Is The GPS Making Way For The Smartphone?

GPS computers and watches have long been the go-to device for any cyclist and runner for a long time. However since the invention of the smartphone the GPS market has become increasingly more competitive. It's not that GPS' are inferior in any way it's just that now a smartphone can do everything a GPS can. If we factor that the cheapest GPS on the market is no less than $150 at the very basic level. When you compare specs to a smartphone the bang for the buck you get on a smartphone is far greater than that on a GPS. Smart phones have all the capabilities and features of a GPS including being able to display power meter data which until a couple years ago was impossible.

Of course using a smartphone does have disadvantages. Firstly it's battery life, you can expect a smartphone with GPS and Bluetooth on to last up to 4 hours with factors such as screen brightness apps running in the background affecting battery life. A specific GPS can last up to 8 hours, good enough for even the longest of races and sportives.

Secondly its durability, GPS computers and watches are designed to be rugged and as such are highly water resistant if not waterproof and the screen very durable. So remember that your phone will need a phone case and bike mount to be used safely during a ride or a jacket pocket during a run. Or, if you're up to date with technology you'll be using a smart watch or a computer that syncs data from your phone and displays it on the computer so your phone can stay safe in a pocket.

I think for many of us, we're looking more at using our phones to record training data for our rides and runs. That still doesn't remove the need for the sport specific watches and computers, they're still very practical pieces of kit for the weekend warrior to racer an essential.