today i learned people still buy standalone gps'
Let's say , you're somewhere, and you're not getting cell service, or the fone is uncharged.
Now you want watermelon. You require Costco, because watermelon is ~$5 more everywhere else.
Do that 20 times, and the GPS pays for itself.
Happens all the time.
Also, young people who haven't used the ol' Garmin can't imagine this, but it's MUCH more clear and easy to see than google maps on the phone.
Phones run 4-5 inch, top 6 inch, These new garmins are 7 inch.
Purpose built software without all the distractions of a phone, super bright screen you can read in sunlight, good mounting options, FM traffic reception, lane assist, voice commands, etc.
Plus it pairs with your phone so it's a basic hands-free kit and can get up to date weather, gas prices, etc. from the interwebs.
Waze and Apple Maps work in a pinch as long as you don't accidentally hit the home button, but the Garmin is purpose built.
The Garmin also runs off 12 volts and has plenty of power to do everything it needs to.
On your phone, with the GPS active and screen on while downloading data for the maps on it uses more juice then you can supply over a USB charger so you kill the battery and bake the phone.
And that's if the car you're in even has a USB port to charge off.