The best FREE GPS navigation app for Android in Singapore

The demise of GPS devices

With the popularity of GPS app in mobile phones, standalone GPS devices are slowly fading away giving in to the integrated GPS app.  Hardware wise, high end mobile phone are much more powerful than conventional GPS devices with enough storage and computing strength.  The only question is what app to consider.

Who needs GPS navigation?

Some may argue that Singapore roads are straightforward and well routed rendering GPS navigation unnecessary.  They fail to factor in new ERP gantries set up in new locations, the ever changing traffic conditions, new speed cameras trap, new red light detection cameras and road diversion or closure due to events or construction.

Unless you are travelling short distance to and fro work from home, you may need a good mobile GPS app to save you time and money on the road.  Anyway, most of these apps are free.

If you are just interested to get the location details of a specific area, GPS app will also come in handy to provide what are the amenities available in the area. 

Competition of GPS Apps

There are many GPS apps around the world but many are restricted and optimised for regional use.  In Singapore, the most popular are listed below:

1. Waze, Free
2. Here (Nokia), Free
3. Maps (Google), Free
4. Galactio SG, Free
5. Maps.me, Free
6. NAVFone GPS SG (AGIS), S$6.99
7. Papago! GPS, S$37.43

We shall evaluate the first 5 apps as the remaining are paid apps.

WAZE

Developed by Israeli startup, Waze is acquired by Google in 2013 and it taps on the social strength for real-time traffic update.  With many users around the world, real-time traffic are gathered and captured and later used to assist users to determine the best route to their destinations.

When mobile data is present, users can actively update traffic status to the server and share with other users.  When mobile data is absent, map update and re-routing are not possible.

HERE

Formerly known as Ovi Maps and Nokia Maps, HERE has covered nearly 200 countries and just exit beta testing phrase in Android platform.  One of the strength of HERE is they have existing Places of Interests (POIs) which are valuable for searches and locating purposes.  Even when mobile data is not available, offline access and navigation are possible.

GOOGLE MAPS

Maps is a de facto app in all Android phone well integrated in the Operating System (OS).  The navigation capability is great but marred by the local expertise and the update frequency.  Generally, it is a best 2nd alternative if you have no primary GPS app.  Another drawback of Google Maps is the compulsory requirement of mobile data else it is an useless app.

Galactio SG

In Nov 2010, Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore released the location table and Quantum inventions include traffic incidents information, traffic speeds, parking availability, weather, road closures etc inside this app.  The presumption is you must have mobile data plan to enjoy such updates before and during the drive.  With data plan, there are 5 modes of transport whereby you can choose either the shortest, fastest, toll avoidance, toll minimised or traffic aware mode.

Maps.me

This is a great offline map tool created in Moscow, Russia.  The map origins from OpenStreetMap and the app provides navigation without voice.  Bookmarks are easily created and navigation can be provided completely without data plan.  GPS is afterall free for use.  Worldwide maps can be downloaded for free and the details are realistically practical for use.  If you are touring a country, it is a must have app to put in your phone.

Which app is for you?

Based on the comparison table, we come out with the following recommendation:

1. Waze: This is the best app for social traffic update and sharing of your location if you have data plan.
2. HERE: For those without mobile data plan, this is a must-have app if you are driving overseas.
3. Google Maps: This is the backup app we propose.
4. Galactio SG: This is our winner for daily use in Singapore provided you have mobile data plan and a smartphone with 1GB ram.  You are able to avoid all toll and EPR charges while driving.
5. Maps.me: This is the best app if you are travel overseas.  Download it before you leave town.  It will be handy even if you are not driving.

Leave your comments if you have some doubts.  Travel safe.