Home › Reviews ›

Review: Garmin Asus Garminfone

Form Basics Extras Video Tour Wrap-Up Comments 17

Most Android phones so far have specialized in social networking, but the Garminfone takes a different tack to become the best navigation phone I've ever used. Even with the slight problems I had with the GPS signal (I do NOT live in Kentucky), once the phone found my spot, it had no trouble navigating through trips and helping me find nearby points of interest. The interface for navigation is much better than on any other phone I've used, almost identical to a Garmin portable nav device. Plus, between the extra apps Garmin provides and the excellent selection of location-based apps available from the Google App Market, the Garminfone offers the most robust platform for travelers, whether you're going near or far.

What surprised me was how much I liked the Garmin Breeze interface. It wasn't as customizable as the stock Android interface, and it lacked all the shortcuts and many of the features of the basic Android design, let alone HTC's excellent Sense UI. But it still looked very polished and clean, and I appreciate the way Garmin has simplified many of the features to avoid pop-up menus and hidden features. Everything you need is right up front, easy to tap quickly on the go.

There are some areas where the Garminfone is sorely lacking. The camera, though fine for its class, is heartbreaking for a phone so well-suited for globetrotters. Messaging features were just average, while the music player doesn't even measure up to the basic Android app. Battery life also should have been much better, though I appreciate the included car charger, which helped me keep the battery full while I was navigating.

It's too bad T-Mobile's Garminfone and Verizon's HTC Incredible can't mate and have perfect little children, but for the right user, the Garminfone is worth some sacrifice. If you really want a quality navigation device that's also a quality smartphone, the Garminfone is no slouch in either department. Just remember to bring your own camera, and maybe an iPod for some tunes.

Related

T-Mobile Will Carry Android Powered Garminfone

Apr 20, 2010
T-Mobile today announced upcoming availability of the Garminfone, a new Android tablet phone from Garmin. The Garminfone uses a 3.5-inch touchscreen, and seems to feature an interface similar to previous Garmin phones, such as the Garmin Nuvifone on AT&T.

iPhone 14 Plus Offers a Big Screen For Less

Sep 7, 2022
Apple has revealed the iPhone 14 series, with new features, improved specs, and new size options. In place of a Mini option, the iPhone 14 will come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen size options as the Pro models.

Qualcomm Taps Iridium for Satellite Connectivity

Jan 5, 2023
Qualcomm has revealed Snapdragon Satellite , the company's solution for connecting Android phones directly to satellites for truly global coverage. The feature uses the Iridium network, a satellite constellation that has has been in operation for 25 years.

Asus Goes Big with Zenfone 11 Ultra

Mar 14, 2024
Asus has revealed its latest global flagship phone: the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This year's model abandons the compact form factor that was a hallmark of the Zenfone series in recent years; the 11 Ultra has a 6.78" FHD+ AMOLED display, whereas last year's model was just 5.9".

iOS 16 Revamps the Lock Screen

Jun 6, 2022
Apple today announced iOS 16, the next version of its core software for iPhones. The new OS features a major revamp of the Lock Screen with new personalization, including font & color options, and widgets that are similar to complications on the Apple Watch.

Garmin Asus Garminfone

3.5" display 320 x 480 pixels
S1 MSM7227 processor
1,150 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot

more news about: