How much data does navigation on a phone use?

[zoltan]

How much data you consume on average when using the phone for navigation? I have an old iPhone 8Plus doesn't support eSim. So looking at Lebara, Smarty or similar.

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I have started you a fresh thread.

Richard

 

[Wapping]

How much data you consume on average when using the phone for navigation?

Generally, 5-10 MB per hour for active navigation, depending on the level of detail on the map.

On average, Google Maps uses around 2.19MB of data for every hour you're on the road. For comparison, Spotify uses the same amount of data to play a three-minute song. If you have a 1GB data cap, it would take you over 457 hours of driving with Google Maps to reach your limit.

We've established that while GPS works without the internet, you will likely want internet access to get the most out of your software. That means you will need at least 1GB of data per month. However, 1GB is a minimum requirement – you will often want to invest in a little more data to avoid overage charges

According to various sources, Google Maps uses approximately 0.67MB of data per minute for navigation. This means that if you use the app for an hour, it will consume around 40MB of data. However, it is important to note that this number may vary depending on your location and network speed.

As of October 2020, the average amount of mobile data used by Apple Maps per 20 minutes was 1.83 MB, while Google maps used only 0.73 MB. Waze, which is also owned by Google, used the least amount at 0.23 MB per 20 minutes.

Different answers, as it depends on the app being used, amongst other things. But, it can be summed up as: Not a lot, mate.

 

[zoltan]

Thanks for that. I had similar Google results, I was interested more from somebody who actually had real life experience. Looks like 10 gig will suffice.

 

[trebor]

Thanks for that. I had similar Google results, I was interested more from somebody who actually had real life experience. Looks like 10 gig will suffice.

You used to be able to download the Google Maps for the area you were navigating (via WiFi) so it didn't use data when you were out on the road, that is how I used to use it when I was on a Pay as you go SIM. I'm not sure if you still can.

I also found Next was a good navigation tool, you can download maps for this. I've used it extensively abroad and found the maps to be very accurate.

 

[the woodster]

You used to be able to download the Google Maps for the area you were navigating (via WiFi) so it didn't use data when you were out on the road, that is how I used to use it when I was on a Pay as you go SIM. I'm not sure if you still can.

I also found Next was a good navigation tool, you can download maps for this. I've used it extensively abroad and found the maps to be very accurate.

You still can.

 

[jefformston]

Thanks for that. I had similar Google results, I was interested more from somebody who actually had real life experience. Looks like 10 gig will suffice.

Use something like Co-Pilot and it’s zero unless you have active traffic enabled.

 

[Paul Young]

You used to be able to download the Google Maps for the area you were navigating (via WiFi) so it didn't use data when you were out on the road, that is how I used to use it when I was on a Pay as you go SIM. I'm not sure if you still can.

I also found Next was a good navigation tool, you can download maps for this. I've used it extensively abroad and found the maps to be very accurate.

You still can.

As Mr Woodster said, and this was what I did for our trip to N. California last summer

Use something like Co-Pilot and it’s zero unless you have active traffic enabled.

My preference is Sygic as it has a useful display of speed vs speed limit for the road, plus an indicator of any upcoming speed limit changes for the road ahead. Especially useful in France where they seem to think you should automatically know the speed limit when there are often no signs indicating any change…

 

[snelly]

I used google maps in the truck for years; just plugged it in and unplugged to to go home; i did'nt need it to tell me which way to go;; but if my arrival time changed it meant there was a proplem futher on; stop ; and a quick look pointed out where and how far away the hold up was enabling me to either press on or divert; the phone is samsung s6 and i'am fingering the pad now.

 

[Wapping]

Umpteen apps now allow the full downloading of maps and / or routes and their use off line. This weekend in France, I used MyRoute’s downloaded maps (they cover most of the civilised world….. and Scotland) and their downloaded routes, all on my S10 Samsung phone in flight mode. I amended one of the routes when I was away, using the hotel’s pretty fast wi-fi connection.

Whether it’s actually worth it for the very small data usesge, that running a route requires, is debatable.

 

[MrC99]

Especially useful in France where they seem to think you should automatically know the speed limit when there are often no signs indicating any change…

We're just as bad in the UK TBH. 30 mph for streetlit areas must confuse loads of foreigners (seems to confuse a load of UK drivers as well). At least the French are consistent with their 50 kph at the village signs unless otherwise signed.

 

[Bigcats]

Its tiny the amount of data it uses

I would

Download the offline maps for the areas I will be in.....this will then reduce when you need when on the road

Then use the data for live traffic (which is tiny)

 

[zoltan]

My preference is Sygic as it has a useful display of speed vs speed limit for the road, plus an indicator of any upcoming speed limit changes for the road ahead.

This is a pay service, not free. Useful for the duration of the trip.

https://help.sygic.com/en/sygic-gps... for the premium,places, and to create routes.

 

[Santa-2512]

If you pm me i can send you a referral code for a giff gaff sim
There on a rolling monthly basis, but you can stop at at any time. With a referal code you get free credit

I use a rolling £10 top up.
20gb + 2gb

I went to to Sids and back. And never even put a dent in the allowance nav only.

I dont use the web abroad
That is expensive!

 

[Paul Young]

This is a pay service, not free. Useful for the duration of the trip.

https://help.sygic.com/en/sygic-gps-navigation-android/premium/difference-between-free-and-premium#:~:text=Without paying for the premium,places, and to create routes.

They appear to have changed their offering since I started with it. I have a lifetime premium licence which I paid a one-off fee for, and it has all the features I need and none of the premium+ ones that I don’t.

Sygic Support Center | Difference between Premium lifetime and Premium+ subscription

Our Support Team has prepared this brand new website to better serve you, all aimed at delivering the help you need as quickly as possible.

help.sygic.com

 

[John Armstrong]

We're just as bad in the UK TBH. 30 mph for streetlit areas must confuse loads of foreigners (seems to confuse a load of UK drivers as well). At least the French are consistent with their 50 kph at the village signs unless otherwise signed.

IIRC, in France, there has to be a sign to tell you what to do / can't do, so on the Autoroutes they will have a "Cedez le passage" on every slip road. Something to do with their legal code, also IIRC.

 

[Wapping]

Let’s not get hung up over the display of speed limits and the complexities of French (or any countries’) road signs and traffic laws, in a thread about data usage when navigating.

 

[steve hughes]

Let’s not get hung up over the display of speed limits and the complexities of French (or any countries’) road signs and traffic laws, in a thread about data usage when navigating.

You are right Richard, now lets talk about the 20’s by me. My recent Garmin update reflects the new limits its sooooper

 

[Wapping]

It is perhaps funny that bods demand a phone and navigation apps / devices that:

Take them from A to B, down twisty roads, no motorways. All at the touch of a button, with no more input than that. And, then be guided along it, with recalculations made instantly should they ever go off route by as much as 10 yards.

Make / receive phone calls on the move.

Receive texts, emails, WhatsApp notifications on the move.

Tell them where their friends are.

Tell their wife where they are hooning.

Play / stream music.

And much more besides, none of which have anything to with the simple task of riding a motorcycle and / or the comparatively simple task of riding along a line on an electronic map display. It’s all nothing but ‘infotainment’ for people who demand to be ‘in contact’ 24/7 and ‘entertained’ * because the simple pleasure of riding a motorcycle just isn’t good enough any more. Most if not all of these things require data. Bods then get into a flat spin about data, when they travel across 25 miles of water from Dover to Calais.

If you really are that bothered about it. Turn your phone off and buy a conventional GPS device, like a Garmin or TomTom. People used these for years, just as they do now….. as they use no data. Or, if GPS devices are just a complex rip-off, when your ‘must have’ smart phone does it all; then learn how your bloody ‘infotainment’ navigating £1000 smart phone works… or just buy a map, a sheet of paper and a pencil.



* These are often the same people who moan all day about kids being glued to their phones.

 

[zoltan]

It is perhaps funny that bods demand a phone and navigation apps / devices that:

Take them from A to B, down twisty roads, no motorways. All at the touch of a button, with no more input than that. And, then be guided along it, with recalculations made instantly should they ever go off route by as much as 10 yards.

Make / receive phone calls on the move. No interested

Receive texts, emails, WhatsApp notifications on the move. No interested

Tell them where their friends are. Fuck Them

Tell their wife where they are hooning. She should mind her own business

Play / stream music. No interested

And much more besides, none of which have anything to with the simple task of riding a motorcycle and / or the comparatively simple task of riding along a line on an electronic map display. It’s all nothing but ‘infotainment’ for people who demand to be ‘in contact’ 24/7 and ‘entertained’ * because the simple pleasure of riding a motorcycle just isn’t good enough any more. Most if not all of these things require data. Bods then get into a flat spin about data, when they travel across 25 miles of water from Dover to Calais.

If you really are that bothered about it. Turn your phone off and buy a conventional GPS device, like a Garmin or TomTom. People used these for years, just as they do now….. as they use no data. Or, if GPS devices are just a complex rip-off, when your ‘must have’ smart phone does it all; then learn how your bloody ‘infotainment’ navigating £1000 smart phone works… or just buy a map, a sheet of paper and a pencil. I have those as well



* These are often the same people who moan all day about kids being glued to their phones.

Still using an BMW Adventure GPS (no Bluetooth), which replaced the Navigator 3 which replaced the Street Pilot (almost £1500 back in 2000). So I was an early adopter. Why change if it works. For the future Chigee or a Caroe Iter looks like a good alternative. Two different options. Now calm down and have an espresso.

 

[Wapping]

Bods with the new Chines CarPlay things, will be worrying about the data useage on their phones. Trust me.

PS Street Pilot? You were late to the game, mate.