Which tablet do you recommend?
We regularly get questions about which tablet is most suitable for our Waterkaarten app. Although we do not know all models in detail, we are happy to provide you with advice on the matter.
Essential: GPS for accurate navigation
For our app and other navigation apps to work optimally, a built-in GPS receiver is crucial. This determines your exact location, allowing you to accurately track your position on the water. Our app relies fundamentally on this GPS data. However, how the GPS position is determined is very important.
Most tablets are equipped with a dedicated GPS chip specifically designed to determine location. Generally, these function properly. However, there are tablets without such a chip, which can lead to a less accurate or even problematic navigation experience.
Apple iPads: Pay attention to model choice
Apple iPads are generally an excellent choice when using our app.
However, it is essential to consider the different models offered by Apple. The so-called ‘Wi-Fi only’ models do not have a built-in GPS chip. These models determine their location based on available Wi-Fi networks in the area. In urban areas, this can give a reasonable indication, but the accuracy is certainly not optimal.
For reliable navigation with our app – and all other navigation apps – a physical GPS chip is indispensable. Therefore, we do not recommend the iPad ‘Wi-Fi only’ models for use with our app. The ‘Cellular’ iPad models, on the other hand, are suitable thanks to the GPS chip present.
In addition, Apple is doing more and more to save energy for their (too) small batteries in their iPhones and iPads. And since GPS is the biggest energy consumer on a mobile device, Apple has increasingly set its sights on GPS functionality – which does not help GPS stability.
Android tablets: Samsung as a reliable option
Samsung is the largest manufacturer of Android tablets and is known for integrating a GPS chip in all their models. As a result, all Samsung tablets are perfectly compatible with our app. We therefore highly recommend Samsung tablets for an optimal experience with our Waterkaarten app.
What do we not recommend?
We have found in practice that GPS location accuracy on Lenovo and Huawei tablets can regularly cause issues. Therefore, to ensure consistent and reliable navigation, we do not recommend using Lenovo and Huawei devices with our app.
Price and quality
In general, Apple iPads are slightly more expensive than Android tablets. This difference in price is often explained by the thoughtful design, seamless integration with other Apple devices and the proprietary iOS operating system, which usually ensures smooth operation of both the tablet and the installed apps.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that Apple also sells iPads without a GPS chip (the ‘WiFi-only’ models), making them less suitable for navigation purposes with our app. After all, accurate location determination is essential for reliable navigation.
Within the Android segment, there are several brands, but Samsung stands out for the consistent quality and functionality of their tablets. Moreover, all Samsung models are equipped with a GPS chip, and decent options are already available for a price under two hundred euros.
As always, a higher price is usually accompanied by more advanced features, greater storage capacity and a more powerful processor. This results in a generally faster and smoother experience with all apps.