Difference between orientation sensor and magnetic field sensor on Android?

Question

Does anyone know the difference between the orientation sensor and magnetic field sensor on Android?

My understanding:

• orientation => digital compass
• magnetic field => magnetometer

Since I've read that magnetometer is synonymous with digital compass I'm a little bit confused. What are they really?

Answer 1

The magnetic field sensor is the compass.

The orientation sensor is a combination between the magnetic field sensor, and gravity sensors. It tells you the angle of the phone relative to the ground (pitch and roll) and the direction (compass).