Device for running Avenza Maps

I am looking for an I Pad type device, like a Samsung Galaxy Active or equivalent that's capable of running Avenza Maps. I have the app on my phone, but I prefer a bigger screen like an 8 or 11 inch. The other issue I hope to resolve, is I have to load up the Avenza app and a map onto my screen when I have service. As long as I do nothing else with my phone, like take a picture, if I am in a no service area, I can't bring the Avenza back into my phone..
Just curious who knows what works well.

 

Why not run another map service that works better? Gaia or OnX?

 

Specifically because I already have a significant investment in Avenza Maps

 

I run a Samsung A9 9" tablet for Avenza, Gaia, and OnX. I have it mounted on an Expedition Essentials dash mount along with my phone.
I can use my phone as a mobile hotspot or when there is no service I have the maps downloaded on the tablet

 

I'm curious, does the Samsung, or any device for that matter have to be supported by a phone service provider, like Verizon, to run the Avenza Maps? Are they Plug and Play?

 

What about something like this? I have it and it works pretty well. If the app has carplay it would be really easy. If not it does allow screen mirroring but I haven't tried that yet. You'd also have the benefit of carplay for normal driving.

$330 Wireless/Wired Adapter for CarPlay Android Auto Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2014-2019 Entune 2.0 High Definition Audio High Screen Resolution.

https://www.amazon.com/2014-2019-De...se&keywords=CarSyncTech&qid=1754678697&sr=8-3

 

Mm KO;
Looks good, except I'm dealing with a 2021

 

It just needs to be wifi enabled and have a GPS chip inside it.

Here is the exact one I bought, I got it on sale for $100. You can buy the US version for $40 more but I don't see the reason why.
I was able to hook it up to my home wifi or mobile hotspot and download all the map apps. I use Google Maps, Avenza, Trail Forks, Gaia, Onx, and All Trails on it with no issues.
With my phone on mobile hotspot it will run online maps just as good as my Pixel phone. Then with no internet I can switch between Avenza and Gaia to browse my offline maps.
My phone is slightly faster in opening the apps and moving through them but just barely, it is by no means slow. For $100 it was a much better choice than getting a $1,000 Garmin.

$115 Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110), 64GB 4GB RAM, WiFi Only, International Version (15W Wall Charger Bundle) (Gray)

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SM-X110-Factory-Unlocked-International/dp/B0CSF51KCW?th=1

 

I use Avenza occasionally but only with downloaded maps. Interesting I see they now have a basemap that you can scroll around on and use for navigation, record tracks, and other functions. That was not there last time I used it. Wonder if that's just free for now and will get paywalled soon.

Offline use isn't an issue with the downloaded maps I use on Avenza but it can be with some other apps. You can download data when you have service and it will cache the maps for offline use. But like you say, sometimes the app will re-load and all that cached map data is gone leaving you with pretty much a blank map. Which is useless. I've never understood why mapping apps don't allow you to install a permanent basemap for areas of your choosing like you can with Garmin handheld GPS units. Best I've gotten was Gaia where you can highlight an area and download selected layers for offline use, but that's paywalled and I stopped paying.

The issue of re-loading seems to be something to do with the phone. It isn't just mapping apps that reload, its most of them. Happens with web browser, news apps, mapping apps, instagram. Whatever I had downloaded or been looking at disappears if I switch between apps and the app reloads when I switch back. It's annoying to lose whatever I was looking at on the web or news, and a huge problem if the basemap disappears and I'm out of cell service.