operator. Many modern tablet models already have built-in unlimited data, and it’s also cheap.
If for some reason the user does not like the provided navigation utility or it is not provided at all, then the user can independently select the program, guided by our statistics. By downloading the paid or free version, you get an excellent service that will work in any situation.
The preference for GPS applications for the Android mobile platform is varied, but I would like to focus on the best. So what are the characteristics of a high-quality and feature-rich navigation system?
Technical characteristics of the navigation program
- Multifunctionality: punctuality in maps of almost any city (depending on the country), calculation of an acceptable route, taking into account the traffic situation.
- Great speed and smoothness of work, convenient control over the actions of the device.
- A convenient way to search for various types of objects: gas stations, cafes, pharmacies, service stations, and so on.
- Russian language support, voice support is also possible.
List of the best navigation utilities
Navitel
According to statistics, the best program for a navigator is Navitel; it is chosen by the majority of users of gadgets with the Android operating system. It was prepared by the Navitel Center for Navigation Technologies corporation. To connect to it there is no need for the Internet, the only important thing is the presence of a GPS module. If the local network is available, then a number of other unpaid services are opened for the user: Navitel traffic jams, friends, events, SMS, weather and timely updates of attractions in settlements.
The Navitel utility is compatible with any version of Android OS and a number of other mobile platforms. Free period of use - 30 days without any limit. To download, a minimum of 45 MB of memory space is required, excluding cards. Let's say a map of Russia weighs about 1100 MB, of Ukraine - 230 MB.
In addition to the navigator, Navitel for tablets recommends using the voice route guidance service, searching for the coordinates of friends on maps, and many other functions.
Possibilities:
- instant information about the situation on the roadway thanks to the “Traffic” service;
- flexible and customizable algorithm for finding ideal path directions;
- notification of the driver about approaching the speed control system “SPEEDCAM”;
- convenient search on maps of various objects, additionally dynamic POI service.
OsmAnd
Of the variety of navigators that support various versions of platforms starting from 1.6, it is worth highlighting OsmAnd. It does not require an Internet connection to operate, although the system operates in online and offline modes. You just need to install the apk file and drop maps of cities of any country into the folder with the program. The version is completely Russian-language, free, and has a set of detailed maps with databases of many large Russian cities available for free download. The disadvantages include a smaller number of functions compared to the classic Navitel GPS navigator.
Possibilities:
- voluminous and detailed maps of areas, they contain information about almost all objects: enterprises, shops, private houses, pharmacies, kiosks, etc.;
- information about city enterprises is up-to-date and verified: addresses, telephone numbers, websites, opening hours, etc.;
- determining the user's location on the map;
- the Taxi Navigator program is an ideal solution for automating the work of a taxi control room;
- two- and three-dimensional visualization of maps from DublGis - assistance is provided in choosing a route on public transport, information is received about the traffic situation, etc.
MAPS.ME
MAPS.ME is a free young service that boldly stands on par with the leaders in this category. In the software application you can find a map to any country in the world. The built-in GPS module determines the user's location. The utility is free, has a basic set of capabilities, and works in offline mode. It is also important to consider the significant disadvantage of the program. Most features are only available online.
Possibilities:
- determines location using GPS, as well as Wi-Fi access points and mobile operator stations;
- shows a map of the city, takes satellite images of the area;
- lays out the travel route, it is possible to automatically rebuild the path in case of various deviations;
- searches for information about city enterprises and organizations using databases;
- provides data on public transport and its routes.
iGO
The iGO utility is a high-quality navigation system, developed under the motto “I go wherever I want.” Actually, this is exactly what iGO stands for - “I go my way”. This is a paid product of the Hungarian company NNG Global Service. The program accepts various platform releases, about 40 languages, and has an extensive database of maps, but they must be downloaded separately. The utility is capable of making new calculations of the route to the destination at any time if there are deviations from the previously compiled route. The disadvantage of the utility is obvious; its developers rarely update maps. In addition, some small Russian cities are not on the list of proposed maps at all.
Possibilities:
- reliable calculation of the required route, right down to indicating the building and entrance;
- display of relief in three-dimensional visualization;
- clear and convenient user interface;
- simple search on maps for POIs and other objects;
- voice guidance is supported in 40 languages, including Russian;
- iGO Primo Truck is a special navigator function designed for large vehicles;
- Flexibility in settings, high speed.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages and positive qualities of a gadget equipped with a navigation system are obvious. But it is also worth highlighting some imperfections. Tablets are produced in relatively large sizes, so they cannot be installed on the windshield, as the devices will limit the view.
Another disadvantage is the high energy consumption of the navigation system. If you plan to take the tablet on a long trip, where it will be impossible to charge the gadget in a timely manner, it is recommended to purchase an additional battery.
Conclusion
Which OS navigation program is the most suitable? Each user will choose his own, but it is important to note that the ideal utility does not exist. Any GPS navigator has its advantages and disadvantages, but only the user will have to choose the ideal navigator. We advise you to personally try each of the options and not rely on outside opinions.
This is one of the best offline navigation apps. From version to version, new functions appear in it, and today it can lay out ordinary and pedestrian routes, has highly detailed maps and excellent operating speed. The application is completely free and does not contain any restrictions on the number of maps you can download - you can download the whole world if your smartphone’s storage capacity allows it.
OsmAnd
In this application, the source of map information is the OpenStreetMap project, which exists and is filled with data thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers from around the world. The usefulness of this application may depend on the place where it is used, since in some regions it knows the location of literally every object, even shops and monuments, while in others it has difficulty displaying only the main streets. The free version allows you to download maps for ten different countries, which is quite enough in most cases. Some additional functions are implemented in OsmAnd using plugins, which also need to be downloaded separately. Overall, OsmAnd is a powerful application with a lot of features, but with a somewhat confusing interface.
City Maps 2Go
This app's maps and data are stored on your device, so you can access them at any time, including offline. All functions such as address search, reviewing and GPS location can work without Internet access. Although the map data is also drawn from the OpenStreetMap project, I found the map detail in this application to be a little less detailed than in the previous one. allows you to search for addresses, attractions, points of interest offline, but does not have a navigation function. An interesting feature of this application is its integration with Wikipedia, so you can always get additional information about the places that interest you.
Google Maps
We can talk about the main mapping application for Android for a very long time, since it has a huge number of different functions. However, in light of this review, we're most interested in offline use. It was possible to download map sections in this application before, and more recently the developers added full-fledged navigation and search for objects without an Internet connection. So now Google Maps can be safely used abroad while roaming or in places where an Internet connection is not available.
