Hugerock X7 and X70 GPS – Visibility in all situations

This article was published in the magazine *Overland Portugal*, issue number 23.

If there is essential equipment for a trip, navigation devices are certainly one of them. I even assume they are the most important. It's the tool that helps us reach the places we want to visit or allows us to return safely if we somehow get lost in an unfamiliar area. In the past, we used paper maps, but today we use digital maps on devices that inform us with some accuracy where we are and even show us which path to follow to reach a specific destination.

These devices share the ability to receive and send GPS signals, and we can divide them into three groups. First, we have dedicated GPS devices, those created specifically for navigation. Examples include Garmin devices, which are the most widespread in our country. But there are other brands like Magellan, Twonav, Hammerhead, Tomtom, Navtek, among others. These devices, besides being specific for navigation, are mostly also designed for navigation with a particular type of vehicle. For instance, Garmin has the Edge series for cycling, the Tread for 4x4 vehicles, the Montana series for hiking, etc. Then we have devices that are not dedicated to navigation activities but, because they have GPS and an operating system for which navigation apps exist, can be used as such. Examples include smartphones and some tablets from various brands. Finally, we have a third group consisting of devices that were designed and created for navigation but, because they run on Android, can also be used for other functions associated with smartphones and tablets. It is precisely in this group that the two GPS devices I am going to talk about fall: the Hugerock X70 and Hugerock X7.

Basic Features

X7/70

• Screen size: 7 inches

• Maximum brightness: 2600 nits

• Screen resolution: 1920×1080

• Operating system: Android 13

• Processor: ARM Cortex A73 Octa-core (2.0GHz)

• RAM: 8Gb

• Storage: 128Gb

• MicroSD card support up to 256Gb

• Support for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks: 2 SIM cards

• Support for Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz

• Military standard: MIL-STD-810G

Specific Features

X7

• Weight: 456g

• Dimensions: 208×121×16mm

• Dust and water resistance: IP68

• Battery: 7000 mAh

• GPS module: Integrated

• Charging options: 8-pin magnetic cable and USB-C cable

• External GPS: No

X70

• Weight: 850g

• Dimensions: 230×131×25mm

• Dust and water resistance: IP67

• Battery: 10000 mAh (removable)

• GPS module: U-Blox M9N

• Charging options: 4-pin magnetic cable, direct connection to a 12V battery, and USB-C cable

• External GPS: Yes, connection to an external antenna

Garmin Overlander and Hugerock X70 with DMD App

Software and Hardware

In terms of basic features, these devices are similar to the tablets and smartphones we are all familiar with. They run on Android 13 and include Google services, allowing users to install all the apps we use on our phones, whether they are specifically for navigation or for other purposes. They are equipped with Octa-core processors and, importantly, 8Gb of RAM, which ensures smooth performance at all levels. Both the X7 and X70 come with 128Gb of storage, which can be expanded up to 256Gb using a memory card.

Through Wi-Fi or mobile data connectivity, both the X7 and X70 can be used independently of hotspots or network sharing at any point on the planet. It is worth noting that they support most telecommunications frequencies, except for 5G networks. We can also make and receive calls, which is particularly useful if we have a second SIM card with the same number, avoiding the need to search for our phone while traveling.

Compared to other rugged tablets like Samsung's Active series or Oukitel devices, they are in no way inferior in terms of performance. They also have the advantage of coming with a clean, stock version of Android, free from the bloatware that often slows down device performance.

When compared to Garmin devices like the Tread or Overlander, which also have Android versions that allow the installation of some apps, the X7/70 not only offer superior performance and connectivity but also lack the app installation limitations of Garmin devices, which do not have Google services. We can install apps like Google Maps or Waze, as well as Office for any last-minute work. And at the end of the day, we can continue our Netflix series without needing a hotspot. We can even install Garmin apps, such as those for communication via InReach, just like on our smartphones.

Visibility Under Direct Sunlight – X70 and X7 vs Garmin Montana 750i and Samsung Active 5

Screen

Among all the features, the screen is undoubtedly the most impressive. The high brightness combined with excellent contrast allows the map to be viewed in any outdoor lighting situation. Even in direct sunlight and with a dark map, such as satellite images, everything remains perfectly visible. The difference compared to other tablets is noticeable. Basically, setting the screen brightness of the X70/X7 to around 20% makes it more visible than the screen of the Samsung Active 5 at maximum brightness. And the screen of the Active 5 is one of the best for outdoor use! When compared to other rugged tablets like Oukitel and similar models, there is no comparison!

But what about the latest smartphones that boast brightness levels above 2000 nits? Yes, it's true that the latest smartphones come with high-brightness screens, but the reality is that in practice, these values presented in the specifications are more marketing hype than anything else. Firstly, for smartphones to achieve these brightness levels, the brightness control must be in automatic mode, meaning the device adjusts the screen brightness according to the external lighting. And it does work, but only for a few minutes due to the device overheating. If you leave a smartphone in the sun for a short time, you'll soon find it impossible to see anything on the screen because the brightness drops to levels that prevent proper viewing due to the heat. This does not happen with the X7/70. In addition to allowing the screen brightness to be set to maximum in manual mode, including a "boost" mode for extreme situations, even after being in the sun for hours, the screen brightness remains unchanged.

There are devices with screens that are equally visible under strong sunlight, specifically those dedicated to navigation. However, as I mentioned earlier, with these devices, we are limited to specific navigation software, and those that allow app installations are limited in this regard. This is a major advantage of the Hugerock devices, combining the capabilities of the Android system with the functionality of a high-brightness screen.

Comparison of GNSS signal accuracy and update rate between a regular tablet (image above) and X70.

GNSS Module

All current smartphones and some tablets include an integrated GNSS module on the motherboard. The more common term "GPS" actually refers to the positioning system of the United States. GNSS refers to the collection of all positioning systems, such as the European Galileo, the Russian Glonass, or the Chinese Beidou, which are the most important ones.

For most situations, including navigation, route marking, and everything a traveler needs, the integrated modules in smartphones and tablets are sufficient. They are relatively accurate, quick to acquire a signal, and work worldwide. However, they are not all the same, especially when compared to non-integrated GNSS modules. In the case of the X7, it has an integrated module similar to that of a smartphone. The implementation is quite good as it is accurate and quick to acquire satellites, especially when offline. The ability to acquire satellite signals offline is important because when we have access to mobile networks or Wi-Fi, the positioning system uses these networks to obtain an initial position, increasing the speed of acquiring a more accurate GPS signal. This assistance is called A-GPS. In the case of the X70, we have a very different implementation. Instead of a more common integrated module, Hugerock installs a specific GNSS module, the U-Blox M9N, which is more accurate than the integrated ones and is configured to capture signals at 5Hz, unlike the 1Hz in common tablets and smartphones like the X7. This means that every second, the X70 updates its position 5 times, compared to once per second for a smartphone or tablet. Moreover, it demonstrates greater accuracy, as evidenced in route marking. The X70 also has another differentiating feature. It has an SMA-type antenna input, allowing the connection of an external GPS antenna, further increasing accuracy in areas with difficult signal reception, such as dense forests or high cliffs.

These are features that only exist in dedicated GPS devices and once again differentiate the X70 from common tablets and smartphones.

Autonomy and Charging

The X70, due to its size and weight, is not the ideal device for autonomous activities such as cycling trips. However, this does not mean it lacks good autonomy. In the tests I conducted, it achieved approximately 9 hours of autonomy with the brightness set to 50% and the screen always on. It should be noted that these devices, with the brightness at 50%, are much brighter than any other tablet, and in terms of visibility, it is more than sufficient for most sunlight conditions. This is an excellent value, allowing the device to be used without charging for an entire day if necessary. However, this figure contrasts with the X7, which under the same conditions lasts 12 hours, and this with a 7000mAh battery, unlike the 10000mAh battery of the X70. What is the reason for this difference if the specifications are identical? It lies in the fact that the X70 has a non-integrated GNSS module that is configured to update the GPS signal five times faster! This consumes significantly more battery. On a trip where routes are marked and the screen is turned off when not needed, it is expected to last more than two days with the X7. This is excellent autonomy, considering the high brightness of the screen, and comparable to dedicated GPS devices like the Garmin Montana or the 276Cx.

The charging topic usually doesn't have much to discuss. Smartphones and tablets nowadays charge via the USB-C port, but the X7 has two charging methods, and the X70 has no less than three different charging methods. Both can be charged via the USB-C port or through a 4-pin magnetic port on the X70 or an 8-pin port on the X7. The advantage of using this port is the ease of plugging and unplugging the cable without damaging the USB port and its impermeability. In other words, it allows charging in rainy conditions or high humidity, something complicated with a standard USB-C port. The X70 also has another charging method, directly connected to 12V, such as a motorcycle battery. In this mode, power is supplied directly to the motherboard, bypassing the battery, which can even be removed. This mode is especially indicated for extreme temperature situations where batteries may tend to overheat. It works very well, but on older motorcycles, when starting the engine, the tablet may shut down if it is directly connected to the battery. A small detail, but one that is easy to resolve by disconnecting the tablet's cable before starting the vehicle.

The advantages of these charging methods, compared to the traditional USB charging in common tablets, are obviously many. The magnetic connector is so practical that I wonder why it is not implemented in smartphones and tablets instead of the traditional USB! Once again, a differentiating feature that can make a difference in the field.

The only aspect to improve, although in navigation devices it ends up being less relevant, is the charging speed, which reaches a maximum of 12W via USB or 15W via the 12V connection of the X70, much lower than what is practiced by current tablets and smartphones.

Construction and Robustness

In terms of construction and robustness, there are also some differences between the X7 and the X70 due to their concepts and the types of use they were designed for.

The X70 is the most robust and is especially suitable for off-road trips by motorcycle, ATV, or 4X4. In addition to being larger and heavier to accommodate the extra GNSS modules and the 12V transformer, it has a specific construction to handle vibrations and drops. It has rubber-protected areas in the corners and external buttons on the front that allow you to control some interesting aspects, such as zooming in on the map or turning off the touch screen on the display, which is expected to be included in an upcoming update.

The X7 is a lighter version of the X70 but equally robust. In this case, the battery is no longer removable, nor does it have external connections for charging and satellite antenna, which allows it to have a higher waterproof rating than the X70, IP68 vs. IP67. It also contains rubber areas in the corners to increase robustness. In my opinion, the X7 is a versatile tablet. It can be used in 4X4 or enduro motorcycles, and it is perfectly adapted to be used on a bicycle or a drone remote control due to its reduced weight and size.

When compared to other rugged tablets, the X7 presents the same level of robustness with the appropriate common standards. The X70 is on another level, even when compared to a dedicated Garmin GPS in the same line, such as the Tread series. The weight and rigidity are immediately noticeable when you pick up the X70.

When we talk about robustness, we usually refer to whether the construction is robust or not. But there is a concept of robustness that is usually not discussed: heat resistance. When I compared brightness levels in the previous topic, I already mentioned that in all smartphones and tablets, the brightness eventually gets automatically reduced when the device is left in the sun for some time. Some more than others, but it inevitably happens to all. In a small test I conducted for an hour with several devices in the sun, I could see that the X7/70 are quite resistant to high temperatures, and the screen brightness remains unchanged. For me, this is a very important feature since it is one of the reasons why I avoid using smartphones and tablets for navigation in favor of the Garmins I have. With the X7/70, I have the best of both worlds: the Android system with all its associated advantages and a device that is resistant at all levels and for all more extreme situations.

Mounts

Hugerock sells specific mounts for both tablets. Currently, there are mounts for motorcycles/bicycles and drones. These mounts are lightweight, durable, and equipped with an anti-vibration system, which is especially useful for motor sports. However, the most interesting aspect is the compatibility between the mount bases and the RAM ball system. This allows you to directly attach a RAM ball to the device, greatly increasing the possibilities for adaptation without increasing the weight and size of the setup. This is not the case when we want to use a tablet or smartphone in a vehicle, as we need a generic mount that makes the entire setup heavier and bulkier. The X70 has drilling directly on the device body, which allows for the attachment of a custom mount.

Hugerock vs. Tablets vs. Garmin

This is the big question. Can these devices replace the tablets we use for navigation? Or do the Garmin GPS devices, in which we have trusted for so many years on our adventures, still have advantages?

I have always been very connected to the Android system, and between a dedicated GPS and an open system where I can install whatever I want, I prefer the latter. What has kept me away from this system is the lack of essential features mentioned in previous topics. The Hugerock devices completely change this paradigm. They replace a common tablet with one that is more robust, has a screen suitable for all situations, and features specific to GPS devices. Regarding dedicated GPS devices, I’m not saying they don’t have their place because that’s not true. For example, there is no Android device with the autonomy of the GPSMap series. Or there aren’t (yet!) Hugerock tablets with a 10-inch screen. And we have Garmin’s InReach, which provides tremendous security on the most inhospitable trips. But for pure and hard navigation, I recognize that the X7/70 are the most suitable navigation devices I have ever tried.

For those who find the Android system impractical and prefer a dedicated system from the ground up for navigation, you can always try the “Launchers” that replace the “Home screen” of the Hugerock, making it closer to a dedicated navigation device.

Reprint source: 4overlanders.com

Detailed link: https://4overlanders.com/gps-hugerock-x7-e-x70-visibilidade-em-todas-as-situacoes/