Database Users

Time to upgrade, thoughts?

Hey everyone,
I've had an AN-21 U for 3 years, and it's time to upgrade. I was wondering if anyone had any input on the "best" head unit out nowadays? I'll need the normal car stuff, GPS, WIFI, USB, fast (quad core I'd assume), OBD2 ( I currently have USB, but I can goto BT), capacitive touch, etc. I don't need DVD or anything else on the front, I'll just USB for everything.
Thanks for the input, I REALLY look forward to seeing how much better these have gotten in the last 3 years.

If you Google search hotaudio dasaita, this unit just release early this month and comes with universal modal and few vehicle specialized modal
I think current trend is MTCD unit with PX5 CPU + 2GB or Intel Sofia CPU + 2GB

In exact same boat as OP.
My AN21u still serves its purpose, but I suspect any of the current generation should noticeably outperform it.
I'm leaning towards the Joying 2GB Sofia models simply because after catching up on these forums for the past few days, it just seems like the most solid and popular.
That being said, the only thing that is holding me back is talk of octa-core units that should be a step up, but so far there doesn't seem to be anything that stands out.
I think I saw mention that Joying will be putting out an octa-core soon, but does anyone have solid information on that?

booba5185 said:
Hey everyone,
I've had an AN-21 U for 3 years, and it's time to upgrade. I was wondering if anyone had any input on the "best" head unit out nowadays? I'll need the normal car stuff, GPS, WIFI, USB, fast (quad core I'd assume), OBD2 ( I currently have USB, but I can goto BT), capacitive touch, etc. I don't need DVD or anything else on the front, I'll just USB for everything.
Thanks for the input, I REALLY look forward to seeing how much better these have gotten in the last 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have had my new Joying 2GB installed for a couple days now and it's indeed night and day compared to the AN-21 U. There is some tinkering involved, like getting voice calling to work, but the snappiness and increased functionality are substantial. Also, as you can see, the support for this model on these forums is outstanding. I also got $120 for my AN-21 U which I wasn't expecting.

I think right now there are only two options: a PX5 or an Intel Sofia unit.

Awesome thanks for the followup guys. I don't currently have a cell phone (live in the country) so I don't need to worry about the calling. Do you have a link to the unit you bought?
Corpcd- Any advantage on one over the other? Links by chance?
As always, thanks guys.

booba5185 said:
Awesome thanks for the followup guys. I don't currently have a cell phone (live in the country) so I don't need to worry about the calling. Do you have a link to the unit you bought?
Corpcd- Any advantage on one over the other? Links by chance?
As always, thanks guys.
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I think Intel Sofia has better support, there is a post here at xda with tons of owners.
In terms of performance, I'vent seen yet a comparison between the two chipsets, they've got different architectures. But differences are more related to having 2gb RAM instead of the chipset itself, I guess.
Where to buy? Look at units that fit your car model and decide if you buy it from aliexpress (cheaper and long time to arrive home), the brand web or ebay. I'd recommend go for a (most expensive, usually) local reseller, if anyone is available.
Brands: Joying (looks like the most trustable so far), Pumping, Dasaita (hotaudio), Klyde, Xtrons, Erisin.

For me, the best way to get my Joying Sofia was to order from Joying Europe (Germany). Free shipping with DHL to most European countries, delivery is 3-4 days. As I've stated in other threads, I am very happy with the Intel Sofia unit. It feels like a next-gen stereo compared to the 3188 1GB, however I have no idea how it compares to the other new units.

nyogtha said:
For me, the best way to get my Joying Sofia was to order from Joying Europe (Germany). Free shipping with DHL to most European countries, delivery is 3-4 days. As I've stated in other threads, I am very happy with the Intel Sofia unit. It feels like a next-gen stereo compared to the 3188 1GB, however I have no idea how it compares to the other new units.
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The problem with Joying units is that there are only two for my car model (Skoda-VAG group), one does not have DVD nor SD (not to have SD is a problem, it limits the use of USBs ports, and probably you can´t install Nav software in the USB) and the other one has DVD slot, but it does not have a DVD drive inside! It says: "With no CD/DVD slot, the "Exit" and "DVD" buttons not working", which is a little bit anoying.
But yes, If I could I'd go for an Intel Sofia from Joying from the european warehouse.
Xtrons seems to have an european warehouse also.

corpcd said:
The problem with Joying units is that there are only two for my car model (Skoda-VAG group), one does not have DVD nor SD (not to have SD is a problem, it limits the use of USBs ports, and probably you can´t install Nav software in the USB) and the other one has DVD slot, but it does not have a DVD drive inside! It says: "With no CD/DVD slot, the "Exit" and "DVD" buttons not working", which is a little bit anoying.
But yes, If I could I'd go for an Intel Sofia from Joying from the european warehouse.
Xtrons seems to have an european warehouse also.
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I drive a Skoda Fabia I bought the one with the dummy DVD-slot. The buttons work fine (they've been re-labelled to something else, can't remember what right now). The dummy slot itself doesn't bother me.
Edit: I could take a picture for you after work

So something along these lines? https://www.amazon.com/JOYING-Android-Stereo-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B01M670UWI

booba5185 said:
So something along these lines? https://www.amazon.com/JOYING-Android-Stereo-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B01M670UWI
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Yeah, that's the one I got (JY-UL135N2). I ordered straight through the Joying web site. They have an 8% off promotion going on till the end of March. Their free shipping is DHL. I ordered on a Friday and received my unit (Toronto, Canada) on Tuesday (with $30 of duties to pay as they listed the value of the radio as a gift worth $80).

What do you think of it so far? A deal breaker for me is the OBD2 problems. I need that, and decent sound quality.

booba5185 said:
What do you think of it so far? A deal breaker for me is the OBD2 problems. I need that, and decent sound quality.
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Sound quality seems good to me, and I think the newest ROM addresses ODB2 issues. Don't have an adapter yet so not sure about that. The overall speed and instant on make it a very impressive upgrade from the AN-21 U. Hands free voice calling is pretty cool.
Overall very happy with the upgrade.

Thanks for the input, I went ahead and bought one. For some reason this one is coming from China so it's going to take awhile lol.

booba5185 said:
Thanks for the input, I went ahead and bought one. For some reason this one is coming from China so it's going to take awhile lol.
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Their free shipping option is DHL which took three days from China to Canada. I believe on Joying's US site, they list some units separately as being in the US Warehouse, but they are priced slightly higher.
By the way, I hooked up my generic ODB adapter and Torque is running with no issues.

3 days is pretty quick, I'm in the Missouri so it'll probably next weekend that I receive it and do the install. I can't wait. The lag on this AN-21 U is driving me nuts lol

Well, I stand corrected. I just got an automated call from DHL, should be here Tuesday, lol. Time to start reading the forums...

Don't upgrade to anything. New units will arrive march with octa core. Just now joying release it!
Just wait 1 more month
https://youtu.be/FdsoOd0VpLI

Car Navi player??

Thinking about possibly trying an aftermarket HU in my 2015 Chevy Cruze LTZ. I thought about just doing a double din but it would sit below my factory 7" screen which would be sort of lame.
I started looking into android head units and came across Car Navi Player. They say they are completely plug and play but almost seems to good to be true.
Does anyone have any experience with these?

Yep, I bought s190 from them about a month ago for my smart ForFour
Plug and play
DHL tracked delivery
Any contact is replied back literally within minutes
I ordered, cancelled because I thought I bought the wrong one, refunded with no questions asked , then ordered again and it was as smooth as butter
I paid £24 import and tax duty
---------- Post added at 10:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 AM ----------
Oh, and I also showed them a link to the same headunit at alliexpress which was with free postage
They then put thier unit up with free postage too and emailed me about the update
If you search ForFour GPS on Thier site, I gave them pictures of the unit installed in my car, and it is exactly as they advertised

Jstyants said:
Yep, I bought s190 from them about a month ago for my smart ForFour
Plug and play
DHL tracked delivery
Any contact is replied back literally within minutes
I ordered, cancelled because I thought I bought the wrong one, refunded with no questions asked , then ordered again and it was as smooth as butter
I paid £24 import and tax duty
---------- Post added at 10:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 AM ----------
Oh, and I also showed them a link to the same headunit at alliexpress which was with free postage
They then put thier unit up with free postage too and emailed me about the update
If you search ForFour GPS on Thier site, I gave them pictures of the unit installed in my car, and it is exactly as they advertised
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Thanks for the reply!
Any issues or bugs that you have noticed?
I've been reading reviews about other brands and it seems some are plauged with issues of flakey sofware.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

Nope not for me, but I only use it for sat nav and radio, I've not tried any weird and wonderful XDA apps or whatever

I have installed Smarty trend head unit, and it was really plugged and play in my case. I think all depends on the car.

I bought from them as well. In my case it was for a Hyundai Santa Fe. The transaction was seamless. Fast response, product as described. Totally plug-n-play in my case. If you have the time, shop around because their price is not always the cheaper. I've found the same units on aliexpress for less. I bought from them because I thought they were US-based but they're in China so it's the same as buying from any other supplier. Their customer service is indeed pretty good compared to most chinese sellers.

giulianoseguro said:
shop around because their price is not always the cheaper. I've found the same units on aliexpress for less.
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Same with me, I asked CarNaviPlayer if they could match it along with the free P&P the AliExpress offered, and they did

giulianoseguro said:
I bought from them as well. In my case it was for a Hyundai Santa Fe. The transaction was seamless. Fast response, product as described. Totally plug-n-play in my case. If you have the time, shop around because their price is not always the cheaper. I've found the same units on aliexpress for less. I bought from them because I thought they were US-based but they're in China so it's the same as buying from any other supplier. Their customer service is indeed pretty good compared to most chinese sellers.
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It is Germany company with production in China, they are saying so at their website, and that is not a secret. The quality is better than the one from Ali. I have such before the Smarty Trend and can definitely say that Smarty worth its money.

autoalex said:
It is Germany company with production in China, they are saying so at their website, and that is not a secret. The quality is better than the one from Ali. I have such before the Smarty Trend and can definitely say that Smarty worth its money.
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The problem with the Smarty Trend models is they mount below my factory touch screen. I was looking for a direct replacement.

waverz said:
The problem with the Smarty Trend models is they mount below my factory touch screen. I was looking for a direct replacement.
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What did you mean? I have had a direct replacement, the factory head unit was fully replaced.

I purchased from them in within 24 hours of install the touch screen would no longer work and they aren't providing info on how to return it. I would stay away.

Which Android headunit brand has the best customer service?

So after doing a lot of research today and browsing these forums, I've become gunshy on pulling the trigger to purchase an Android head unit. The ones I have been looking at, such as Joying, Seicane, etc., apparently have terrible customer service. With most of the brands being based out of China, it seems doing any sort of warranty work with them is going to be an absolute nightmare, especially shipping costs. With this being said, what brands do you guys actually recommend?
I have found a unit I particularly like from Seicane, but I would highly prefer somewhere that has some sort of US support or is based out of the US.
Thoughts?

Joying USA...
Joying product with USA support

doctorman said:
Joying USA...
Joying product with USA support
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I have sent you an email yesterday awaiting a response. Hopefully I can make a purchase through you for Joying USA support .

xzeroun said:
So after doing a lot of research today and browsing these forums, I've become gunshy on pulling the trigger to purchase an Android head unit. The ones I have been looking at, such as Joying, Seicane, etc., apparently have terrible customer service. With most of the brands being based out of China, it seems doing any sort of warranty work with them is going to be an absolute nightmare, especially shipping costs. With this being said, what brands do you guys actually recommend?
I have found a unit I particularly like from Seicane, but I would highly prefer somewhere that has some sort of US support or is based out of the US.
Thoughts?
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Click to collapse
Joying Intel based unit would be the recommendation

gtxaspec said:
Joying Intel based unit would be the recommendation
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I'll probably bite when they give the 4GB option to it or the next step up if they step up and don't take 4 steps back lol.

Help with buying reliable OEM headunit!

Hello people,
I am looking to buy an OEM headunit for Renault Megane III car.
I don't know much about these kind of headunits so I would like to help me if you can...
I want it to have:
-reliability
-performance
-sound quality (as much as possible)
-built quality (as much as possible)
-after sales service
After some search I conclude that I have to choose a device with:
-px5 or px6 (and maybe px30) cpu
-2 or 4 gb of ram
-dsp chip
-ips screen
What do you think?
Also I found several brands like Xtrons, Witson, Isuddar, Teyes, Zwnav but I don't know which is the best choice...
Could you help me?
Thank you anyway!

i bought an EONON? i probably got that wrong about 4 years ago now there is no sound output. it did provide a good service so I'll just watch this thread for any ideas.

You are not going to get any of that from any vendor of these units. Except maybe performance if you mean fast loading and responsive apps.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

velocity4 said:
You are not going to get any of that from any vendor of these units. Except maybe performance if you mean fast loading and responsive apps.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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What is your suggestion?

I don't think that any of the Chinese head units are going to be able to deliver on your requirements. From what I can see, none of the Chinese manufacturers provide any form of meaningful after-sales service, which is one of the reasons there are so many people posting in these forums. Also, reliability is suspect. While there are people who have units that have worked for many years, there are also a lot of people that post here after their units have failed over much shorter time-frames. The old adage is true: You get what you pay for. The Chinese head units provide great bang for your buck, good features, and good functionality. But you're just not going to get the same reliability and after-sales service that you would from one of the Japanese brands.
Disclaimer: I've only been in this space for a few months after buying a PX6 based unit. I have had a few small problems with it along the way which I have been able to solve with help from users on this forum, and it's now at the point where I am really happy with the unit. It still has some annoyances, but overall I think it has been a fantastic upgrade. I'm just basing what I wrote above on what I have seen in these forums over the past few months, and on my own experiences.

Fully agree... but:
jrobbom5 said:
But you're just not going to get the same reliability and after-sales service that you would from one of the Japanese brands.
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I had some Pioneer and Kenwood in the past years now and I found out that the support by them is not even better as the one from any Chinese seller.
That is the reason that I only buy directly from Klyde and Joying.
There I can say that the support is acceptable... more or less.

I've experienced a fairly good level of support from Xtrons so far. I've had several questions over my 20 month ownership and they've always been prompt at replying. I've received updated firmware from them, and most recently the unit stopped detecting reverse gear in order to switch to the reverse camera. I had a good email exchange, returned the unit to a UK company - basically a logistics hub - for "repair or replacement". I received a brand new replacement unit within 10 days with no hassle.
The reason I chose Xtrons was for the 2 year warranty, official sales and UK shipping. My advice is to be careful who you buy from. You can buy Xtrons on eBay, but the reseller might not offer the same guarantees.
By the way, I since bought a Erisin unit from eBay. It was 2/3 the price and the seller assured me 1 year warranty. It works great so far, just as good as the Xtrons but better looking. But I won't hold my breath on it lasting for years.

Eu warehouse and good quality

Hello guys, so Im looking for a brand that has warehouses in europe and their quality is good. Im looking about mekede but they dont have an organised website as podofo does. What is your opinion about podofo products? Im not looking for the cheap ones but something that will last and be fast when running more than one app

Warehouses and good.
The brands are made up chinese sellers of various factories, Various types.
As forest once said....picking a chinese origin greybox android head unit is like a box of Chocolates.
Read forums instead of expecting others do your work for best outcomes at xda.

You can try here:
Auto-Radio Xyingly
Auto-Radio Xyingly
xyingly.com
It's the European site for Isudar reseller.
They sell mostly topway TS10 models with their T72 units.
I also bought a V72 that is a FYT based model but I don't know if they are still selling it.
If I remember right, the shipment is from Poland.