I have a 2012 Google Nexus 7 with Lollipop (Android 5). I used this on a trip to Europe with the ridewithgps app to record biking. The battery life in my unit is around 6 hours. I had to be in a location with WiFi to begin and end/save a track (did not matter if I had no wifi in between). I did not try pre-downloading maps for navigation.

In my area, Verizon has the best coverage. After I complete my contract on my current phone, I will be looking at the prepaid resellers of Verizon network to get a better deal. If Sprint had better coverage where I live, I would be very tempted by Republic Wireless.