Google Pixel 6 Vs. Apple iPhone 15
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    19 years
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This afternoon I was playing with some GPS apps on both my old Google Pixel 6 and my Apple iPhone 15. It was interesting to see how many satellites I can get signals from on both smartphones.
I used GPS Test, which is an Android app, on my Google Pixel 6. I went outside and was able to get the following:
The accuracy got down as low as ± 2 feet.
In View as many as 45 satellites.
In Use as many as 31 satellites.
GPS Test also has a Satellite Filter with virtual toggle switches that allows selection of the following:
GPS
GLONASS
GALILEO
BEIDOU
QZSS
SBAS
UNKNOWN
I used GNSS View, which is an iOS app, on my Apple iPhone 15. I went outside and was able to get the following:
Visible GNSS: 67
GPS: 10
GLONASS: 9
GALILEO: 11
SBS: 3
QZSS: 5
BeiDou: 29
Being in the United States, I didn't expect to receive any IRNSS (NavIC) signals which is designed for the Indian region.
(We have had the discussion in the past about accuracy. That is their terminology, not mine.)
This is what AI OVerview is for the Pixel 6 GNSS receiver:
The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro utilize a GNSS receiver integrated within the Google Tensor (first-gen) chipset ecosystem, supporting multi-constellation tracking including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo on L1 and L5 frequencies. While it provides standard location services, the Pixel 6 Pro's Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip lacks Angle of Arrival (AoA) support for high-precision tracking.
Key Aspects of the Pixel 6 GPS/Location System:
GNSS Support: Data indicates the GNSS receiver supports both L1 and L5 bands, which helps in improving location accuracy in urban environments.
Chipset Integration: The location capabilities are part of the broader custom Google Tensor system-on-a-chip.
Performance Issues: Some users have reported GPS inaccuracies, such as poor tracking and straight-line mapping, particularly when not connected to external navigation units.
UWB Capabilities: Although the Pixel 6 Pro features UWB, it cannot perform precise, directional finding (Angle of Arrival) for trackers, a feature reserved for newer Pixel models.
This is what AI OVerview is for the Apple iPhone 15 GNSS receiver:
The Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Pro feature precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) that supports multiple GNSS constellations—GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou—for enhanced accuracy. The 15 Pro models add support for India's NavIC navigation system. It also includes a second-gen Ultra Wideband (U2) chip for enhanced spatial awareness.
Key Location and Navigation Features:
Systems Supported: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, and NavIC (Pro models only).
Dual-Frequency (L1+L5): Improves accuracy in dense cities or challenging environments by using two frequencies.
Satellite Connectivity: All iPhone 15 models support Emergency SOS and Find My via satellite when off-grid.
U2 UWB Chip: The second-generation Ultra Wideband chip increases precision finding range up to 60 meters.
Assisted GPS (A-GPS): Uses cellular/Wi-Fi data to lock onto satellites faster.
While precise, the specific brand of the GPS receiver chip (often Broadcom) is integrated into the logic board and works alongside the A16/A17 Pro processors to provide location data.
Google/AI states that the iPhone 15 is superior for navigation compared to the Google Pixel 6.
In the past, there was some discussion here on POI Factory about which GPS chipsets were being used in the various Garmin GPS models. My Google search of chipset shows that several Garmin watches, particularly those featuring multi-band (dual-frequency) GNSS support released from 2022 onwards, utilize the Airoha AG3335 chipset family (often the AG3335M or AG3335MN variant). Does anybody happen to know what chipsets are being used in the Garmin automobile navigators these days?
Amazing
we have come a long way since (around 1940) Hedy Lamarr, the Hollywood actress and inventor, developed the frequency-hopping technology that was the groundwork for modern GPS.
John from PA
Google Pixel 6 Vs, Apple iPhone 15
I agree that it is amazing.
The way GNSS is advancing, pretty soon smartphone GNSS will be nearly as good as professional GPS gear!
Google Pixel 6 Vs. Apple iPhone 15
After reading how they do it, maybe not!
We certainly do have consumer grade devices with Multi Frequency/Multi-Constellation Support, but to the best of my knowledge, there are no consumer grade devices using Differential GPS (DGPS) & RTK.
Professional GPS units achieve centimeter-to-submeter accuracy—far superior to the 5–10 meter range of standard GPS—by utilizing differential correction techniques (DGPS/RTK) to fix signal errors via ground-based, known-location reference stations. They also use multi-channel, multi-frequency receivers to filter environmental noise, and superior hardware to process satellite signals faster.
Key Reasons for Superior Professional GPS Accuracy:
Differential GPS (DGPS) & RTK: These systems, such as Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), use a fixed, known reference point to calculate errors in satellite signals and transmit real-time corrections, reducing errors from meters to centimeters.
Multi-Frequency/Multi-Constellation Support: Professional units track multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) simultaneously, ensuring a stronger, more reliable signal, particularly in obstructed environments.
Advanced Signal Filtering: Superior hardware, including high-quality engines and Internal Measurement Units (IMUs), filters out atmospheric interference and signal noise more effectively.
Stationary vs. Mobile Use: Professional units are designed for high-precision, stationary survey work, allowing them to average data over time to pinpoint exact locations, whereas consumer devices are designed for rapid, lower-precision navigation.
Better Antennas: Professional devices often use larger, more robust antennas designed to reduce multipath errors caused by signal reflection.
spread spectrum
we have come a long way since (around 1940) Hedy Lamarr, the Hollywood actress and inventor, developed the frequency-hopping technology that was the groundwork for modern GPS.
My understanding was that her work led to spread spectrum communications.
I was not familiar with UWB in this context. The Wiki entry for UWB doesn't help me to tie it to GPS.