Pixel 5 Versus Pixel 9 Pro XL-Are Android Devices Evolving Towards Better GNSS Performance?

Area of Science:

• Geomatics Engineering
• Mobile Sensing
• Satellite Navigation

Background:

• Smartphone Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology performance varies significantly across Android devices due to hardware and software disparities.
• Assessing GNSS capabilities in newer smartphone models is crucial for understanding advancements and limitations in mobile positioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the GNSS signal quality and positioning accuracy of Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 9 Pro XL under diverse environmental conditions.
• To evaluate the impact of improved signal reception on positioning performance in static measurements.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five-hour static GNSS measurements using Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
• Tested performance in three environments: open area, canopy, and indoor.
• Analyzed raw GNSS data focusing on signal quality metrics (e.g., C/N0) and positioning accuracy (Single-Point Positioning and Precise Point Positioning).

Main Results:

• Pixel 9 Pro XL exhibited superior signal completeness, higher carrier-to-noise density (C/N0), and better L5 frequency reception compared to Pixel 5.
• Pixel 5 achieved better mean positional errors in open conditions for Single-Point Positioning (SPP), while Pixel 9 Pro XL performed better under canopy.
• Static methods yielded sub-decimeter accuracy for both devices in optimal conditions; Pixel 9 Pro XL had a higher fix rate.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced signal reception in newer smartphones like Pixel 9 Pro XL does not consistently guarantee superior positioning accuracy.
• Challenges remain in smartphone GNSS, particularly concerning signal quality limitations and achieving precise positioning for mobile applications.
• Future research should focus on software enhancements and external correction sources to improve GNSS accuracy for mobile users.