Garmin GPS MIP Screens vs Smartphone AMOLED/OLED Screens – Which is Better for the Outdoors?
If you’ve ever compared the screen on your Garmin GPS device to the vibrant display on your smartphone, you might wonder why your GPS doesn’t look as sharp or colourful. Smartphones like the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy have AMOLED or OLED screens – bright, vivid, high-resolution displays that pop with colour.
But here’s the thing: while they look stunning indoors, those same screens aren’t always ideal for outdoor navigation. That’s where Garmin’s MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) screens really shine – quite literally!
Let’s break down the key differences and explain why a MIP screen is the best choice for outdoor adventures.
Smartphone Screens: AMOLED & OLED
Your smartphone screen is designed for:
- High resolution & vivid colours – perfect for streaming videos, browsing photos, and indoor use.
- Deep contrast & brightness – looks amazing in low light or shaded areas.
- Responsive touch experience – ideal for fast scrolling and swiping.
But outdoors? Here’s where the problems start:
- Glare in sunlight – even the brightest smartphone struggles in full daylight.
- Power-hungry – high-resolution OLED displays drain your battery fast, especially when brightness is cranked up outdoors.
- Delicate & weather-sensitive – smartphones aren’t built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions like heavy rain, snow, or freezing temps.
In short, a smartphone screen looks fantastic, but it prioritises visual quality over durability and practicality outdoors.
Garmin GPS Screens: MIP (Memory-in-Pixel)
Garmin uses MIP screens on most outdoor GPS units and watches. At first glance, they may not look as vibrant as a smartphone – but here’s why they’re purpose-built for outdoor enthusiasts:
✅ Sunlight-readable
MIP screens are transflective, meaning they actually use natural sunlight to make the display clearer. The brighter it is outside, the easier it is to see. No glare. No squinting.
✅ Always-on with ultra-low power use
Unlike OLED, a MIP screen consumes tiny amounts of battery even when showing maps and data continuously. That means days (or even weeks) of use on a single charge – perfect for multi-day hikes or expeditions.
✅ Rugged & reliable
Garmin GPS devices are built for the outdoors. MIP screens are more impact-resistant, less fragile, and perform well in extreme temperatures where a smartphone might freeze or overheat.
✅ Optimised for navigation
You’re not watching films or editing photos in the hills – you need clear mapping, track lines, and essential data. MIP displays keep it simple and functional for navigation.
Why a Handheld GPS Beats a Smartphone for Outdoor Navigation
When you’re deep in the hills or on a multi-day trek, screen clarity is only part of the story. A dedicated handheld GPS with a MIP screen also gives you:
- Exceptional battery life – no need to ration power like you would on your phone.
- Waterproof & tough casing – drop it, soak it, freeze it – it’ll keep going.
- Dedicated GPS receiver – far more accurate and reliable in remote areas than a smartphone relying on mobile signals.
So while your smartphone is brilliant for everyday use, a Garmin GPS with a MIP screen is purpose-built for outdoor reliability, safety, and performance.
Final Thoughts
Yes, your smartphone screen is prettier. But outdoors, pretty isn’t practical.
When you’re battling bright sunlight, rain, and long days on the trail, a MIP screen gives you the clarity and battery life you need – without compromise.
So if you’re serious about outdoor navigation, don’t rely on your phone alone. Invest in a Garmin handheld GPS – it’s designed for exactly the conditions where smartphones struggle.
Looking for the Best Garmin Handheld GPS?
We stock a full range of Garmin outdoor GPS units, all with sunlight-readable MIP screens, preloaded Ordnance Survey maps, and incredible battery life for your next adventure.
Mike Roberts
The problem is the definition on Garmin. I see little point in purchasing expensive OSMaps if they are not clear enough to follow. I have heard the argument that routes are planned before you start so there is no need to clearly see the map. However this means that you are basically using an expensive gps and mapping just to
O use it like a sat nav in a car.I and In assume others use a gps to know where we are and not to be tied to a predetermined route but to follow the map.
I still use my sat map and for a small fee the OS app on my phone. My Garmin Montana 700 is now only used on long walk as an emergency back up.Garmin seems to try to be all things to all men,and not a dedicated walkers tool. I have heard the augment that companies will not purchase high definition OS maps and just provide raster mapping to save money. Another point,the crumb trail on my Garmin is very narrow and not easy to follow.I have thought hard before making these comments and only make them now because you have asked for comments.I doubt that a big player like Garmin is remotely interested in the comments of hill walker with 60 years walking under my belt but at least I have got theses issues off my chest.
Finally I wish you continuing success with GPS training and I will continue following you. Who knows someone may yet reinvent the sat map approach. Although with the rise of smart phone route planning maybe not.I understand that you will wish to publish this and that is not my intention but Ihope that my comments will provide some well meant feedback for yourselves
Best wishes and good luck in the future
Mike Roberts
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colin
Do Two Nav gps units have MIP screens?