6 Google Maps Options That Work Higher On Android Auto Vs. CarPlay

Google Maps is on the market on each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but it surely’s not the identical expertise — even when utilizing the identical app in the identical automotive. I carried out similar searches, route adjustments and easy navigation duties again to again on each methods utilizing the identical infotainment display screen.

Usually talking, the basics are shut. Each offered me with a speedometer, lane steering, incident reporting and alternative-route recommendations, in addition to the usual controls for avoiding tolls, highways and ferries. The variations had been rather more obvious after I started utilizing Maps for extra than simply getting from A to B.

The advantages of Android Auto vary from minor interface particulars to options that also work higher there than on Apple’s providing. CarPlay does get better a number of factors, however Google Maps typically feels extra at residence on Google’s personal platform. Stunning, I do know.

The clearest distinction is how Gemini is accessed, and it nonetheless provides Android Auto an edge in two areas.

First, Gemini is less complicated to invoke on Android Auto. I might begin speaking to it with out touching the display screen. Late in my testing, a Gemini button additionally appeared in Google Maps on CarPlay, and it dealt with conversational searches and follow-ups as soon as I tapped it. Nonetheless, I could not summon it hands-free there. On the time of testing, Google’s personal assist web page nonetheless mentioned Gemini wasn’t obtainable for CarPlay.

Second, route adjustments felt faster on Android Auto. I requested it to find a gasoline cease on my route, then requested a pharmacy with out reopening the dialog, and after I requested if there have been different methods to get residence, the choices had been instantly displayed. Gemini can search alongside a route, refine the outcomes, add stops and present various routes. CarPlay might deal with the identical sorts of requests as soon as Gemini was open, but it surely was noticeably slower in my check.

However it wasn’t magic on a regular basis. Gemini typically held on a loading display screen and failed to attach as soon as throughout my check. Nonetheless, having the ability to begin these interactions with out reaching for the show stays a big profit when the show is within the heart of your dashboard, as it’s in my 2025 Kia Sonet.

The third benefit grew to become apparent after I was in search of locations alongside a route. In my check, Maps confirmed me a variety of choices together with scores and the extra time every choice would take. Choosing between a cease that is one minute away and one other that provides six should not require detective work.

CarPlay shows a collection of outcomes, separately, and has Earlier and Subsequent controls to scroll by means of the outcomes. It will possibly nonetheless present beneficial info like fuel costs and detour occasions, but it surely takes extra effort to check a number of choices.

The fourth distinction was the interplay with the map. Android Auto stored zoom controls in simple attain, and pinch-to-zoom labored instantly in my check. CarPlay made me enter its standalone map-control mode, and pinch-to-zoom did not work for me.

That is not to say that CarPlay can’t technically help gestures. Android Auto’s navigation framework helps faucet, scroll and pinch interactions, whereas CarPlay options its personal map template and controls. In precise use (in my automotive anyway), Android Auto was much less demanding after I wanted to see farther down the highway or try one other part of the journey.

It is a small distinction in concept. However while you’re attempting to look forward at an unfamiliar interchange, it begins to matter.

Google Maps additionally did extra earlier than I had even entered a vacation spot.

Android Auto immediately displayed a House shortcut with a stay ETA and distance. Along with Classes and Saved places, the Latest part can even present lately visited places and recommendations based mostly on current Maps searches.

That makes vacation spot recommendations and shortcuts the fifth profit. In my testing, CarPlay’s preliminary Maps display screen was much more bare-bones and required a search to succeed in the identical info.

Throughout my trial runs, Android Auto additionally made Google’s fuel-efficient routing extra clear. It marked one of many decisions as essentially the most fuel-efficient and indicated the estimated gasoline financial savings. Gas-efficient routing is not unique to Android Auto, as the identical desire was additionally obtainable on CarPlay in my check. However for me, Google Maps did a greater job of explaining the advice on Android Auto.

One usability win for CarPlay right here: Coloration-scheme controls for Computerized, Day and Evening are simply accessible from the automotive display screen’s interface.

The sixth profit is one thing I have not been in a position to attempt in a gas-powered car, but it surely’s rather more helpful for appropriate EVs within the US.

Google Maps can estimate battery consumption for a visit on supported Android Auto autos based mostly on the car’s traits, site visitors, highway elevation knowledge and climate circumstances. Enter the present battery degree, and it might probably then recommend charging stops, estimate the battery degree at arrival and incorporate charging time into the ETA.

That is one step additional than finding native charging stations. The charging stops are built-in into the route calculation, and that is simply what you need Maps to do earlier than the battery proportion will get too low.

A key disadvantage of Google Maps on iPhone is that its energy-efficient EV routes do not embody charging stops. Android Auto’s new battery-aware system can incorporate these stops into the journey and regulate the route accordingly. Google’s announcement did not point out a comparable CarPlay rollout. The rollout covers greater than 350 EV fashions from over 15 manufacturers within the US.