Nokia’s new mapping software brings a load of upgrades, but how does it fare against the might of Google? There’s only one way to find out… FIGHT!
Location sensing
Both Google Maps and Nokia Maps can tap into GPS-equipped phones’ satnav skills to pinpoint your location. In our test they were neck and neck in terms of speed too, but Google Maps just edges a lead thanks to its ability to work out approximate location using the network, not GPS.
Stat clash!
Nokia Maps 2.0 beta: GPS or location search, but no approximate location sensing.
Google Maps Mobile: Location sensing through the mobile network or GPS, plus it’ll find your location in a snap if you know the road name or postcode. BIG WINNER!
Update: We’ve been asked about assisted GPS in Nokia’s new mapping software, and while it supports the system, which speeds up location sensing using a server, you’ll still need to have GPS switched on, and receive a signal from several satellites before it’ll work. You’ll also need to use a mobile network that supports it, and supplies servers. If you want location sensing without GPS, Google Maps is still the way to go.
Traffic updates
Google Maps boasts traffic information, and so does Nokia Maps. The trouble is, we failed to get either traffic solution working in our test. Nokia even acknowledges that there are bugs in its software (well, it is still in beta).
Stat clash!
Nokia Maps 2.0 beta: Traffic updates, but with known bugs. DRAW!
Google Maps Mobile:Traffic updates, but with lots of bugs, not all of them acknowledged by Google. DRAW!
Navigation
Both sets of software will give directions from one place to another, but only Nokia Maps will guide the way using voice prompts. Google prefers a list of text directions and high-level map waypoints.
Stat clash!
Nokia Maps 2.0 beta: Map waypoints and turn by turn directions, with voice prompts. BIG WINNER!
Google Maps Mobile: Turn by turn directions in list form, or waypoints shown on a map.
Attraction finder
Google doesn’t list attractions or points of interest as such, instead it taps into its search engine to find millions of companies, locations or addresses. Nokia can find addresses too, but uses its own database of points of interest. Neither is necessarily better, they’re just different ways of finding the same data. What does differ between the two is the way locations are browsed. Nokia Maps lets you peruse by category, location or proximity, while Google needs you to search for a keyword first.
Stat clash!
Nokia Maps 2.0 beta: A built in POI library that’s browsable. BIG WINNER!
Google Maps Mobile: The power of Google search, but no way to browse categories.
Costs
Both Nokia Maps and Google Maps are free, but if you want added extras, like voice navigation or city guides from Nokia, you’ll need to pay. That said, Google doesn’t offer voice prompts or city guides at all, so it’s a win for Nokia for giving us the choice!
Stat clash!
Nokia Maps 2.0 beta: Free for basic mapping, but voice prompts and city guides cost extra. BIG WINNER!
Google Maps Mobile: Completely free, but lacking the optional extras offered by Nokia.