Database Users

Best Android unit for Skoda Octavia 2012?

Hi guys,
nice to meet you.
I've read a lot on this forum about Ownice C500 when I bought and installed this unit.
Now I am searching for the best unit for this car: Skoda Octavia 2 (year 2012).
What I am looking for:
- the best screen possible in an Android unit, at least 8'' diagonal (something to be visible under heavy sunlight would be ideal - don't know if possible);
- Dual Channel CAN-BUS communication - (the unit should display car events: door open, AC temperature settings, parking sensors information)
- as fast as possible (8 cores mandatory ?);
- 4G mobile network;
- DVD unit (I've seen this erases from the list all the 9'' units I found so far );
- good blue tooth phone calls (Is this even possible? )
- DVR camera;
- rear-view camera compatible with Skoda Octavia 2;
What I have currently on the short list
1. Uniway 2G+32G 2 din android car dvd
I cannot find any reviews about Uniway units.
++ Seems to have dual channel can-bus communication.
-- No 8 cores
-- 4G on extra dongle (is this reliable ?)
2. Ownice C500
++ I have used it before. I know it's stable, fast, reliable
++ 8 cores, 32GB ROM
++ 4G embeded - I know it works
-- Seems NOT to have dual channel can-bus communication.

If I have to recommend only one head unit, I would recommend XTRONS. I have recently replace my Skoda Octavia 2014 with XTRONS PST10CTS.
It has many useful features like DSP, Android 10, suports carautoplay, bluetooth.

Kailani said:
If I have to recommend only one head unit, I would recommend XTRONS. I have recently replace my Skoda Octavia 2014 with XTRONS PST10CTS.
It has many useful features like DSP, Android 10, suports carautoplay, bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My XTRONS Android 8 unit has been working without an issue for over 2 years now, it is one of the best radios i have bought from China, no lagging with the system, sound quality is much better than i expected. XTRONS customer is always helpful. Only thing i don't like is the Android version can't be upgraded, so i have to live with Android 8, the apps are still working though.

Just bought the PST10CTS for my Octavia 2014 as well with OBD2 Bluetooth dongle.
So far i've gotten it configured almost the way I want, with using a custom launcher (Nova launcher) to replace the built-in one and using Youtube Vanced as a media source.
I'm a bit confused as to how to connect the AUX/USB of the car to the radio and if it's at all possible to hook up a USB battery pack to the powerfeed, so that it can be on standby mode when the car is off.. faster to start also..
And does anyone have suggestions on how to route the GPS antenna cable to the dash or whats the recommendation where to put it?

Headunit Selection for older car

I'm struggling with the number of threads and age of comments. I have an old defender pre-ODB2 spec (although working on a conversion module) and I think my requirements are simple. Which units would best suit my needs:
- just works (happy to install custom rom for this)
- Android Auto (planning on head unit reloaded unless out of box support)
- hands free mic works
- Bluetooth
- Reversing Camera
Nice to haves
- DVR
- DAB (in Australia don't really listen to radio so not big deal breaker)
- Ability to drive rear screens for kids (not urgent may use tablets)
I've been looking at 2DIN units but will be 3D printing new dash so form factor less of an issue.
Assumptions I've made but would appreciate comments/corrections:
- Android 7.1+ better
- physical buttons useful
- 2GB RAM enough
- sub $300 (ideally $250) otherwise why wouldn't I buy the sony xav-ax100
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Which Android Head Unit? How to choose?

Hello everyone
I want to have an Android 2DIN head unit in my car, but I'm having a really tough time finding out which one I actually want. As we all know there are dozens of different brand names, looks etc. and who knows how many combinations of what's underneath - how do you choose from such a mess?
For example, what I'm looking for:
- a generic 2DIN Head Unit (nobody seems to make one fitting my Lexus IS200 directly so I will just use Metra frame)
- something modern, fast, capable and with good support (manufacturer and/or community) - I reckon I need MTCD/E PX5, right? Is 4GB RAM worth it? Android 8.0, 8.1? Plus there seem to be PX6 on the horizon, should I wait?
- physical buttons and I'd love a volume knob (no steering wheel controls for me)
- stuff like 3G/4G, GPS, wifi, BT, camera etc. seems to be the same so shouldn't be a factor, right?
So, given those parameters, how do I decide which unit to buy? Is the software interchangeable on all PX5 units? Are there any OS differences out of the box?
What about sound quality - is it the same (I see outputs of 4x45W, 48W, 50W - do they actually have different amplifiers?)? Any particular brand names to look for/avoid at all cost?
I've managed to google one useful link [cut] - is this site credible? (unfortunately I'm not allowed to post urls it seems, google "best android head unit" and click the one with wiki.ezvid)
Thanks for all your help!

Buying a Chinese Android head unit

Hello guys!
So, I have a 2005 Audi A4 B7 and I'm thinking about buying an android head unit for my car. So far I have found 2 head units that look somewhat like the factory one, or that I like. They both have Android 8.0 / 8.1, Quad-Core with 2GB of RAM. Now, are these chinese head units generally worth it? I'm really concerned about sound quality (I have an aftermarket amplifier and subwoofer installed). Now I have a Kenwood head unit and the sound output is decent, can't really complain (better than factory radio).
And I have a few questions.
One of the units is made by Mekede (the factory look-alike) and the other one is made by Wondefoo. Has anyone had any previous experience with these 2 makers?
Also, I do not see an AUX IN on these chinese head units. Do the have one? Is it possible to have one? I'd much rather play music over BT, but is generally the connection stable?
Seeing as they are Android, am I able to install 3rd party apps, such as Vanced YouTube ? Or Waze (or any other app that does not come preinstalled) ?
Generally speaking, how is the boot up time on these units?
They both cost around $210. Are they too cheap? Should I try and save up more? Look for other makers? Most of the times I'm going to be listening to music (either via USB, BT - or any way it can be connected to my phone; or YT) while, sometimes, using Google Maps / Waze. Are these cheap android head units generally laggy when multi-tasking? Does it really matter which one I buy, as they're all "cheap chinese products"?
Here are the links to the units:
1. Mekede
2.Wondefoo
Or if you guys could recommend me another one which really is worth the money, it'd be appreciated. I'd like it to have volume knobs, and the factory look-alike is a plus.
I am sorry if these questios have been asked before!
Thank you!

One thing to keep in mind - RAM amount. 1GB of RAM is not enough for these units. I'd recommend 4GB of RAM, but make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM for sure (and even that may not be enough).
Try to find a unit with PX5 (octa-core) or PX6 processor and 4GB of RAM, if possible. Android 8.0 or 8.1.
In terms of sound quality, I too was concerned. I ended up rooting and installing Viper4Android and the sound quality is great. I'm using an extenral amp, but the internal amp sounded good with V4A as well. Viper4Android gives you a LOT of flexibility in customizing the sound to your liking.

jtrosky said:
One thing to keep in mind - RAM amount. 1GB of RAM is not enough for these units. I'd recommend 4GB of RAM, but make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM for sure (and even that may not be enough).
Try to find a unit with PX5 (octa-core) or PX6 processor and 4GB of RAM, if possible. Android 8.0 or 8.1.
In terms of sound quality, I too was concerned. I ended up rooting and installing Viper4Android and the sound quality is great. I'm using an extenral amp, but the internal amp sounded good with V4A as well. Viper4Android gives you a LOT of flexibility in customizing the sound to your liking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Must be a PX5 or PX6 ? Most of the sellers don't list their processor model, just listing it as "octa-core". I'm aware that V4A can give you a lot of flexibility in sound customization (I've used it on my phone for a while)
Do these head units integrate well with the CAN ?

Here are the more technical names (may help identify them):
PX3: Cortex A9 (Quad-core) - 32-bit ARMv7 architecture.
PX5: Cortex A53*(Octacore) - 64-bit*ARMv8 architecture.
PX6: Cortex A72 (I'm not sure of the details - brand new platform)
From what I've seen, most Android 8.0 units are PX5 and most Android 8.1 units are PX6 (brand new). Units with older versions of Android are probably PX3, I'm assuming. Most of these units do not get "official" major Android version updates - the manufactureres just release new models instead of upgrading existing models (but some can be upgraded via custom ROM's).
Personally, I would probably look for a PX5 MTCE octa-core unit with 4GB of RAM. I wouldn't consider anything older than a PX5/Android 8.0 unit - and like I said, I'd recommend 4GB of RAM if you can find it. The PX6 units are brand new - there are no custom ROM's or anything for them yet or anything. They also seem to come with less RAM and storage from what I've seen?!?!
Only way to be 100% sure what you are getting is to ask the seller - they should be able to tell you the processor type and "MCU" type (MTCE-XXX),where XXX is the MCU type. The MCU is like the "go between" between the Andorid OS and the radio hardware (MCU type can be seen under the Android settings menu) - you may even ask them to send a screenshot of the hardware info from the Android settings to confirm what it actually is.
Just a "general" overview of some of the basics - I hope that helps.
Oh - and if you have a CANBUS car, you need a CANBUS adapter. If the seller is selling a unit specifically for your car, they usually include the CANBUS adapter. That will allow your steering wheel controls to keep working and other items.

Yes. That actually helped. These with 4 GB RAM and at least a PX5 cost more, about $350 so I'm going to wait, save up a bit more, because I also need to convert my car from 1 DIN to 2DIN and that will cost me at least an extra $70.
I also want one that looks like the factory equipped one, so, yeah, I'll just wait another month or so.
Thank you for your answers, guys!
Sent from my SM-G935FD using Tapatalk

I have a mekede unit supposed to be android 8.1..... It's not it's actually 6.0
This was from mekede official store on aliexpress
They are now not answering my messages and unfortunately I didn't figure this out until after the buyer protection time limit had ended.

Just to post an update to my original post... At first, I thought that the sound quality was great. But the more and more I used the head-unit, I found that sound quality was NOT up to par with my previous WinCE head-units. And I also ran into noise-related issues. I did everything in my power to try and resolve these issues (including using external amps for better sound quality), but in the end, I gave up and re-installed my WinCE head-unit.
Unfortunately, from my experience, these Android head-units just aren't up to par in terms of sound-quality and noise-rejection. I had noise-related issues from the LED backlighting, USB devices, wifi and bluetooth wasn't very good either. Hopefully, they continue to improve upon these units, because having the head-unit run a full version of Android is great - but sound quality is also important - and even more important to some (like me). Would be great if the big audio companies starting building full Android head-units (Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, JVC, etc).
Since my WinCE unit supports Easy Connect, I can still get the advantages of Andoid for certain things while also having fantastic sound-quality and no noise issues. Best of both worlds. Granted, the WinCE unit is significantly more expensive ($699 vs $350), but just like anything else - in most cases, "you get what you pay for". The WinCE unit that I'm talking about specifically is the Dynavin N7 - and they use high-qaulity sound components. But I also had Rosen WinCE head-units and they sounded great as well (but again, significantly more expensive).
All depends on what is most important to you - software flexibility or sound quality.

My new 2021 PX6 from Phoenix Automotive Vertical Fast Boot OEM fiber option. Had this for about 2 months. I use it with an external OEM AMP. Used in a Lexus.
AMP is not fiber. The unit is a PX6 MCU RL78c (2014 Chip-set) NCHHWY V332-0 , Framework px6-userdebug 9 PQ2A 190305.002. OS 9.
Audio is very good! I love the sound. Speakers: OEM Mark Levnson in the front, 6.5inch JBL GX600C + Sound Ordnance M2-10DVC 10inch in the back.
Tested only with stock HU.
What works on the stock PX6:
(With correct wiring harness)
1. Fast-Boot. After first 2 setup boot-ups, on is instant for 24 hours of nonusage.
2. AC controls work (Cooling).
3. Searing Wheel controls work out of the box on Lexus w/canbus included.
4. Audio player works but not a good GUI.
5. Phone works with Bluetooth.
6. Android Auto is installed and works.
7. DSP Sound works with an EQ and many settings, GUI is good.
8. Most User Settings seem to work. Wheel mapping may stop after Fast-Boot for 5 minutes (bug).
9. Navigation (Google Maps) works, GPS works.
9.5. Maps works Off-Line in Google Maps.
10. Radio with about 16 memory storage.
What is not working in a Lexus / Toyota :
1. Factory Settings. All-access is denied. Locked out! Big Issue for me.
2. GAS monitor/usage. This should work out of the box. Phoenix says it is not working and is disabled in Lexus. BUT is advertised to work on the Phoenix site.
3. Sound MAX loud setting will NOT save after reboots. After boot, the sound is all the way up, loud. After talking with Phoenix tech, no fix. However, if FastBoot is on, the audio may save to a lower setting for about 24hours. If you don't use HU for 24 hours settings are lost again..
4. Screen will reflect windshield in GS Gen3 Lexus. May be an issue in sunlight.
5. If you wear Sunglasses or have glasses that do auto shade to dark, you may not like the screen because it can be hard to see.
6. Radio- Local / Distance not working. Can't find a fix. However Local radio is working fine. I get most local stations clear.
7. Temp display worked for 2 days now showing -40 at all times. (No fix).
8. Fast-Boot image changing. The stock app that changes the BOOT-Image will not work. It is out of date and will not work with Android 9+. It needs an update from Manufacture. A Phoenix Auto add-on app (download), also will not work, out of date. App complains of an Error with the Android version.
Add-On that work:
1. Musicolet from Play Store. The Stock Audio player sucks big time.
2. Bluedriver OBD2 reader.
3. Torque Lite or Pro OBD2 reader.
4. Function Generator, from Play Store.
That's about it.
Roger Out

Need help choosing a Android Nav Head Unit

Hello all, I'm new here. I am located in Switzerland, and have access to a German shipping address to buy a head unit in Germany, or directly thru AliExpress overseas.
I have a few questions choosing the right unit (maximum 9 inch), and I hope you can help me answer a bunch of questions. Maybe you can quote whatever question you may answer. Thank you very much.
1. What is the difference in PX numbers, like PX30, PX5, PX6, and is PX6 the best option?
2. Are there radios with DAB+ integrated, or do I always need a USB Stick?
3. Also, can I use TPEG (Digitally transmitted traffic information thru DAB network) when using a Navigation software?
4. Are there head units that already have Bluetooth 5.0 integrated?
5. What 1280 * 720 9-inch units are there?
6. Which version of Android do you recommend for a head unit; Android 8, Android 9 or Android 10?
6. What do you people think I should look out for when buying a future-proof head unit for my resto-mod car?
I would like it to have:
Capacitive screen 9-inch maximum (due to size restriction in center console)
Sufficient RAM, future proof (maybe 4GB if you recommend)
32 GB on board memory or more (I only use the Radio for Music database and On-Board Maps of Europe, no Videos)
Reversing Camera Input and DVR (but afaik, an external recorder is necessary?)
Bluetooth 5.0 is highly preferred
Digital Sound Processor DSP is highly preferred
DAB+ TPEG for Navigation Traffic Information is highly preferred if compatible
Thank you for your help, further questions are asked later, since I am researching Touchscreen Auto Radios for 10+ years, and now since they got so affordable in the last few years, I would like to buy one for my project car – But since my budget is limited, I would like to research well and only buy once; I hope you understand.
Thank you all.
Dominik

DJHcom said:
Hello all, I'm new here. I am located in Switzerland, and have access to a German shipping address to buy a head unit in Germany, or directly thru AliExpress overseas.
I have a few questions choosing the right unit (maximum 9 inch), and I hope you can help me answer a bunch of questions. Maybe you can quote whatever question you may answer. Thank you very much.
1. What is the difference in PX numbers, like PX30, PX5, PX6, and is PX6 the best option?
2. Are there radios with DAB+ integrated, or do I always need a USB Stick?
3. Also, can I use TPEG (Digitally transmitted traffic information thru DAB network) when using a Navigation software?
4. Are there head units that already have Bluetooth 5.0 integrated?
5. What 1280 * 720 9-inch units are there?
6. Which version of Android do you recommend for a head unit; Android 8, Android 9 or Android 10?
6. What do you people think I should look out for when buying a future-proof head unit for my resto-mod car?
I would like it to have:
Capacitive screen 9-inch maximum (due to size restriction in center console)
Sufficient RAM, future proof (maybe 4GB if you recommend)
32 GB on board memory or more (I only use the Radio for Music database and On-Board Maps of Europe, no Videos)
Reversing Camera Input and DVR (but afaik, an external recorder is necessary?)
Bluetooth 5.0 is highly preferred
Digital Sound Processor DSP is highly preferred
DAB+ TPEG for Navigation Traffic Information is highly preferred if compatible
Thank you for your help, further questions are asked later, since I am researching Touchscreen Auto Radios for 10+ years, and now since they got so affordable in the last few years, I would like to buy one for my project car – But since my budget is limited, I would like to research well and only buy once; I hope you understand.
Thank you all.
Dominik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know all the Chinese android headunits have severely crippled bluetooth, that ONLY work with phones (BT headset mode) and clones of elm27 obd readers.
So BT 4 or 5 doesn't really matter.

DJHcom said:
Hello all, I'm new here. I am located in Switzerland, and have access to a German shipping address to buy a head unit in Germany, or directly thru AliExpress overseas.
I have a few questions choosing the right unit (maximum 9 inch), and I hope you can help me answer a bunch of questions. Maybe you can quote whatever question you may answer. Thank you very much.
1. What is the difference in PX numbers, like PX30, PX5, PX6, and is PX6 the best option?
2. Are there radios with DAB+ integrated, or do I always need a USB Stick?
3. Also, can I use TPEG (Digitally transmitted traffic information thru DAB network) when using a Navigation software?
4. Are there head units that already have Bluetooth 5.0 integrated?
5. What 1280 * 720 9-inch units are there?
6. Which version of Android do you recommend for a head unit; Android 8, Android 9 or Android 10?
6. What do you people think I should look out for when buying a future-proof head unit for my resto-mod car?
I would like it to have:
Capacitive screen 9-inch maximum (due to size restriction in center console)
Sufficient RAM, future proof (maybe 4GB if you recommend)
32 GB on board memory or more (I only use the Radio for Music database and On-Board Maps of Europe, no Videos)
Reversing Camera Input and DVR (but afaik, an external recorder is necessary?)
Bluetooth 5.0 is highly preferred
Digital Sound Processor DSP is highly preferred
DAB+ TPEG for Navigation Traffic Information is highly preferred if compatible
Thank you for your help, further questions are asked later, since I am researching Touchscreen Auto Radios for 10+ years, and now since they got so affordable in the last few years, I would like to buy one for my project car – But since my budget is limited, I would like to research well and only buy once; I hope you understand.
Thank you all.
Dominik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1-) Px it's the processor, today the top is PX6 from Rokchip or you can choose other family, Airmont which produce the SC9853i . The "war" between Android 8.1 or 9.0 or 10.0 it's a non sense; the real problem it's the firmware support which for 90% of chinese producer it's 0.
Only a few producer (Ownice, Joying , Daisata, Isudar) offer updates after you buyed.
About RAM, 4gb or more, space for ROM it's enough 32 gb.
So, the rule number 1, don't buy cheap h.u. (under 250€), rule n.2 and first to see the link for future firmware updates, rule n.3 pay only with Paypal, if you have problems with HU, and the seller don't answer, Paypal block him untill resolve your problem (Aliexpress rules are tricks)

Thank you both, so,
• Bluetooth 4 or 5 doesn't really matter, both are bad,
• PX6 is the newest processor,
• Android Version is not very important, receiving updates after purchase is more important than Android version,
• RAM should be 4 GB or more, 32 GB ROM is enough,
• Pay with PayPal (or credit card, because good credit card companies protect you, too), AliExpress buyer protection is bad (unless you buy a lot like me in the past, then they protect you better thru "VIP" protection rules)
But what about IPS screens, are they better?
And what about Digital Sound Processors, is this better?