Garmin-Asus Garminfone review
By Tim Stevens 
posted May 18th 2010 11:58AM
posted May 18th 2010 11:58AM
Design
Compared to the Nuvifone G60, which took ages to become a reality, the Garminfone blossomed from announcement to functional piece of hardware in a (relatively) amazing single month period. You'll have to wait a few more weeks before this one starts popping up at T-Mobile stores sometime in June, but it should be worth it.
We're guessing that accelerated pace is thanks at least in part to internals shared with the G60. The phones are a very similar size and shape and, with similar specs, it's clear to see who the Garminfone's daddy is. That does leave this handset feeling a bit dated, partly thanks to the miniUSB port that is a bit antiquarian in today's microUSB world. Also odd is the complete lack of a headphone jack, leaving you stuck with a miniUSB adapter. Honestly we're not sure if that's a step up or a step down from the G60's 2.5mm output.
Overall, though, the phone has a nice design, with a subtly rubberized back cover that fits so well it took us a moment to figure out how to get it off. That back is split by a brushed metal highlight, giving a high-end look, and the 3 megapixel camera finds itself wedged atop that, which delivers decent images (an example of which is below). Pictures are stored to microSD expansion, with a measly 2GB card included.
The right side contains the volume rocker and camera button, the power button is middle top, and below the screen reside four touch buttons plus a five-way rocker. The touch buttons are the standard Android crop except that search has been replaced by a phone button, meaning you're a single press from the dialing screen -- a very useful substitution.
The screen is a 3.5-inch capacitive HVGA unit. It's bright, clear, and very responsive to touches, but it sits atop a device that is definitely on the large side. Stacking it up against its beefy Android cousin, the Motorola Droid, the Garminfone is virtually the same height and width, coming in only a few mm thinner. With the Droid that heft nets you a physical keyboard, yet Garmin-Asus couldn't even manage to fit a headphone jack in here? Curious.
For your $199 the phone comes with a windshield mount and a car charger, which can either plug into the phone directly or into the mount thanks to contacts that charge the phone while it's docked. It's a nice feature and one you'll definitely need: after roughly an hour on the road the battery in our Garminfone was down to about a third remaining, but in day-to-day usage it matched the Droid's wireless endurance.
Software
The Garminfone runs on Android, but you'd really never know it at a casual glance. The initial home screen looks much like the other Nuvifone UIs, with large buttons for calling and navigation along with smaller icons running up the side for less frequent tasks. With the Garminfone you can grab that list on the side and give it a tug, revealing a separate stack of icons. In here you see the Market app and the Android underpinnings become clear.
This seems to be built upon Android 1.6, and while we're not sure of the version we are sure that it isn't capable of running some of the 2.0 and above apps in the Market. Other apps download and run fine, even Google Maps with Navigation, but chances are you won't want to be using that -- more on that in a moment.
Google Maps on the phone does not support multitouch gestures, but the built-in browser and gallery apps do, meaning pinch-to-zoom is a possibility. The browser also supports the spring bump effect when scrolling to the top or the bottom of the page, something you don't often see outside of the iPhone.
There are fewer things left alone here than changed, with everything from the lock screen to the OS settings menus completely re-invented. It is, perhaps, slightly more intuitive for a casual user than the default Android install, but we fear that power-users won't feel at home here.
Also, the Android home pages have been hidden, only accessible when doing a long press of the home key. Instead of getting the usual task-switching menu that you'd expect you get five blank pages that you can fill with widgets, widgets, and more widgets -- but no app shortcuts.
Navigation
So naturally the big story here is with the navigation, and quite simply it's good. Very good, as you'd expect from a phone that sacrifices two thirds of its home page to giant nav-related icons. For those familiar with the earlier Garmin-Asus phones the interface here is quite similar, but for those who aren't we'll give you the details.
First-off, let's make it clear that this works completely offline, unlike Google Navigation, meaning you can still get directions even if you're standing in the darkest of data coverage black holes when beginning your trip -- and with T-Mobile if you're not close enough to a highway to hear the trucks rumbling by that's a real possibility. Only the Google Local Search portion of navigation requires an active data connection, which you will want to be using whenever possible. The offline POI database here is good but failed to find a local theater that opened two years ago, never mind a two-month-old restaurant. Local Search found both.
Once you know where you're going, things are quite good. Address entry is painless, and you'll get an overhead view of the destination from which you can scroll around and even get a 360 flyby view. Tap "Go!" and you're on your way following either driving or walking directions, the latter with public transportation mixed in -- but only in limited markets where Garmin's cityXplorer extension covers.
You can also easily create routes, either adding a waypoint to the route you're currently on or using a dedicated app that allows you to plot your course before you turn a wheel. This is something sorely lacking in Google Navigation and that we're glad to see here. Once you get going POIs can be searched near your current location or on the current route and, if you find something, it can be easily added as a via point. The only problem here is we weren't able to find a way to skip a point that's been added to your route, meaning if you decide that Taco Bell break perhaps isn't such a good idea the phone will keep trying to convince you otherwise -- loudly. The speaker on the back of this phone is powerful enough to ensure that even those in the back seat will know exactly what the courteous and friendly omniscient navigator is telling you to do.
Traffic data is included here for free, though the phone warns you that you may wind up seeing a few ads mixed in from time to time to cover it. (We didn't see any during the course of this review.) If traffic is noticed anywhere along or near your route the phone will throw up an indicator to warn you. Tapping that lets you view a map of all local traffic problems or just see which incidents are along the way. It's perhaps not quite as detailed as TomTom's latest traffic interface, but it's comprehensive and quick enough to tell you what you need to know. You can also get a list of all nearby traffic issues.
Additionally, the on-screen speed limit display will help to keep you from becoming a traffic issue yourself, a nice feature that we wish worked on more secondary roads. About the only thing we don't like is that there's no way to display POIs on the map as you travel, which does keep things clear and focused, but if you always like to know where the closest gas station is you'll need to keep searching.
Wrap-up
For $199, the Garminfone is an interesting choice. While T-Mobile's selection of Android handsets continues to expand (most excitingly with the upcoming myTouch 3G Slide), fans of little green robots still don't exactly have a lot of choices on that carrier, which makes the 1.6 build of Android on here a bit easier to stomach. It's worth noting that, given the extensive customization, we'd be surprised if a 2.0 or 2.1 update hits this phone any time soon -- if ever.
That, plus the somewhat limited ability to personalize the OS compared to a stock build, means this is probably not an ideal choice for the most serious of Android users. But, with multitouch on-tap and fantastic navigation built-in, you're not missing an awful lot -- and it really is fantastic navigation. It's nearly as good as Google Navigation in terms of interface and usability, but trumps that competition by working fully offline and easily matches the best mobile navigation options on other platforms.
So, as we have in the past with Garmin-Asus offerings we again have to conclude that this is not a phone for power users, but the inclusion of the Android Market does mean that the group of people who would feel constrained is much smaller than with the G60, for example. Compared to that option the Garminfone is far less a nav device with a phone built in and far more of an equal share of both. A match made in heaven? Pretty darned close.
Update: Two updates courtesy of Garmin. First off, you can create a folder, but naturally it's not like you would in normal Android. Instead of a long press and hitting a context menu here you press the menu button and then hit "Add" to create a folder, which then gets thrown in at the bottom of your icons. Also, there is a night mode, but it's hidden under a screen setting called "Color Mode" which we simply didn't think to look under. The text above has been updated.
Right, so it is better than Google Navigation, since it is offline, but, is it better than Ovi Maps, which is offline as well?
Anyway, I did not expect much from this phone, so I am surprised it is not a complete turd.
@JFH
I'm also pleasantly surprised on this one. It's not a phone that I would purchase, but it looks pretty darn solid.
@JFH Garmin give us app for Android and WebOS, that will give you guys more profit than sailing this device, IMO
You already have for S^1 and Crackberry(BB), why not these two cool OSs
@webdevmike
Yep, I really thought this would be a fiasco, it is not my cup of tea either but surprised. I think Ovi Maps is perfect for me and the devices are better but that does not detract from the reasonable-ness of this device.
@filjosh
How are they going to make money on that on Android or Symbian when Google Navigation is almost as good, and Ovi Maps is just as good, and both are free.
@JFH Garmin makes the best and easiest to use navigation systems, i tested a few non Garmins and they were horrible. Just because you have google maps or something it doesn't mean that it is even close to Garmin in ease of use and quality.
@JFH Tough call re: ovi. This is, for sure, about a million times more intuitive to use than Ovi, but whether or not that matters really depends on your penchant for learning new things. In terms of features they're about even, but usability is definitely higher here.
@TimStevens
Thanks.
@Sea Urchin
Well, most reviews over here between PND's prefer Tom Tom over Garmin, but my take is PND's will become extinct.
@Sea Urchin I do love my Garmin GPS, it really is very easy to use, but the days of selling a mobile phone around one feature are over,
They should have just made an awesome piece of hardware, and included the nav software as a bonus.
@JFH - I'd probably buy this just because it doesn't have that iSocialize stuff push to the front.. where iSocialize is Tweater, Facebook, and alike bullcrap.
GPS, Browser, Phone, and Camera.. just the right balance.
@JFH Seeing garmin taking their device to the next step (smartphone) is already good. I'm sure there's a lot of room for innovation here. Opinions. http://j.mp/garmin-nuvifone-series
that droid screen is horrendous in the sun
Meh. Google maps works for me just fine.
This phone looks great, and the nav is awesome. theres no phone that is the "jack of all trades" and good at everything, so this phone has a navigation advantage against any phone out. no, google maps isnt crap compared to garmin's UI and technology.
@account5
But what is the benefit of this vs Ovi Maps, which is offline, free, global, and works perfectly?
@JFH ovi maps means s60
s60 = ;_;
@JONNNathannn
I was talking about the navigation only. Anyway, with S^3, this is not a valid argument anymore.
Gotta love the suits who actually make the conscious decision to say "It's fine...let's go ahead and pass on the 3.5mm headphone jack. That's not very important to people."
@GeneralThade
No kidding.
No 3.5mm jack - for me at least, that is a deal-breaker.
Still though, this phone is not made most of the people on this site, so they might not really care.
And no BT to boot?
The interface screams "ages 3 and up"
@Chi
You're in the wrong article. The iPhone OS 4 review is over there.
I kid, I kid.
@webdevmike
No. I'm saving my "6 to 12 months" zinger for that article. ;-)
@Chi
The interface makes a lot of sense. This device has an interface optimized for someone in a moving vehicle. You don't want a bunch of tiny widgets and buttons cluttering up your screen. You really want a clean easy to navigate interface with big buttons.
Looks promising, but no 2.0< apps and only 3,5" screen for navigation?
I'll hold my breath for 2nd Gen.
Obligatory
This is not the Eclair you are looking for.
what, no breaking?
That phone sure looks damn good. That's for sure.
Good review.
For people that need off-line navigation this would be a terrific option. I wish that Google and Bing would offer off-line with their nav apps.
Seeing as how bad their first phone was, I am actually very pleasantly surprised by this new phone. Sure it's not really made for many of the people that come to this site, but for the average user that wants a nice phone and GPS and doesn't really care about how long his e-wang is, this would be a good pick.
@Hazdaz I agree.
It's a nice pseudo-feature phone for people like my parents. If it was free, and on Sprint (which I'll be moving to thanks Evo 4G) I'd be pushing my parents to choose this device. Instead, they will probably both get Hero's - which maybe a tad better for a person like myself, but a little less user friendly than the Garmin, which is just like they're GPS system it took them a couple years to learn.
It is the Android device you buy your parents, your siblings, and anyone else who calls you any time something goes wrong with their computer.
If the HTC EVO 4G spins your gears...
It is also refreshing to see the comments aren't ripping Garmin a new one, like usual.
@Smurf
They beat expectations, but those of course could be very low... ; )
If you're not stuck with a carrier, how could you pass on an evo 4g for the same price? actually somewhat attracted to this little phone and garmin integration, but so small compared to specs of new android phones coming out and in fact already here.
Form factor is nice (reminds me of an updated Samsung U800), but the price point competing with the EVO and navigation heavy home screen are too much of a deterrent. If a version comes out sans customized UI I might reconsider.
@ValiantEffort If you're buying a "GARMIN"-phone, emphasis and priority is on the navigation, no?
I can see a market for these devices, but why Android 1.6? Seems shortsighted for a device that people will see more as a nav unit that happens to have a phone built in...I guess updates will be few and far between as the rest of the Android world leaves it behind?
http://www.bradsmobilelife.com
No Android 2.x, no headphone jack = FAIL.
Wonder if Garmin will allow the lifetime updates available for their stand alone PND's?
I dont think its that bad of a device for a person that does a lot of traveling
Solid Phone! I mean it isn't for me. But SOLID!
Given that this is a Garmin sponsored device, with an Android OS, I think that there might be a lot of people who are interested in the accuracy of the GPS hardware included. Specifically, those involved with Geocaching. The current cell phones with integrated GPS units have somewhat pathetic accuracy (100 feet-ish). Could you post some screenshots or at least indicate what the outdoor accuracy is?
@coryhamma I just ran a quick test using the GPS Status app. Walking around in my (wooded) yard the best accuracy I got was 2 meters with the Garminfone. Best I got on the Droid was 4 meters. In general they were very close, but the compass did update on the Garminfone noticeably quicker.
@TimStevens
Try it in a yard that has NO CELL COVERAGE. The point of this phone, that most people seem to be missing is not that the maps are stand alone, it's that the GPS is. While this will use assisted GPS (what's in all the other phones out there and relies on cell towers for location), it's big draw is the stand alone GPS, you know from those things floating around the earth in orbit that can be seen from most anywhere, what the Garmin and TomTom devices in my car use to tell me where I am, even when I'm in the middle of nowhere.
The Android device I'm REALLY waiting for from Garmin is a green robot version of the Oregon handheld GPS. I wouldn't even mind if it didn't include a phone... just an affordable, ruggedized device that would let me run any Android app. Now that would be sweet.
Good phone for someone thats not to tech oriented i can imagine alot of people in there 40's enjoying this phone
If there is a mobile device no one really wants, You're likely to find it on T-Mobile.
The device itself gets outdated before it even hits the shelves.
With the exception the G-1 (the one that started the Android revolution), T-mobile has been FAIL in the hardware department.
Sounds like the right phone for my mum. But the price is too high.
And I'd like to have that Garmin software on my Android. The hacked Google Maps has some issues, and I'd like to be able to set route options, or see how fast I am driving, or see how fast I'm allowed to drive... the navigation itself works very well (except for some hack-introduced problems like not saying/saying after it's too late that you have to change direction). But there are too many features missing, esp. offline navigation.
For everyone who thinks phones will kill off GPSs, well they have had cameras in them for over a decade but digital cameras are still big sellers. Why? Simple, a phone simply can not compete with a digital camera in terms of picture quality and features. The same is true with a dedicated GPS. They tend to have many more features than phones, are a lot faster calculating routes, have bigger display, and can be used when in a call. For this reason I got a Garmin even after getting an android phone. However, this phone has the best of both worlds with fewer compromises than other phones.