I use my (older model) Samsung Galaxy phone, on the Sprint network, for Strava when I'm riding. Sometimes I just CAN'T find a GPS signal. It's really annoying to be in a totally clear, treeless area on a clear sunny day and get nothing. Occasionally, my phone tells me "no internet connection," so Strava app won't work regardless of GPS signal.

It makes me really sad to ride, knowing it won't be "counted." Not sad enough to not go, but it's still a real bummer, especially if I'm riding somewhere new. Twice I've had to have the ride recorded on my husband's iPhone and have him export the .gpx file and send it to me. But I frequently ride without him, and in new locations where I wouldn't know if I'm going to get a GPS signal, because I've never been there.

Have you found Garmin units to be more reliable at finding GPS signals than smartphones, or does it matter? It would eliminate the no internet problem, as I'd be manually uploading rides.