Does Google Maps require a compass to show the direction you are facing?

On my old phone I used Google Maps a lot. One thing I found useful is the dot that indicated where you were had a little flashlight affect to show you the direction you were facing. Does this only work with phones with compasses? I ask because I'm considering getting the motrola g4 plus which doesn't have a compass. Example: notice how triangular area points down and to right.