If you are hunting for a GPS Navigator in the market, you have most likely come across the Garmin Drive GPS Navigator. Garmin GPS Navigators are portable GPS navigation devices.
In this comparison, we’ll look at the differences between the DriveSmart 65 and the Drive 52, such as what they offer, how they perform, and their prices, so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
Garmin DriveSmart 65 vs 52 – Comparison Table:
| Features | Garmin DriveSmart 65 | Garmin Drive 52 |
| Display Size | 6.95-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Display Resolution | 1024 x 600 pixels | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Display Type | WSVGA Color, TFT with white backlight, and multi-touch glass | WQVGA Color, TFT with White Backlight, and Resistive touch |
| WiFi Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Maps Updates | Lifetime Free | Lifetime Free |
| Maps Coverage | U.S., Mexico, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico | U.S., Mexico, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico |
| Pre-loaded Street Maps | Yes | Yes |
| Voice-Compatible Navigation | Yes (via Amazon Alexa) | No |
| Includes Live Traffic | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Updates | Yes | No |
| Internal Storage | 16 G.B. | 8 G.B. |
| Micro SD Card Slot | Yes | Yes |
| Backup Cameras Support | Yes (BC 30 or BC 40) | Yes (BC 30) |
| Bluetooth Calling | Yes | No |
| Smart Notification | Yes (via App) | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 Hour | Up to 1 Hour |
| Dimensions | 6.8” W x 3.9” H x 0.7” D | 5.5″W x 3.3″H x .8″D |
| Weight | 8.45 Oz | 6.0 Oz |
| Accessories | DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator, Suction cup mount, Power cable, Traffic receiver, USB Cable, and User Manual | DriveSmart 52 GPS Navigator, Suction cup mount, Power cable, Traffic receiver, USB Cable, and User Manual |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Garmin DriveSmart 65 vs 52 – Similarities
Map functionality
Map functionality is one of the major aspects of any GPS navigator. The Garmin DriveSmart 65 and Drive 52 come with lifetime free map updates which can be installed using a computer. Furthermore, both GPS Navigators have coverage of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico.
On top of that, both portable GPS systems offer pre-loaded street maps with live traffic updates, as they both come with a traffic cable.
Battery
Both the Garmin GPS Navigators offer a lithium-ion battery which is better in comparison to cell batteries in other GPS navigators. When it comes to battery backup, both devices offer up to 1 hour of battery life.
Warranty
Both the Garmin GPS navigator offers 1 year of warranty. In case of any software or hardware defect, you can ask for a replacement from the brand.
Garmin DriveSmart 65 vs 52 – Differences
Display
The Garmin DriveSmart 65 offers a 6.95-inch WSVGA TFT display that supports multi-touch. The resolution of DriveSmart 65 is 1024 x 600 pixels, which makes it a high-quality display.
On the other hand, the Garmin Drive 52 offers a 5.5-inch WQVGA TFT display with resistive touch. The resolution of this display is 480 x 272 pixels which is very low in comparison to Garmin 65.
Travel & History
When it comes to travel and history, then you can check it using the dedicated Garmin Drive app. However, Garmin Drive 52 doesn’t support the app, so you cannot check the travel history in Drive 52 Navigator.
Compatible backup camera
Both of these Garmin GPS Navigators are backup camera compatible. The Garmin DriveSmart 65 supports BC 30 and BC 40 backup cameras. While the Garmin Drive 52 only supports BC 30 backup camera.
Wireless connectivity
In terms of wireless connectivity, the Garmin DriveSmart 65 is the clear winner. The Garmin DriveSmart 65 comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Furthermore, it has Alexa voice assistant, which lets you use it with ease.
On the other hand, the Drive 52 is a basic GPS navigator which doesn’t come with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Alexa voice assistance. However, it does offer USB connectivity which lets you connect it to the computer.
Internal Storage
The Garmin DriveSmart 65 offers 16 G.B. internal storage, whereas the Drive 52 only offers 8 G.B. internal storage. Furthermore, both device supports micro-SD card, so you can expand the storage.
Garmin DriveSmart 65 vs 52 – Pros and Cons
| Garmin DriveSmart 65 | Garmin Drive 52 |
| Pros ● Large high-quality display ● Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Support ● Voice Assistance ● 16 G.B. Internal space | Pros ● Lifetime free map updates ● North America Map Coverage ● Pre-loaded Street Map ● 1 Year warranty |
| Cons ● On the pricier side | Cons ● Average display quality ● No Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ● No Voice Assistant |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Garmin DriveSmart 65 vs 52 – Which One is Better?
Both the Garmin GPS Navigators offer turn-by-turn directions as well as real-time traffic updates to assist you in avoiding road delays. But the Garmin DriveSmart 65 is a more advanced model with a larger 6.95-inch display and additional features such as hands-free calling, Voice Assistance, weather updates, and Smart Alerts. That’s why the Garmin DriveSmart 65 is a better choice than the Garmin Drive 52.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Update Garmin Drive 52 GPS Navigator Without Computer?
No, you cannot update the Garmin Drive 52 without a computer. You will need a computer to install every single update.
Do Garmin DriveSmart GPS Navigators Require a Subscription?
It is not necessary to buy a subscription. However, if you want Live Services, then you will have to pay for the Garmin DriveSmart subscription.
Does Garmin DriveSmart GPS Navigator Work Without Cell Signal?
Yes, the Garmin DriveSmart GPS Navigator uses a GPS signal instead of a cell signal, so it works perfectly fine without a cell signal.
Conclusion
Overall, both Garmin GPS Navigators are excellent devices. If you want basic features on a tight budget, the Drive 52 is a good option.
If you don’t have a budget constraint, the DriveSmart 65 is a better choice because it is a feature-rich GPS navigator. The DriveSmart 65 has more features that may be useful for those who require more advanced navigation capabilities.
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