A comparative analysis of positioning errors in 4G and 5G smartphones, and standalone GPS devices, in everyday mobility scenarios

Abstract

The proliferation of location-sensing technologies, including smartphones and standalone GPS devices, has transformed human mobility studies. A central methodological concern in these studies is positioning accuracy, as errors in positioning can bias estimates of mobility patterns and environmental exposure. While the recent rollout of next-generation 5G technology promises sub-meter accuracy, most evidence comes from simulations or controlled trials, leaving everyday mobility performance largely untested, particularly in comparison with 4G smartphones and standalone GPS devices.

This study systematically evaluates the positioning errors of 5G New Radio (NR) smartphones compared with 4G smartphones and standalone GPS devices in everyday mobility scenarios. Data were collected from 27 participants across walking, biking, and driving routes on the Western University campus, encompassing five environmental contexts: open space, between buildings, under tree canopy, in building, and underground. Positioning errors were assessed using three complementary approaches: point-based, path-based, and area based analyses. Results demonstrate that 5G smartphones consistently outperform 4G devices and standalone GPS in accuracy, particularly in building and underground, achieving lower median errors, higher spatial path fidelity, and improved indoor localization metrics. This advancement broadens the applicability of 5G smartphones across diverse research in health geography and urban planning.