MapFactor GPS Navigation is a very easy to use GPS navigation app for Android. It works just as intended and provides quality navigation features. However, there are some design quirks that hinder the app from becoming truly amazing.
The navigational features of this app are of very high quality. If you have this app on your smartphone, you will never get lost. One of the best features of this app is the offline availability. All you need to do is download the maps you need, and you’re good to roll.
The Bad
One of the most annoying things about this app is the actual downloading of maps. I started the download in the evening, and it took me about 30 minutes to complete it. I tried again at midnight, thankfully the time to download was reduced to 10 minutes. My Internet was working exactly the same at both times. Maybe servers on the developer’s side are not able to handle large downloads. The interface is also very outdated and could use some makeover.
The Bottom Line
MapFactor GPS Navigation is one of best offline navigation apps for Android. It is a very reliable app that even works offline. I had no trouble at all navigating my city using it. I highly recommend you download the maps well before taking the trip. Maybe it was a glitch on my side but downloads took a lot more time than I anticipated. If you can ignore the outdated design, MapFactor GPS Navigation is one of the best Android navigation apps around.
Installation
The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. It’s the standard procedure you’ve followed countless times. From the app page, click on install and the APK file will start downloading to your selected device. MapFactor GPS Navigation goes straight to business when you boot it up from the notification tray. Here is when you can notice the bland design the app follows. The app will give you the option of either downloading maps on your internal storage or external SD card. After you’ve selected the suitable storage, the app will take you to the quick setup screen.
The Interface
While the interface is highly usable, it can still use an update. The black-and-white menu seemed a little depressing, at least to me. The buttons are located some distance apart from each other. The space between them makes accessing them very easy. The main screen only shows a map. On the map, you will see the distance, time, and speed. Apart from that the whole screen is virtually free of clutter. I would’ve liked some additional options, but some people do prefer a clean map. There is also a menu button that can launch additional options.
The Map
The downloaded map is accurate and reliable. Apart from that there is nothing remarkable about the maps. The map also has colored terrains that can be useful for very few people. Others will see them as a hindrance. Of course, you can plot a route to your home, office, school on the map. It is a great way to access frequently visited places.
Using The App
MapFactor GPS Navigation works very smoothly. Tap on a location and the app will start the navigation process. Alternatively you can search for an address, and the app will locate it for you. Then activate the navigation to start your trip. The app also offers turn by turn navigation. All these features are very standard, and MapFactor GPS Navigation does not offer anything new. Overall the navigation experience of this app was very reliable and user-friendly.
Permissions
Conclusion
MapFactor GPS Navigation is a solid navigation app. The user interface could use some upgrades. Apart from that little kink, MapFactor GPS Navigation works wonderfully. However, if you’re already using another navigation app, it will be hard to justify the switch to this one. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this review, feel free to navigate them to the comments below.
