Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 alternative.

[Grumpy Old Duffer]

I'm looking for an alternative 'unit' to use when I'm out and about Geocaching instead of my Samsung Tablet as the Tablet, although it does exactly what I want (without any Network costs ), is quite a bulky unit to use.

 

I was looking to get into the 21st century by buying a Smart Phone (was looking at the Huawei Ascend G620S) so I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone, by replacing my existing PAYG mobile phone (I only spend about £10 every 6 weeks) and use a PAYG Smart Phone to use for Geocaching instead of my Tablet.

 

Carphone Warehouse advise me that if I use the GPS features on any Smart Phone I will be charged for Data download useage which I don't want. In effect I want a smaller unit (about 5") than the Samsung Tab and be able to use it when Geocaching without being charged.

 

Anyone got any suggestions for a smaller alternative to a 7" Tablet?

 

G.O.D. (UK)

[+niraD]

I don't know how the phone system is set up in the UK, or what charges you may or may not incur, but I have used a few Android geocaching apps in airplane mode. And I know people who even use old smartphones with no cell or data plan whatsoever for geocaching.

 

The GPS works just fine with no cell or data connection at all. You just have to be sure to download cache data (and possibly maps) while you still have a data connection (e.g., at home via wifi).

[+JohnCNA]

There is no data use when the GPS is turned on. What *does* use data is the corresponding map display downloads. If you only have the compass screen displayed, you won't be downloading any maps. To be sure your app isn't trying to download maps in the background, put your phone in airplane mode when you go caching. Some apps support downloading maps ahead of time while you're at home on your free WiFi. Then go to airplane mode when you go out.