Yes, I think they are. Some of the Android phones have GPS separate from the network, the iPhone needs the network enabled. When I try to use any of the apps I have that will show lat & long, they don't function if the iPhone is in Airplane Mode. I guess the real question is will enabling the network allow the GPS function to work even if the phone has no access to the cell network. It will supposedly still work for 9-1-1 calls so...

In the backcountry the GPS function uses lots of battery because the phone is constantly looking for a cell signal. Some Androids don't have that problem.