why did old (like 90s/2000s) GPS take up to 15 minutes to get a lock, in giant bulky units, but my running watch gets it in 15 seconds?

Question

why did old (like 90s/2000s) GPS take up to 15 minutes to get a lock, in giant bulky units, but my running watch gets it in 15 seconds?

In: 3751

Answer 1

Besides what everyone said, you can try for yourself by removing your SIM card (or perhaps airplane mode). When there’s no coverage, your phone will take the good old time to get the GPS position.