TomTom for Android Review: Offline Navigation and Its Limits
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Why offline navigation
Google Navigation does its heavy lifting on Google servers, so it needs a constant connection. That means expensive roaming for anyone who drives across the border. With the big three carriers refusing unlimited data, saving data and battery also mattered. TomTom’s app keeps maps on the device, so no connection is needed, and it can be used abroad if the right regional version is bought.
Versions and cost
Each regional version was a separate app in Google Play, priced from $37.99 for Canada and Alaska to $74.99 for all of Europe. The US and Canada version cost $49.99. These were one-time charges. After install the app downloads its map data, and the US and Canada edition used more than 2 GB of internal storage.
Using the app
The main screen shows an over-the-shoulder view with an arrow. Tapping anywhere except the bottom opens the main menu, while the bottom opens volume controls, which took the reviewer a while to work out. The menu offers navigating, changing the route, viewing the map, advanced planning and settings.
Live traffic was a paid extra: $2.99 for one month or $19.99 for a year. That surprised the reviewer, as Google does not charge for it.
Destination choices include Home, Favourites, Address, Recent Destination, Local Search, Points of Interest, Points of Map and Contact. The points of interest list is more comprehensive than anything in Google Navigation.
Problems found
- Search failed on a small post office. Searching for one inside a convenience store returned nothing, though Google Navigation could not do that either.
- Too many menu layers. After typing a name and pressing Enter on the keyboard, the Next button still had to be tapped. Several times the reviewer waited on a search that never started.
- Weak search. Google Navigation finds a business with one search. In TomTom, finding a business in another city could take a long chain: Local Search, Search in City, region, city name, business name, Next, then select the result, confirm the start point and tap Go.
- Slow and unstable. The reviewer used a Nexus S, as the app did not support HD screens at the time. It froze at times, with the arrow staying still while the car moved. Restarting fixed it, and the route was kept.
What worked
- Many voices in several languages, though most sounded artificial. Only the Advanced voices sounded good.
- Current speed shown beside the speed limit, useful for anyone unused to miles per hour.
- Traffic information on the side, showing accidents and roadwork relative to position and destination.
Verdict
The reviewer liked the idea but said the slowdowns, complicated menus, big files and crashes caused headaches. TomTom said an update for HD screens was due by the end of the year. It may suit people worried about data use or who travel to the United States often, ideally on a capable phone with external storage. The reviewer kept using Google Navigation on a 6 GB data plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does it need a data connection?
No. Maps are stored on the phone, though live traffic needed a subscription.
How much space did it need?
The US and Canada maps used more than 2 GB.
Is the app reviewed here still current?
No. This describes the first Android release, and prices and features have changed.