Maps HERE Now available in beta version to download on all the Android that we want. This map service created by Nokia has recently ended its period of exclusivity on Samsung phones and tablets, and now we can all use it without exception. Now, how does it behave in a real test? Does it work as well as they say? Here we will try to clear all doubts. Although it arrived as a beta at the time, Today the app is known as HERE WeGo and is available in a stable manner, maintaining its essence of offline browsing.
Installation and commissioning
As you already know, the installation of the application performs like any other APK. Today, in addition, can be obtained from the official store on Android, which simplifies setup and operation. Automatic Updates. After running it for the first time, HERE Maps will offer us different tips to improve our experience, such as the possibility to download new voices. By default we will have the female English voice installed, although of course, we can install any Spanish voice, both female and male, and many other languages. In addition, we can download the voices in high Fidelity to enjoy more natural voiceovers, in exchange for taking up a little more storage space.
After this, the second tip that will appear will be download some of the maps to be able to use the application without having to be connected to the internet, one of the great advantages over Google Maps, whose offline system works by custom areas that expire. In HERE, on the other hand, downloads entire countries or regions that do not expire, making it more direct for long journeys.
In my case, I downloaded our entire country, which takes up just over 600 MB, although it's possible to download the entire world. However, we'll need almost 10 GB of free space, which, as you can see, is practically impossible in my case. These sizes may vary with each update of cartography, but the logic remains: downloads by region instead of rectangular areas.
How does it work? What characteristics does it have?
Maps HERE can act as a Maps-style map or as a very complete GPS navigator —also offline—, I would even dare to say that it is much more than Google Navigation, although yes, since it is still in beta version has some problems and details that we will see later when we arrive at our destination. The application offers us different map styles: classic, traffic, public transport and satellite. Where I currently live, in Granada, it seems that Nokia (or rather Microsoft) has not yet updated some of the streets and, above all, public transport, while if we take a look at cities like Madrid, we will be able to move around the city without No problem guiding us with the Metro stops in the city, for example.
At the interface level, HERE WeGo is committed to cleanliness- Fewer overlapping buttons and focus on the map. On Android, the search bar is usually at the bottom and the screen remains clear to drive. Google Maps, for its part, offers more menus and layers (shopping center interiors, 3D buildings, relief, bike routes, social layers), which translates into Get more info at the cost of a more loaded interface.
In cartography, Google reflects track details such as lane widths, zebra crossings or traffic lights in many cities, with satellite images of higher resolution. HERE, on the other hand, offers a more schematic and homogeneous, with precise street numbering and fewer visual distractions. For those seeking clarity of driving, this presentation more neutral can be an advantage.
In traffic, both show real-time conditions, but Google relies on a mass of users immense and data from multiple sources, which usually offers greater granularity in specific traffic jams. HERE aggregates information from connected vehicles and fleets, in addition to signs and public fountains, sufficient to avoid hold-ups in most everyday scenarios.
As with Maps, we will have the possibility of reach our destination by car, by public transport or on foot. And yes we can add favorites, either from the phone or from the web version for PC, where we are also capable of creating routes, check traffic and even see street-level images in available areas. On this last point, Google has an advantage Thanks to Street View and its historical archive, HERE is more limited in its coverage of street-level views.
Letting HERE Maps guide us
Let's start with a real test drive, although yes, connected to the data network since it wanted to know the traffic data. My goal is to reach a specific place in Atarfe, one of the municipalities of La Vega de Granada and for this, I activate the Drive mode from HERE Maps. The instructions are quite clear and different information appears on the screen: the street where we are, the time at which we will arrive at the destination, the instantaneous speed and the delay in minutes that we may suffer due to the different traffic delays. In this last aspect, the application behaves perfectly: while driving on the road I came across a small traffic jam at the entrance of the highway that was quickly solved.
In route design, HERE allows you to clearly choose between the fastest or the shortest and detail what to avoid: tolls, motorways, ferries, tunnels or unpaved roads. Google decides more for you with active criteria like green routes, though you can adjust preferences. On the go, HERE shows a progress bar highly visible and a preview of the next steps without searching for menus, favoring a distraction-free driving.
Regarding the directions, I had no problems getting to the destination, although I have to say that on one occasion leaving Granada, HERE Maps tried to guide me down a road that has been closed to traffic for several years, something really strange. By the way, if you are always concerned about your safety and the speed you reach with your car, The app will warn you when you exceed the speed limit, although I must also point out that sometimes it is not updated, and in sections with a maximum speed of 100 km/h, HERE Maps would alert me when I exceeded 80 km/h. In terms of voiceovers, HERE offers very natural voices in Spanish, with high-fidelity options.
In incidents, Google allows collaborative reports accidents, roadworks, or radars in more detail, and details each warning on the map. HERE shows icons and detours associated, but it usually does not include as much context of the event, nor the same density of ads. If you're interested in the social aspect and the details of each incident, Google has the advantage.
If you move by public transport, the availability and accuracy It depends on the city. Google usually integrates updated schedules and arrival times buses or trains in many cities; HERE offers it in fewer places. On Android, Google's transit experience is generally rounder, while on other platforms, some users have detected less reliable behavior. If you primarily use Android, Google excels in this category.
However, aside from the inconveniences I just mentioned, everything else went smoothly and I reached my destination without any problems (curiously, losing GPS connectivity as soon as I reached it). In compatible cars, both Google and HERE work with Android Auto, so you can conveniently bring your experience to your vehicle's screen.
A practical assessment of HERE Maps vs. Google Maps on Android
Although there are still enough aspects for HERE Maps to become one of the great location and navigation servicesThe truth is, from my point of view, it's really interesting and comprehensive. The navigation is good, the GPS can be used offline, and although some directions may be incorrect, we hope this will be corrected over time.
Comparing with Google Maps, the key differences help you decide: if you need extensive offline maps For long trips or areas with poor coverage, HERE shines with its download by country and region that does not expire. If you value having everything in one app — reviews, photos, Street View, menus, hotel and restaurant reservations, traffic statistics, 3D layers and interiors—, Google offers a complete toolbox and unbeatable in the amount of data.
In route creation, HERE is more transparent in the options and less intrusive on screen. Google, on the other hand, explains the differences less between alternatives, but combines its enormous database to propose paths that optimize time and consumption. In real-time traffic, the user density and Waze's effect on Google's ecosystem means that its ads are often finer in specific events.
For location information, HERE offers the essentials: category, address and contact, and allows you to create collections of favorites. Google adds a whole rating system own, community photos, questions and answers, and even options for chat with businesses or make reservations. If your priority is discovering places and deciding based on first-hand data, Google has the advantage.
In privacy, HERE focuses on minimize the association between location data and your account when not needed, and allows you to disable behavioral advertising. Google, by integrating more services, collect and cross-reference more signals to personalize the experience. If you prefer a more data-driven approach, HERE is an option. Attractive without giving up robust navigation.
A useful note if you explore alternatives outside the Google ecosystem: on Android it is possible to use Apple Maps from the browser entering your website. It is not as agile as a native app, it lacks login to synchronize or features like Look Around in many cases, but it can be used to specific queries and simple routes with highly visually polished maps.
If you're interested in installing an alternative to Google Maps and Navigation on your Android phone, don't hesitate and get HERE Maps. You won't regret it. For mixed daily use, my advice is simple: have both installed. Use HERE when prioritizing clarity, natural voice and complete offline maps, and turn to Google when you need it Discover, compare places, and leverage advanced layersChoosing one or the other in each context gives you the best of both worlds without compromising anything.