Are you a frequent traveler who needs a device for navigation directions? Is your dated Chartplotter lacking in terms of performance and accuracy? It is better to get tablets with GPS functionality. You can be a globetrotter, pilot, intercity commuter, or even a trucker who needs to frequent borders and beyond. There is a tablet for each one of your needs.
Now you may ask, can’t I just pick a standard tablet with GPS functionality? Why do I need to read through the highly curated stuff?
Well, if these pressing questions continue to bother you, it is time to understand a few things beforehand. GPS technology isn’t only about getting map support over the internet. Instead, it considers the built-in GPS receiver and pairs it with Assisted-GPS tech for faster access and even GLONASS.
To be precise, the tablet you pick must have multiple positioning systems available alongside GPS to improve the location accuracy. Keeping all these factors in mind and the preferential stance towards having the internet active while using GPS, I have compiled a list of 8 such tables with accurate GPS support.
Contents
8 Best Tablets with GPS in 2023
Locating the best GPS tablet isn’t as easy as, say, finding a tablet with an SD Card slot. Because understanding the global positioning system can get tricky at times. More so when terms like Glonass, A-GPS, and more are being thrown around.
Furthermore, you need to pick a reliable tablet brand for the job. You may even need to look at the screen size, type of connectivity specs in play, battery capacity, charging speeds, and processing juice before picking the GPS-enabled tablet. And trust me, going through such volumes of research can be overwhelming and tiring.
But then, to help you address the requirements better while keeping the pain points in check, I have prepared a list of the top-rated tablets with GPS built-in.
The 4th Generation Apple iPad Air is one of the most balanced picks if you seek an iPad with GPS navigation. While the processor is arguably the fast one around, it primarily makes to the list, courtesy of its LTE connectivity. And compared to the previous generation iPad Air, it manages to feature a brighter and bigger screen.
GPS & Connectivity
What makes it the best tablet for marine navigation is the support for A-GPS. With assisted positioning, apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Compass, Waze, Scout GPS, and more run with insane levels of accuracy. Adding to this is the GLONASS, which makes another layer of positioning accuracy available for the iPad Air.
You also get hold of Wi-Fi 6 standard to connect faster to the internet, LTE support Nano-SIM compatibility, Bluetooth 5.0, and a standard USB Type-C port for faster data transfers.
Display & Speakers
There is a 10.9-inch at the helm for the iPad Air. Plus, the 23:16 aspect ratio might look a tad overwhelming, but it surely provides an excellent viewing experience. The IPS panel boasts Liquid Retina enhancement and assumes a native resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels.
Plus, there are two built-in stereo speakers in play followed by four dedicated grilles to make the acoustic experience come to life.
Hardware & Performance
The A14 Bionic chipset is adequately fast and lets you use Navionics and other navigation apps concurrently. Next, you have 4GB RAM to further assist the 5nm processor. Storage-wise, I picked the 256GB model as Apple doesn’t let you upgrade later.
Coming to the performance, the iPadOS 16.6 boots up in a twinkling. And yes, the app using feel and GPS interfaces look even better with the 4-core GPU handling stuff for you.
Design & Battery Life
The 4th gen iPad Air is one of the lightest tablets on the list at 1.01 pounds. It measures 9.74 x 7.03 x 0.24 inches and even assumes an aluminum-clad form factor. And yes, you get 10 hours’ worth of battery backup followed by a 12MP rear shooter meant for low-light photography and a 7MP front shooter for excellent selfies and video calls.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Apple iPad Air 4th gen isn’t just a marine navigation tablet. Well, it does offer some accurate insights, but it even lets you handle leisure and productivity better than most of the other apps on the list, courtesy of the top-shelf processor.
- Ultra-fast processor
- Excellent rear camera
- Bright Retina screen
- Accurate positioning
- Light and sleek
- Pricey
- Overkill for casual GPS users
2. Best Android Tablet: Samsung Tab S7
Were you looking for an Android tablet with GPS built-in? You may find the Samsung Tab S7 the most appropriate option in the Android ecosystem.
Do you prefer Android-based tablets? Well, you simply need to grab the Samsung Tab S7 before anything else. This is more so due to the powerful processor, unreal battery life, and a bigger display than the older S6.
GPS & Connectivity
If you plan on purchasing a tablet for navigation, the Tab S7 comes across as the best bet, courtesy of the sundry positioning gamut. And it includes the insanely accurate GALILEO, A-GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou. The setup lets you handle apps like MapQuest, MapFactor Navigator, Google Maps, and more with significant ease and precision.
Now that positioning accuracy is sorted, you can work hand-in-hand with the Wi-Fi 6 support, Bluetooth 5.0, and a Type-C USB 3.2. Well, despite not being an iPad, the Tab S7 is replete with connectivity-specific traits.
Display & Speakers
There is an 11-inch WQXGA panel in place with a standard aspect ratio of 16:10. And what makes it look even better is the exact resolution count of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which complement the TFT screen rather perfectly.
And to make things better for the globetrotter in you, Samsung throws in a quad-speaker setup. And the setup is AKG tuned to have all the acoustic bases covered.
Hardware & Performance
The Snapdragon 865 processor is a powerhouse led by 6GB RAM and a 128GB storage unit. And what’s interesting is that, unlike an iPad, you can upgrade the storage here by an additional 1TB. The performances are smooth, but you already guessed that, didn’t you.
Samsung runs Android 10 right out of the bat. And the OS boots up faster than you can even expect. Also, the One UI sitting atop the OS adds to the responsiveness.
Design & Battery Life
Tab S7 is pretty sleek at around 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches. It is made of aluminum and weighs 1.10 pounds, to be exact. Adding further to the portability quotient is the 15-hour battery backup, making it one of the best battery life tablets. Plus, there is a dual rear-camera setup (13MP + 5MP) followed by an 8MP front camera to make things better for the professional within.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Tab S7 is one of the most powerful navigation tablets to purchase for location accuracy. And it is the extended range of positioning technologies that stands out. However, if you seek a waterproof Android tablet with GPS support, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro is a solid alternative. It’s IP68 certified and offers durable build quality.
- Top-of-the-line processor
- Bright 120Hz smooth screen
- Comprehensive positioning tech
- Powerful speakers
- Excellent battery life
- Bundled stylus pen
- Not the best outdoor visibility
The next Android tablet on the list is a lot more affordable than the S7, but the specs sheet hardly feels like a compromise. And when compared with the P11, the Lenovo P11 Plus comes across as a slightly better bet, courtesy of a more powerful processor.
GPS & Connectivity
With Lenovo paving the way for BDS, GLONASS, and assisted-GPS, positioning accuracy is guaranteed. Therefore, Navionics or any other app you run to locate directions, roads, and sights functions with considerable levels of accuracy.
Plus, the wireless AC standard ensures decent internet speeds, even though the set routes can be accessed without the same. Next, you have Bluetooth 5.1 to work with, followed by a standard Type-C USB connector.
Display & Speakers
The 11-inch 2K screen is as bright as it gets. Plus, the IPS LCD screen ensures a peak brightness of 400 nits followed by a 5:3 aspect ratio for helping you handle the device better. Next, you have four dedicated speakers in play, strengthened further by Dolby Atmos support.
Hardware & Performance
The Helio G90T is a reliable octa-core processor, capable of achieving a lot more than just GPS perfection. Moving on, you also get access to 4GB RAM and an upgradable, 128GB storage unit for letting you save maps and other navigation details without breaking a sweat. The tablet runs Android 11 right out of the box and manages to do that within seconds.
Design & Battery Life
Coming to the aesthetics, the P11 Plus manages to bring metal into the mix, albeit with some plastic undertones. Still, it manages to stay light at 1.08 pounds and adequately sleek at 10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 inches. Not to mention the 15-hour battery backup followed by a 13MP rear and an 8MP, wide-angle selfie shooter.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is an engineering marvel with all the right positioning technologies added to the mix for strengthening the GPU-based offering. And it is the excellent battery life, and 2K screen set it apart from the rest of sub $300 tablets in the market.
- Power-efficient mid-range SoC
- Long battery life
- Bright and Sharp 2K screen
- Four speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Reasonable price
- On the thicker side
- No Wi-Fi 6 standard
4. Best for Overlanding: Vastking KingPad M10
The KingPad M10 features a full metal design to help those seeking the best tablet for off-road GPS. Apart from the premium build, the KingPad M10 delivers a lot more, led by the brilliant aesthetics. The 2K sharp panel even puts the company’s own K10 Pro to shame.
GPS & Connectivity
For starters, KingPad M10 comes equipped with a built-in GPS chip, powered further by Assisted-GPS functionality for quick route retrievals while Overlanding. I tested the Compass and Google Maps on this tab and found the suggestions and experiences to be accurate.
However, the most impressive aspect of this tablet is the LTE support that promises continued internet connectivity and works alongside the Wireless AC standard and Bluetooth 5.0 functionality. Plus, there is a Type-C port for standard charging performance.
Display & Speakers
The tablet brings in a 10.3-inch 2K screen that is bright enough and boasts excellent viewing angles. Most importantly, the laminated panel ensures faster, better visibility even outdoors. The 16:10 aspect ratio allows you to better view routes and maps in landscape mode.
If you seek audio commands, Vastking makes way for four stereo speakers that are placed strategically and offer excellent acoustic output.
Hardware & Performance
The Unisoc T618 processor is fast and is perfectly complemented by 4GB RAM. Next, a 128GB storage module in place can be further upgraded by 2TB at once. As far as the performances are concerned, the Android 11 OS loads faster than expected, and the reliable processing setup runs almost every app without lags.
Design & Battery Life
As far as aesthetics are concerned, the metal-clad KingPad M10 is plenty slim at 9.7 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches. Not to mention the structural lightness at 0.99 pounds. Plus, the tablet offers 12 hours of backup and makes room for a reliable 13MP back camera.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Vastking KingPad M10 is the best tablet Overlanding that scales beyond any other sub $200 tablets, courtesy of its massive storage upgradability.
- Bright & vivid 2K screen
- Fast AI-enhanced processor
- Excellent battery backup
- Portable form-factor
- SIM slot is a standout addition
- Lacks multiple global positioning tech
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6
Do you need a Samsung tablet with GPS but can’t afford the high-end Galaxy Tab S7? Well, in that case, Tab A7 Lite should favor you. The affordable price and balanced screen size allow you to use this tablet as car GPS.
The A7 Lite is one of the more affordable tablets from Samsung that lets you be unbelievably accurate with GPS insights. And Galaxy Tab A7 Lite also manages to come forth as one of the more balanced tablets around, riding on a decent display that is a lot sharper than the older Tab A from the same company.
GPS & Connectivity
As far as global positioning technology is concerned, this Tab A7 Lite is one of the few options to sport BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS, and the Assisted-GPS technology. The featured gamut lets you run almost every GPS application like Scout GPS, Maps.Me, and more with relative ease.
Furthermore, the generic connectivity suite includes Wi-Fi AC standard, standard Type-C port, Bluetooth 5.0, and a standalone 3.5mm jack.
Display & Speakers
The 8.7-inch TFT screen might not match up to the premium variants in terms of brightness and color fidelity, but the 5:3 aspect is great for orienting the same across car dashboards. Plus, the overall resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels ensures decent viewing angles.
This tablet also features a couple of stereo speakers for improved acoustic performance and experiencing clear voice commands.
Hardware & Performance
One of the highlights has to be the Helio P22T that works alongside the PowerVR GPU, 4GB RAM, and a 64GB storage unit. Also, if the storage runs out, you can upgrade the same by an additional 512GB. The tablet runs Android 11 as the featured OS, made even more interactive with the One UI 3.1 as the featured skin.
Design & Battery Life
The A7 features plastic ends but ensures that the underlying metallic structure persists. As far as dimensions are concerned, the tablet measures 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches. It weighs 0.80 pounds and makes room for a pretty significant battery unit that supports fast charging and can last up to 10 hours at once.
As far as the camera setup is concerned, Samsung makes way for an 8MP rear and a 2MP front shooter, thereby maximizing your professional exposure.
Conclusion
In theory, the Samsung Tab A7 Lite is one of the cost-effective 8-inch tablets with GPS, best known for its excellent location accuracy. And the excellent value for a more affordable price point is what separates the A7 Lite from other products on the list.
- Balanced screen size
- Reliable tablet processor
- Excellent GPS accuracy
- Upgradable storage
- Light and portable
- Plastic undertones
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
6. Best with SIM Support: CHUWI HiPad X
I have a thing for tablets with LTE functionality, which is why CHUWI HiPad X features on the list. Boasting a dedicated SIM slot and a reliable processor, the HiPad X is worth the splurge and offers a much-improved battery backup when compared with the Hi10 Go.
GPS & Connectivity
As far as GPS functioning is concerned, there is a built-in GPS chipset for enhanced accuracy. It works even better with the GLONASS and Assisted-GPS support in play. Not to mention the slew of connectivity features, including the Dual LTE support, Wi-Fi 5 with dual-band access, Bluetooth 5.0, and a standard USB Type-C port.
Coming to the app support, the tablet runs InRoute Route Planner and other applications with relative ease.
Display & Speakers
The 10.1-inch Full HD screen with a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 is big and bright enough for handling routes and directions on the move. Also, the 16:10 aspect ratio ensures efficient usability across a wide range of modes.
Plus, you get two powerful speakers to benefit from, loud, clear and placed strategically.
Hardware & Performance
The Octa-Core Helio chipset is fast, reliable, and works even better with the Mali-G72 GPU into the mix. Adding to the SoC is 6GB RAM and 128GB of high-speed eMMC storage unit that can be upgraded if needed. You get Android 10 right out of the box, which loads up in an instant and manages to keep the tablet pleasantly responsive.
Design & Battery Life
The metal-clad HiPad X measures 9.9 x 6.4 x 0.37 inches, which is deemed thick but manageable. Plus, it weighs a touch less than the 1.10 mark, which more than makes up for the chunkiness of form. The tablet also promises almost 13 hours of backup and brings in an 8MP rear & 5MP front shooter to the mix.
Conclusion
The CHUWI HiPad X is a reliable tablet that stands apart courtesy of the innovative dual-LTE support, something that no other tablet on the list manages to offer.
- Bright and sharp display
- Reliable chipset
- A massive chunk of RAM
- Complete GPS suite
- Dual LTE support
- No Wireless AX standard
- Sunlight visibility is an issue
7. Best Budget Option: TECLAST P20HD
The P20HD is easy on the pocket and scores better than the M40 when the overall battery backup is concerned. Plus, Teclast P20HD promises accurate GPS and can be used in vehicles for putting up an advanced infotainment setup.
GPS & Connectivity
Teclast brings a wide range of connectivity-focussed specs into the mix, with the GPS and A-GPS functionality leading the way. To simplify, results showcased by the Google maps are fairly accurate on this one. Adding to this is dual-band wireless AC support, Bluetooth 5.0, and a Type-C port.
Display & Speakers
The 10.1-inch screen is a useful addition, led by an impressive IPS paneling and an overall resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. What makes it a reliable outdoorsy resource is the 2.5D strengthened glass followed by the 178-degree viewing angle to keep every route up close. Plus, the 16:10 aspect ratio lets you view stuff better in the landscape mode.
The bottom-adhering stereo speakers are great additions, courtesy of the acoustic clarity and the overall loudness.
Hardware & Performance
The Unisoc SoC is adequately fast, more so with the 4GB RAM handling apps and multitasking gigs for the same. The 64GB storage module is good enough for storing several maps at once. And if you ever run out of space, Teclast lets you upgrade the same by an additional 256GB. Also, the tablet runs Android 10 right out of the box, which adds to the user experience.
Design & Battery Life
Despite the affordability, the P20HD manages to keep the structure all metallic. Coming to the dimensions, it measures 9.57 x 6.4 x 0.37 inches, whereas the weight seems to be a bit bulked up at 2+ pounds.
The 8-hour battery backup is impressive enough, followed by an 8MP rear camera that manages to keep its own even in moderately lit conditions.
Conclusion
Despite being one of the sub $150 tablets, the Teclast P20HD offers a wide range of reliable specs, especially the ones relevant to GPS insights. However, the exact price and the comparable specs sheet make it stand out from the rest of the products on the list.
- Surprisingly fast processor
- Durable Metallic build
- Sharp 10-inch screen
- Fast internet connectivity
- Loud & Clear speakers
- The battery could have been better
- A tad heavier than expected
8. Cheapest Tab with GPS: Dragon Touch Max10
Has your kid just started preschool? Well, it would be advisable to give him or her a tablet that can help with the routes, locations, and other stuff. And this is where the Dragon Touch Max10 makes an impression. It’s a cheap Android tablet with GPS, a bright screen, offline map viewing, and a more recent variant of Android as compared to the older Notepad K10.
GPS & Connectivity
The Max10 brings home GPS functionality that is accurate and capable of working even in offline mode. Well, if you are a parent, you need to store offline maps beforehand to help the kids with tracking. Next, you have the wireless AC connectivity support followed by Bluetooth 5.0 and a standard Type-C port.
Display & Speakers
The 10.1-inch Full HD IPS screen doesn’t throw a lot of surprises but manages to look sharp courtesy of the wear resistance. The 16:10 aspect ratio lets you or the kids view routes, directions, and other details, with ease. There are dual-speakers in play, which are loud but keep the acoustic fidelity intact.
Hardware & Performance
The Octa-Core processor can run two to three apps at once without experiencing lags. You also get 3GB RAM that can be a handful for your kids, helping them work with the academic tasks as well. The 32GB storage isn’t much once you start storing maps and the Android 10 OS. However, you can always upgrade it to 128GB via the microSD slot.
Design & Battery Life
Despite being a relatively cheap tablet, it is still metal-clad, with dimensions set at 9.45 x 6.57 x 0.34 inches. Not to mention it weighs close to 2 pounds, which is a tad heavier than what I would have liked. The battery is excellent, standing tall at 10 hours. And if your kids attend online classes, it houses two reliable shooters.
Conclusion
The Dragon Touch Max10 is strictly affordable and doesn’t pack a lot of power under the hood. Regardless, it still manages to bring a solid screen into the mix, especially if you prefer keeping the display immune to the occasional bumps along the road.
- 2.5D paneling
- Excellent processor for the price
- Dependable battery module
- Affordable price
- Subpar storage allocation
- Heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to global navigation satellite systems, GPS, GALILEO, and GLONASS are placed right at the top. While the US owns the GPS, Russia and the European Union are in charge of GLONASS and GALILEO respectively. Therefore, getting all of them in one device is like having all your fingers dipped in the pie.
However, GALILEO is the most accurate of the lot, whereas GLONASS is recommended for regions located in high altitudes. GPS, however, strikes a middle ground and probably covers every base.
Tablets with integrated GPS functionality can let you manage routes even without the internet. Plus, if the device has built-LTE functionality as well, you can even use it to make phone calls other than the standard offerings like surfing and emailing.
I feel that Samsung tablets have the most accurate GPS as they combine A-GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS to offer the most accurate global positioning system.
Yes, if you have a built-in GPS functionality in the tablet, offline maps and set routes can be accessed even in offline mode. However, the internet will still be required for getting real-time updates. Also, some apps allow you to install maps in the memory module to minimize internet exposure.
If you want to enable GPS on your android tablet, simply head over to the settings, hit Location, and turn on the GPS functionality. Well, you might have to select the mode depending on your preferences, or you can let the tablet do it for you.
For an iPad, head over to settings location services and turn the location on if it already isn’t. For Windows tablets, you still need to find the Location tab in the left-pane, turn on the same, and select the type of system you want to activate.
Verdict
By this point in this discussion, you would have realized that a tablet for GPS use is not just a luxury but downright essential. And if you still have trouble selecting, here are the use-case-specific picks, just for you.
- If you want the most accurate GPS experience, courtesy of all the available technologies in play, including BDS, Samsung Tab S7 is the way to go.
- For similar quips but at a far lesser price, you can consider the Samsung Tab A7 Lite.
- In case you want to experience the Apple ecosystem and the ultrafast Bionic chipset that comes along, the Apple iPad Air 4th Gen is a great pick.
- Finally, if you want to gift an affordable tablet to your kid, letting them run GPS and maps offline, the Dragon Touch Max10 is the perfect tablet to pick.
But these picks aren’t etched in stone, and you are always welcome to scroll through each review and pick a tablet that aligns with your needs, budget, GPS preferences, and other targeted requirements.
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