The GPS feature in smartphones or android tablet enables apps to get location and navigate. With the right apps, it can replace a handheld outdoor GPS. Here are some things to keep in mind about the Android GPS and its capabilities. 

Android Apps can get a location with the help of cell towers. 
If you look at the location settings of an Android smartphone, you will see two different kinds of locations mentioned.  One is called the network location. This is found using cell towers or wifi hot spots. It is only a rough location.
The other is the GPS satellite location which is what you need for compass or GPS navigation.  

Android phones, like many other smartphones, also use Assisted GPS (aGPS). This allows them to compute satellite position using the network and get the location faster. 

Getting a first location in the requires patience.  
If you've used your Android smartphone/tablet GPS in urban areas, you may have to adjust your expectation of the time to get your location. Instead of ten seconds location in the open sky, it might be 1-5 minutes. It won't have the benefit of aGPS to get the satellite locations faster. Don't worry. The next time you start your GPS, it will probably take less than ten seconds.  (hot start instead of cold start).

The map source matters when using Android GPS 
If you start Google Maps when you do not have cell coverage, it will say 'This app requires an active data plan'. This is also the case with many of the apps that your phone company wants to sell you. These apps use online maps, which require constant data coverage. 
You want to use an Android GPS apps that use offline mapping software, such as a portable GPS Navigator. You should make sure your android smartphone/tablet is built-in satallite GPS chipset.

The Android GPS needs a view of the sky.  
While this is familiar to those who have used a handheld GPS, it can easily be forgotten when your phone can get a network location through the thickest roofs. When the location comes from satellites, it is best for the smartphone or tablet to be able to see them. 

Active GPS will use battery life. 
When the GPS is active, it is using battery life faster. Keep in mind to deactivate the GPS if you are not using it, in order to get more standby time.  

In short, if you keep these facts in mind, Android's GPS can be used as a traditional outdoor GPS device. Have some fun using it in outdoor recreation!