Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

Not sure whether to post this here or in car forum.
I have now got a Samsung galaxy 6 mobile. I've found out how to set it up as a sat nav but have a couple of questions.

Is it ok to use the mobile as a sat nav or is a stand alone sat nav better.

My mobile contract has only a 500 mb allowance at present but I can increase it to a 4 gb allowance. Will that give me enough data allowance.
I presume that if the mobile is being used as a sat nav I will have to plug it into a car charger as the mobile will use battery quickly if used as sat nav.

The sat nav will only be used occasionally.

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

If you are to use it on a regular basis I'd buy a sat-nav.

Regular use may see your allowance disappear quite quickly.

I've used mine when needed and it's good for the job but I
prefer the real thing.


Just noticed you mentioned occasionally.


It's more than adequate for the job.

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

I'd buy a proper sat nav as its not unknown for people to get fined for using a phone as one. It still counts as mobile phone usage when you are driving.

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

Only if you touch the phone whilst moving or stopped and the engine running.

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

You are probably correct but why take the risk ?

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

I'm not going to use the sat nav a lot but it did worry me about the data usage. Ive looked online and it says average data usage for people is about 3 gb per month. With my mobile contract I can bump up to 4 gb per month by dropping the text allowance from 1000 to 250 and spending extra £5. Per month

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

I've got unlimited texts and calls and 6gb of data, came close last month to using it too

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

I've been looking at this as an alternative.

http://www.halfords.com/technology/s...land-maps-2016

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

I* didn't realise, until now, it's actually breaking the law to even touch your mobile when driving

Even moving it from the seat to dash is illegal.

Re: Using a smartphone as Sat Nav

Indeed that's why I put mine in the boot now that way I can't accidentally touch it. Friend of ours got fined and he was just adjusting the tilt so he could see it better as he was stationary in traffic.