Android - Does the GPS work without a SIM?

manic111 · 22 Jan 2012 at 16:40

I've got an old HTC Hero, which I'd like to turn into a fitness tracker - use it for a couple of fitness apps, and for music. Does anyone know if the GPS part of the phone will work even with no SIM card in the phone?

Thanks!

englishpremier · 22 Jan 2012 at 16:46

GPS doesn't need a sim in general on android phones, but I don't know about your specific model

paradigm · 22 Jan 2012 at 17:12

GPS will, A-GPS won't so it will take a little longer to get a fix.

arknor · 22 Jan 2012 at 17:55

endomondo is the best fitness app

englishpremier · 22 Jan 2012 at 18:27

Why do phone gps take so long to get a fix anyway? I've got an old GPS unit that i used with a nokia phone and it used to (still does) get a fix almost straight away, and works well in doors. It was very cheap too.

I would have expected technology to moved on significantly in 5 years

mrgubby · 22 Jan 2012 at 18:39

englishpremier said:
I would have expected technology to moved on significantly in 5 years

My GS2 gets a faster lock than my TomTom :cool:

Myshra · 22 Jan 2012 at 20:19

englishpremier said:
Why do phone gps take so long to get a fix anyway? I've got an old GPS unit that i used with a nokia phone and it used to (still does) get a fix almost straight away, and works well in doors. It was very cheap too.

I would have expected technology to moved on significantly in 5 years

All GPS systems require "the almanac" to understand which satellites are where, if you have this downloaded or you have it pre-programmed or you're lucky and you pick it up quickly (its only broadcast every 10 mins or so or something) then lock on is quick. A-GPS means it gets the data it needs from a time server which makes lock on quicker.