Review: Qstarz BT-Q815 GPS receiver

We'd always recommend opting for a standalone satellite-navigation system (such as the Mio C710 or Tomtom Go 510) for long journeys, but there's no denying occasional use of a smartphone as a GPS unit can also be useful.

In order to use your phone as a navigation device, you'll need to supply it with the appropriate software and a separate GPS receiver, usually a Bluetooth model.

The BT-Q815 from Qstarz is one such Bluetooth receiver, but it differs from most in that it houses a built-in power supply. However, it's important to understand this doesn't mean you'll never need to supply it with another power source - far from it, in fact.

What the solar panel actually does is reduce the rate at which the battery drains. Most Bluetooth GPS receivers will keep going for around 12-15 hours, but the solar panel on the Qstarz BT-Q815 manages to boost this to a maximum of 30 hours.

The receiver uses the MTK chipset as opposed to the more common Sirfstar III found in most standalone GPS devices. In testing, it performed well and managed to quickly pick up a signal from cold.

The solar panel means it's not the smallest of receivers, but this isn't a huge price to pay for the extended battery life. Also included in the package is a car charger and mains adaptor to help keep the receiver topped up.

If you're interested in running satellite navigation through your phone, the BT-Q815 comes at a good price and the solar panel is a real bonus.

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