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Hello XDA'ers.
Just got burned buying a crappy no-name Windows headunit on Amazon and was wondering if you could help me pick a different one. I'm looking for an Android-based HU that can support Bluetooth, GPS and a backup camera. HD Radio support is a plus.
Thanks!
I am also researching for one and come across with eonon brand. You can check it out.
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
Do you have a link to purchasing it?
Actually, that one looks just like the piece of junk that I purchased. I'm hoping for a headunit that I can purchase and can flash with a custom from here.
DJRepresent said:
Actually, that one looks just like the piece of junk that I purchased. I'm hoping for a headunit that I can purchase and can flash with a custom from here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
I personally would (and did, but with a NEED for Android Auto) spend the extra $200-300 for a Pioneer 4100NEX with Android Auto and many other features, including US HD Radio. On EBay now for $500 shipped for refurb, or IMO better at $570 shipped brand new.
But if you need "full regular Android" to run any app, most "normal" HUs don't provide this, but maybe we'll get a ROM with full Android. Some Pioneer devices run Android under the covers and are getting a ROM now, in part to get Android Auto on devices like the older 4000NEX. I think that 4100NEX will get a ROM too, once it provides a good option for getting more than stock functionality.
The best "Cheap Chinese" HUs are stuck on Android 4.4 Kitkat at best and I doubt Newsmy/Huefei will ever get Lollipop.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
mikereidis said:
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
I personally would (and did, but with a NEED for Android Auto) spend the extra $200-300 for a Pioneer 4100NEX with Android Auto and many other features, including US HD Radio. On EBay now for $500 shipped for refurb, or IMO better at $570 shipped brand new.
But if you need "full regular Android" to run any app, most "normal" HUs don't provide this, but maybe we'll get a ROM with full Android. Some Pioneer devices run Android under the covers and are getting a ROM now, in part to get Android Auto on devices like the older 4000NEX. I think that 4100NEX will get a ROM too, once it provides a good option for getting more than stock functionality.
The best "Cheap Chinese" HUs are stuck on Android 4.4 Kitkat at best and I doubt Newsmy/Huefei will ever get Lollipop.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read an Amazon.com review of one of the Chinese HUs where the guy said that the stock ROM on it was "OK," but once he flashed a custom ROM, everything worked great. He didn't provide a link to the ROM but he did say he downloaded it from XDA. So was wondering if there might be a decent head unit that I can purchase and flash and have it working well.
mikereidis said:
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with. And the quad core devices are very snappy and responsive, and the screens on the 1024x600 7" models are very clear and look great.
For the price, they are well worth it to me. The only real problem has been that the bluetooth design is not the best, and lots of people are just connecting a mic cable directly to the mic and ground pins on the bluetooth board to get around the poor internal mic issue. Other than that there is no real outstanding problem with them.
nixfu said:
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with. And the quad core devices are very snappy and responsive, and the screens on the 1024x600 7" models are very clear and look great.
For the price, they are well worth it to me. The only real problem has been that the bluetooth design is not the best, and lots of people are just connecting a mic cable directly to the mic and ground pins on the bluetooth board to get around the poor internal mic issue. Other than that there is no real outstanding problem with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which unit should I purchase then? Please post a link.
Thanks!
nixfu said:
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$100 ?
I thought the decent units, like Newsmy, started around $300 or so, and prices get higher when you need a non-generic, car-specific model.
To each their own, but I am still not a particular fan of Mediatek/Chinese chipsets. AFAIK, Mediatek still regularly violates GPL and keep more secrets than Qualcomm does, making it harder for kernel & ROM devs. Still true or no ?
Anyway, since I don't own one of the Chinese HUs, the opinions of people who own one may be more important than mine.
IMO anyone buying one should read the main threads for them for at least a few pages to get better informed.
For those who need "real Android" running on the HU, I'm recalling that the AppRadio Unchained Reloaded app seems a decent option for phone mirroring to Pioneer HUs.
I must sound like a paid Pioneer rep sometimes, LOL, but reality is that my best interests are in people running my Headunit app on tablets than buy an HU. But I only recommend that if it seems the best option for them.
I'm torn between the carjoying RK3188 and the NU3001 Carpad. Anyone have experience with both can provide a recommendation? I was reading some of the posts regarding the carjoying unit and am concerned that I need to modify the internal to get a decent microphone quality. Not sure if this needs to also happen to the newsmy unit? I have also heard that the joking crew provides great support, which is important and like the fact that they have taken the time to create lots of tutorial videos. On the nu3001 - I like that the android unit is in a separate box. I seriously can't decide...lots of pros on both units.
DJRepresent - did you make your decision yet?
Honestly. I've been both a newsmy & huifei owner... I'm not a happy camper with the newsmy and their support.
My radio was working great then started to develop random screen flickers & after a firmware update it died. Ordered a replacement Android box (as the head unit & Android box is separate on the newsmy, had to fight to order it as I didn't order my radio directly from newsmy but from a reseller... Only managed to get it as a fellow xda member was a reseller and he placed the replacement order for me) and my radio now only half works. My physical buttons on my radio (as it's a Volkswagen specific unit) no longer work.
Newsmy has left me high and dry with the issue with zero support on the issue. I've spent about 700-800canadian on this unit and I have now a half working unit...
I'm starting to think about selling off and getting a joying/huifei unit. As the one I use to own before the newsmy is now in my dad's car and it's working perfectly fine. I only got the newsmy as at the time it was the only 1024x600 unit with 2 gigs of ram...
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
The winlink seems to be less popular but also seems to have a representative from the company participating in the forum activity. Newsmy use to have that... seems they are no longer focused on the carpad2 more their unreleased carpad3. Not sure if joying/huifei has a representative participating but seems to have a lot more overall owners participating with the development.
One downfall I had with my huifei that the newsmy doesn't have is the canbus. The canbus didn't fully work with my car or my dad's car (my car being a 09 vw jetta my dad's being a '12 vw jetta)on the huifei I had random issues with it. I ended up replacing their canbus with another manufacture and the issues resolved.
Newsmy also seemed more focused on eye candy vs actually developing the radio more... It still has no rds support.
Also the newsmy has no sub preputs.
Hmm other then that... I think that's the end of my feedback rant. Maybe a joying user can chime in?
kwalsh24 said:
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
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Click to collapse
I like my unit from carjoying.com, the prices are pretty good, and the support is actually better than I expected. But NO NONE of the more popular units(Klyde, Roadmaster, Hot Audio, Joying, etc) which are all based on the same HueFui design, all use the same RK3066/RK3166 Chipsets, and they all have 1GB Ram. The memory and cpu are all using the same plug in daughter boards that plug in to the various main boards.
Frankly I don't see the 1GB being a limitation, or that 2GB would help all that much. The quad core is what seems to be a big difference and makes the units very snappy. I know my unit I normally have Torque loggings engine stats, iGO GPS doing navigation, MediaMonkey playing MP3's, and DailyRoads recording the front camera all constantly going at the same time with zero noticeable slowdown, and the unit remains very snappy and responsive. I am not sure what else you would want to have simultaneously happening that would be better than what you can already do with the current units.
The best models you can get are quad core, 1GB ram, 16GB onboard flash, and 1024 screens. I would just make sure you get one with these specs and you will pretty much have the best currently available.
nixfu said:
I like my unit from carjoying.com, the prices are pretty good, and the support is actually better than I expected. But NO NONE of the more popular units(Klyde, Roadmaster, Hot Audio, Joying, etc) which are all based on the same HueFui design, all use the same RK3066/RK3166 Chipsets, and they all have 1GB Ram. The memory and cpu are all using the same plug in daughter boards that plug in to the various main boards.
Frankly I don't see the 1GB being a limitation, or that 2GB would help all that much. The quad core is what seems to be a big difference and makes the units very snappy. I know my unit I normally have Torque loggings engine stats, iGO GPS doing navigation, MediaMonkey playing MP3's, and DailyRoads recording the front camera all constantly going at the same time with zero noticeable slowdown, and the unit remains very snappy and responsive. I am not sure what else you would want to have simultaneously happening that would be better than what you can already do with the current units.
The best models you can get are quad core, 1GB ram, 16GB onboard flash, and 1024 screens. I would just make sure you get one with these specs and you will pretty much have the best currently available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! I read from a post you started a while ago regarding the carjoying unit you modified internally to address the microphone poor quality. How bad is it out the box (without modifying the internals) or is this mod a must do before installing? Is this mod to address just the integrated mic or does this also impact the external mic input? Wondering if i wire up a quality external mic if that would keep from having to modify the internals. Your usage list above looks like similar apps I would be running in addition to an occasional hands free phone call. Thanks!
---------- Post added at 06:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
kwalsh24 said:
Honestly. I've been both a newsmy & huifei owner... I'm not a happy camper with the newsmy and their support.
My radio was working great then started to develop random screen flickers & after a firmware update it died. Ordered a replacement Android box (as the head unit & Android box is separate on the newsmy, had to fight to order it as I didn't order my radio directly from newsmy but from a reseller... Only managed to get it as a fellow xda member was a reseller and he placed the replacement order for me) and my radio now only half works. My physical buttons on my radio (as it's a Volkswagen specific unit) no longer work.
Newsmy has left me high and dry with the issue with zero support on the issue. I've spent about 700-800canadian on this unit and I have now a half working unit...
I'm starting to think about selling off and getting a joying/huifei unit. As the one I use to own before the newsmy is now in my dad's car and it's working perfectly fine. I only got the newsmy as at the time it was the only 1024x600 unit with 2 gigs of ram...
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
The winlink seems to be less popular but also seems to have a representative from the company participating in the forum activity. Newsmy use to have that... seems they are no longer focused on the carpad2 more their unreleased carpad3. Not sure if joying/huifei has a representative participating but seems to have a lot more overall owners participating with the development.
One downfall I had with my huifei that the newsmy doesn't have is the canbus. The canbus didn't fully work with my car or my dad's car (my car being a 09 vw jetta my dad's being a '12 vw jetta)on the huifei I had random issues with it. I ended up replacing their canbus with another manufacture and the issues resolved.
Newsmy also seemed more focused on eye candy vs actually developing the radio more... It still has no rds support.
Also the newsmy has no sub preputs.
Hmm other then that... I think that's the end of my feedback rant. Maybe a joying user can chime in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! This is great info. I am truly sorry for your troubles. Hope you get your issue resolved. Support/customer service is something I highly value. Now that u mentioned it...I do remember seeing newsmy frequent presence in the large dedicated nu3001 thread early on, but they phased out as I skimmed though the posts. Thanks again for providing your experiences/feedback! +2 for carjoying
Honestly I just checked out newsmy's website and they have removed most of their headunits they once sold. So I would 100% rule out newsmy.
Joying in the lead but maybe check out winlink/ownice unit. As it's the quad core with 2 gigs of ram... I myself am 100% torn
I'm slightly shocked that there hasn't been anything new on the market. Faster cpu & more ram? Kinda sad that the joying unit doesn't have 2 gigs of ram. If it did I'd be jumping ship 12 hours ago as they have a nice looking vw unit that's all touch. Including the malfunctioning buttons that my unit has...
kwalsh24 said:
Honestly I just checked out newsmy's website and they have removed most of their headunits they once sold. So I would 100% rule out newsmy.
Joying in the lead but maybe check out winlink/ownice unit. As it's the quad core with 2 gigs of ram... I myself am 100% torn
I'm slightly shocked that there hasn't been anything new on the market. Faster cpu & more ram? Kinda sad that the joying unit doesn't have 2 gigs of ram. If it did I'd be jumping ship 12 hours ago as they have a nice looking vw unit that's all touch. Including the malfunctioning buttons that my unit has...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little shocked also, but from the feedback 1 gb should be good enough. I figure the units are somewhat inexpensive and don't mind replacing it a few years down the road if it becomes an issue. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the carjoying unit. The crew has been in frequent communication with me since I purchased it making sure everything is right with my car configuration before shipping it. I'm pleased so far with the support and do not have the unit yet Hope my positive experiences continue after I receive it. Not looking forward to doing the mic mod though
So far, in all the searching I've done thus far before registering, I couldn't seem to find anything that really satisfied my wonders about these headunits.. The best versions seem to be the 4.4.x headunits, as it seems most people have problems with 5.1.x headunits (ie, lagging, crashing, etc) and there's now a few 6.0 headunits (Ownice C500 and Pumpkin I believe has one).
My problem with the 4.4.x headunits are that they all seem to carry 1GB of ram. 2GB seems to be the sweet spot, but is only found on a FEW of the 5.1.x headunits which inevitably seem to fail due to the seemingly awful roms. That being said, I'm highly interested in the Ownice C500 due to built in 4G (with sim slot), 2GB ram and a choice between 4core/8core (I'd be fine with the 4core, I plan on simply only listening to music and not running any apps except torque).
The problem with Ownice is that it changed name from Winlink directly to Ownice and dropped the old moniker, and I'm not too sure why. Pumpkin seems okay, but everything is 1GB ram I believe. Joying seems good, but it seems they have quite a few issues too. I know that none of these will be GREAT (price v quality issues, etc) but which do you guys feel are best? I'm super picky and don't make decisions until I know for certain that I'm getting exactly what will work for my needs.
Maybe I should create a poll?
Also, I'm quite attracted to the Newsmy Carpad but it seems they have some MCU issues and it doesn't seem to be the most premium headunit.
edit: I know that most of these units are mass produced by the same manufacturer, not sure whether to call these companies "manufacturers" or "distributors."
If you are so picky...then don't go to any of them.
All have more or less something wrong....but if you check for the price.... the mtcd type units (2gb ram) is under my opinion the best choice
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
ikerg said:
If you are so picky...then don't go to any of them.
All have more or less something wrong....but if you check for the price.... the mtcd type units (2gb ram) is under my opinion the best choice
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in that case I might as well jump on a C200 and install a Malaysk rom or just pull the trigger on a C500 since I've got an extra LTE sim/line open and active.
fallrisk said:
Well, in that case I might as well jump on a C200 and install a Malaysk rom or just pull the trigger on a C500 since I've got an extra LTE sim/line open and active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do Malaysk cook roms for c200?
AFAIK only cooked for MTCB and mtcd rk3188 chip.
C200 is not MTCD
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
I'm thinking the same things as you!
Mainly the issue with bluetooth, and handsfree mic is disturbing.
Apperantly JBL has a model on their way. CP100 which is a Carplay / Mirrorlink / Android Auto Head Unit. It has been delayed since 1Q 2016 so maybe it will hit the market soon?
It's 399$ though - but maybe the higher price is going to be shown in better stability and higher quality..
Mogelmose said:
I'm thinking the same things as you!
Mainly the issue with bluetooth, and handsfree mic is disturbing.
Apperantly JBL has a model on their way. CP100 which is a Carplay / Mirrorlink / Android Auto Head Unit. It has been delayed since 1Q 2016 so maybe it will hit the market soon?
It's 399$ though - but maybe the higher price is going to be shown in better stability and higher quality..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the Sony XAV-AX100 is being released right about now.
A little more expensive but a good looking unit.
I'm trying to figure out my next move and it's hard at the moment.
I bought a cheap MTCD to replace my Newsmy that died earlier this year but there are a few things bugging me, like the Bluetooth that people can't hear me through and the broken h.264 decoding.
Still deciding if I try another unit like the Joying 2gb or Ownice C500 or do I just go with a Sony or Kenwood unit and know I'll get decent quality..
decisions, decisions...
Mogelmose said:
I'm thinking the same things as you!
Mainly the issue with bluetooth, and handsfree mic is disturbing.
Apperantly JBL has a model on their way. CP100 which is a Carplay / Mirrorlink / Android Auto Head Unit. It has been delayed since 1Q 2016 so maybe it will hit the market soon?
It's 399$ though - but maybe the higher price is going to be shown in better stability and higher quality..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to look that up, does it run Android on its own though? I'd really like to have Torque as I drive a Subaru and would like to make sure she's not gonna die on me (132k and tickin along).
leonkernan said:
Don't forget the Sony XAV-AX100 is being released right about now.
A little more expensive but a good looking unit.
I'm trying to figure out my next move and it's hard at the moment.
I bought a cheap MTCD to replace my Newsmy that died earlier this year but there are a few things bugging me, like the Bluetooth that people can't hear me through and the broken h.264 decoding.
Still deciding if I try another unit like the Joying 2gb or Ownice C500 or do I just go with a Sony or Kenwood unit and know I'll get decent quality..
decisions, decisions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AX100 looks promising but it doesn't run Android on its own sadly! The benefit of mirroring both Android and iOS is awesome though. Not too sure if I'd prefer having CarPlay to rely on or if I'd rather have a standalone unit that I can tether BT for calls.
ikerg said:
Do Malaysk cook roms for c200?
AFAIK only cooked for MTCB and mtcd rk3188 chip.
C200 is not MTCD
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I thought I had answered you but apparently not. I thought the C200 was an MTC headunit due to running an rk3188 AFAIK??
fallrisk said:
The AX100 looks promising but it doesn't run Android on its own sadly! The benefit of mirroring both Android and iOS is awesome though. Not too sure if I'd prefer having CarPlay to rely on or if I'd rather have a standalone unit that I can tether BT for calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the JBL and Sony don't run Android themselves.
Personally, I'm realizing that apart from being able to customize it a bit more, I don't care for most of my usage.
Android Auto or Carplay running on good hardware that gets the basics right is almost more important to me now.
fallrisk said:
Hmm. I thought I had answered you but apparently not. I thought the C200 was an MTC headunit due to running an rk3188 AFAIK??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It is not MTCD unit.... completely different mcu.... even having same rockchip soc
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If you want to run CarPlay or Android Auto, the sweet spot price/performance wise is the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.
Costs twice the typical Chinese android head unit ($500), but it's rock solid reliable.
On the other hand , the MTCB or MTCD units are far more customizable. And cheaper.
tbd2k2 said:
If you want to run CarPlay or Android Auto, the sweet spot price/performance wise is the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.
Costs twice the typical Chinese android head unit ($500), but it's rock solid reliable.
On the other hand , the MTCB or MTCD units are far more customizable. And cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah those NEX units are SWEET, but I'm a broke college student so I can JUST afford a Chinese unit. I definitely would've splurged on a NEX or the AX100 if I had the money (which I don't). :\
That's why I'm looking to figure out the general feelings about which manu.'s are best and what everyone feels is the best unit or MCU/Android Version combo.
leonkernan said:
No, the JBL and Sony don't run Android themselves.
Personally, I'm realizing that apart from being able to customize it a bit more, I don't care for most of my usage.
Android Auto or Carplay running on good hardware that gets the basics right is almost more important to me now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to customize but im startin to realize it's just the geek side of me that thinks that. After all i just want hassle free in car entertainment and Auto / Carplay delivers that.
tbd2k2 said:
If you want to run CarPlay or Android Auto, the sweet spot price/performance wise is the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.
Costs twice the typical Chinese android head unit ($500), but it's rock solid reliable.
On the other hand , the MTCB or MTCD units are far more customizable. And cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pioneer AVH-4200NEX is way too expensive compared to the JBL and Sony mentioned in this thread.
Mogelmose said:
I would love to customize but im startin to realize it's just the geek side of me that thinks that. After all i just want hassle free in car entertainment and Auto / Carplay delivers that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my issue too. I've had a couple of units, thinking i'll write my own launcher and stuff and have a great time..
In the end, I spend so much time fighting with the basics to just listen to the radio or make a phone call.
Android Auto / Carplay is the changer for me with decent maps, phone and messages without the hassle.
I'll probably still play around with a tablet in the car or something, but the main unit will be a brand name one that handles all the day to day stuff.
Mogelmose said:
I would love to customize but im startin to realize it's just the geek side of me that thinks that. After all i just want hassle free in car entertainment and Auto / Carplay delivers that.
The Pioneer AVH-4200NEX is way too expensive compared to the JBL and Sony mentioned in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several places sell these Pioneer NEX and the equivalent Kenwood units (factory rebfurb) for $50-100 less.
Pioneer also has a cheaper option, the Appradio, which deletes the DVD player and some other features, but still gives you good Bluetooth and CarPlay. They do not advertise Andoid auto, but it has good Android support.
Crutchfield has it on sale $499 after rebate.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130SPDA120/Pioneer-SPH-DA120-AppRadio-4.html
JVC is coming out with a new DVD head unit that supports CarPlay, but they are not supporting Android Auto yet, apparently. JVC is actually owned by Kenwood, and most people are satisfied with their higher-end models.
That Sony looks interesting, have not heard much from the people who have gotten it though. It's brand new...the Pioneer and Kenwoods are in their third gen CarPlay/Andoid auto models and have worked though many little bugs it seems.
The JBL Android auto head unit seems to be infinitely delayed.
The JBL Android delay could be connected to the Harman (Who owns JBL) is about to be sold to Samsung.
Samsung wants Harman so they can compete in "connected technology" which in my terms also include Head Units.
I'm from Denmark, the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX is not sold here.
The frequencies used in some other countries, like Europe, are even (102.8).
The frequencies used here in the US are odd numbers (102.7) and can not be changed.
I guess that's why it's an US only Head Unit.
THe SPH-DA120 is sold here. It looks promising. It doesn't support Android Auto though.
So i'm thinking.. How bad can it be?
You need a HDMI cable, an HDMI adapter. Then you need to setup som funky Bluetooth settings. And after all that **** you can stream music and talk on the phone. No Navi-mirroring etc.
No way i'm going to buy an Iphone to get this to work. So the DA120 is still a no go.
Take a look at this youtube video to see what i mean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvTU7fVnmRs
Can someone please tell me why it so hard to put in "Hassle free" and both Wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple Carplay in to a Head Unit
Boy, did I fall down the rabbit hole! I'm prepping my 2006 GMC Yukon XL to tow a travel trailer. I wanted a backup camera, so I started looking at Sony/Kenwood Android Auto units, then stumbled across a message Dasaito head units, so I Googled that and holy CRAP Toto we aren't in Kansas any more!
Okay, so MTCB/MTCC are the older boards, and the suppliers are cranking out MTCD boards now. Got it...
I'm seeing references to MTCE in version strings, but I can't find any discussion about them. What's the deal with these? Are they better? Are they image-compatible with MTCD?
Is there anything better than the current 32GB/4GB octa-core platforms? I see references to Intel-based platforms - are they better yet?
And are there any other families of Android-based head units besides the MTC* platforms?
I'm just a tech-nerd dad with two kids who wants to go camping, but suddenly finds himself in a strange and wonderful land... Thanks!
Buy a real head unit from a real hifi car producer, like jvc kenwood sony alpine etc...
Cinese unit will never be hifi headunit. Go for an android auto one, like JVC Kw-M870BT or similar. You get good audio quality, real warranty, good performance everywhere.
siggey said:
Buy a real head unit from a real hifi car producer, like jvc kenwood sony alpine etc...
Cinese unit will never be hifi headunit. Go for an android auto one, like JVC Kw-M870BT or similar. You get good audio quality, real warranty, good performance everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm wrestling with. The original plan was to purchase a Sony XAV-AX200 from Crutchfield. It supports Android Auto and has a physical volume knob (essential for road trips with kids). If I purchase from Crutchfield, I get the bezel surround for my truck, the PAC RP5-GM11 interface unit to mate up to the GM factory harnesses (including the Bose digital amplifer), the backup camera plugs right in, and so on. For a small fee, Crutchfield even pre-solders all the harnesses so you literally just plug the thing in.
Which leads me to a side question - do I use the same PAC unit to connect to these Android head units and mate to the steering wheel controls? I wonder if the Bose digital factory amp connects the same way... hrmm.
I should add that I have two additional motivations for using an Android head unit, both related to towing our 28' travel trailer:
I planned to purchase a standalone trailer TPMS system, but it would be great to have the head unit monitor the trailer's tires.
I use an Android app to level our trailer (put a phone on the floor of the trailer, and it sends the angular level to a second Android device), but I could run the receiving app directly on the head unit.
chrispitude said:
I should add that I have two additional motivations for using an Android head unit, both related to towing our 28' travel trailer:
I planned to purchase a standalone trailer TPMS system, but it would be great to have the head unit monitor the trailer's tires.
I use an Android app to level our trailer (put a phone on the floor of the trailer, and it sends the angular level to a second Android device), but I could run the receiving app directly on the head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my eye on the Joying JY-UO135N4PX5:
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesal...id=SB_20180403143951&SearchText=JY-UO135N4PX5
At the time of this writing, the JY-UO135N4PX5 is not available on Ebay or Amazon. It is on AliExpress, but I'm not sure which of the sellers is the official Joying store, or all of them, or none of them...
chrispitude said:
I have my eye on the Joying JY-UO135N4PX5:
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesal...id=SB_20180403143951&SearchText=JY-UO135N4PX5
At the time of this writing, the JY-UO135N4PX5 is not available on Ebay or Amazon. It is on AliExpress, but I'm not sure which of the sellers is the official Joying store, or all of them, or none of them...
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FYI, Those Joying units are not MTCD/E. You will not have all the 3rd party support that the MTC units have.
carter.w.jason said:
FYI, Those Joying units are not MTCD/E. You will not have all the 3rd party support that the MTC units have.
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Click to collapse
The mtcd/e units honestly are...a mess... MCU files and such. If you find the joying xxxP2 models....those are FYT SoM px5 units...gobwoth those...also means TWRP support and Xposed...and custom roms coming as well. The only downside is you can't install malaysk rom...but that seems to be bloated anyway. Take a look at the work done with the Intel joying...the P2 model is virtually identical to the intel save for the Px5 cpu...so lots of customoziation available
gtxaspec said:
The mtcd/e units honestly are...a mess... MCU files and such. If you find the joying xxxP2 models....those are FYT SoM px5 units...gobwoth those...also means TWRP support and Xposed...and custom roms coming as well. The only downside is you can't install malaysk rom...but that seems to be bloated anyway. Take a look at the work done with the Intel joying...the P2 model is virtually identical to the intel save for the Px5 cpu...so lots of customoziation available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is TWRP all ready out for PX5? Never saw it. I've been reading up on all you guys work on the Intel side, made me jump ship and buy Intel. Or is all this still in the works for PX5? Will be nice to have as a backup, and once support matures a bit more.
carter.w.jason said:
FYI, Those Joying units are not MTCD/E. You will not have all the 3rd party support that the MTC units have.
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Click to collapse
Well crap, I didn't realize that.
Okay, so what do I really lose by that? I can still run a third-party launcher (FCC Car Launcher, etc.), right? I'm new to all this, so it's not a rhetorical question.
carter.w.jason said:
Is TWRP all ready out for PX5? Never saw it. I've been reading up on all you guys work on the Intel side, made me jump ship and buy Intel. Or is all this still in the works for PX5? Will be nice to have as a backup, and once support matures a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once I get my hands on a P2 unit, yes, the bootloader is easier than the Intel to work with.
chrispitude said:
Well crap, I didn't realize that.
Okay, so what do I really lose by that? I can still run a third-party launcher (FCC Car Launcher, etc.), right? I'm new to all this, so it's not a rhetorical question.
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Click to collapse
Yes, you can still run your own launchers. These Chinese units have a few bug here and there. For example the Joying PX5 sleep mode will kill background services that other apps depend on, giving you unwanted app crashes. You have to find work arounds for things like that. Short on time to go in depth tonight, but feel free to ask any other questions. Though the other devs here are better suited than me.
Link to the MCU version for this Joying unit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frxm0uNSTtE&feature=youtu.be&t=1256
So guys, you've already lost me. So if I go with this JY-UO135N4PX5, basically I only get whatever updates Joying provides, and no other options - is that correct?
carter.w.jason said:
Yes, you can still run your own launchers. These Chinese units have a few bug here and there. For example the Joying PX5 sleep mode will kill background services that other apps depend on, giving you unwanted app crashes. You have to find work arounds for things like that. Short on time to go in depth tonight, but feel free to ask any other questions. Though the other devs here are better suited than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an engineer, so I regularly experience "analysis paralysis" while trying to make a decision. I get caught up on the details, which is especially difficult in areas like this where there are lots of details, but sparse and scattered over a wide area!
I want a 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM - pretty much because the numbers are higher, which makes me happy. I want a physical volume knob. I originally looked at the Eonon GA2170. The Joying unit caught my eye because it's got a SRC button, which would be handy for quickly switching between sources.
So given that I want a 4GB/32GB unit and a volume knob, what do you guys recommend that I look for?
Back in the day, I had one of the original Rio Car ("empeg") head units installed in my 1995 E36 M3. Man, that was a killer setup. I had my whole collection with me. I had a 60GB unit, which had to use two 30GB drives because drives were so small at the time.
chrispitude said:
Link to the MCU version for this Joying unit:
&feature=youtu.be&t=1256
So guys, you've already lost me. So if I go with this JY-UO135N4PX5, basically I only get whatever updates Joying provides, and no other options - is that correct?
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Click to collapse
I would skip the n4 px5, it's a different OEM that isn't easily modified. the P2 models are the best, although currently limited to 2gb/32gb
gtxaspec said:
I would skip the n4 px5, it's a different OEM that isn't easily modified. the P2 models are the best, although currently limited to 2gb/32gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the P2 units a board platform, similar to MTCD/E? Is Joying the only supplier for P2 units, or are there others? You mention that the P2 platform is currently the best - best in what way?
Here's a Joying P2 unit with the front panel I like (but limited to 2GB as you note):
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-h...em-touch-screen-head-unit-with-bluetooth.html
I suppose I could wait until 4GB units start becoming the norm. Great information here, guys. Thanks a bunch. I'll make sure I give back to the community by documenting my install (and my on-the-road towing experiences!) once I get to that point.
- Chris
chrispitude said:
Are the P2 units a board platform, similar to MTCD/E? Is Joying the only supplier for P2 units, or are there others? You mention that the P2 platform is currently the best - best in what way?
Here's a Joying P2 unit with the front panel I like (but limited to 2GB as you note):
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-h...em-touch-screen-head-unit-with-bluetooth.html
I suppose I could wait until 4GB units start becoming the norm. Great information here, guys. Thanks a bunch. I'll make sure I give back to the community by documenting my install (and my on-the-road towing experiences!) once I get to that point.
- Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OEM manufacturer is FYT (fyttek) they have a SoM module platform. The Intel Sofia by joying uses their 5009/6021 modules...they make a variety of modules for different resellers. Their latest SoM is the 6026 which is similar to the 6021, but with a px5 instead of the Intel. They are big in China, though a few resellers do use their platform to sell globally. They are not MTCD/E, they use their own MCU. I've had MTC units, as well as FYT based units, I like the FYT stuff better for the moment. Easier to work with.
I prefer my $299 Pumpkin 8.0 unit to my $1100 Alpine AA unit.
packetjunkie said:
I prefer my $299 Pumpkin 8.0 unit to my $1100 Alpine AA unit.
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Same here, though I'm sure the audio quality on the Alpine is superior, functionality is night and day between them.
I wouldn't say the audio is hugely better. I have two setups I have done for my Jeep and F150 in the past 3 months.
Jeep: Alpine i207-WRA, JL HD905/4 Amplifier, JBL GTO609C Premium 6.5-Inch Component Speaker System - 2 sets, Rockford Fosgate Prime R1L-2X12 2x12" subwoofer box
F150: Pumpkin 8.0, Rockford Fosgate P1683 6x8" 260 Watt 3 Way Car Coaxial Speakers Audio - 2 sets, Rockford Fosgate P400-4 400 Watt 4-Channel Amplifier, JL 12" PowerWedge, JL Audio tweeters
The Jeep setup was over $3200, the F150 about half that (my goal was under $1000, but then added the PowerWedge subwoofer) - (prices include installation)
Using XM Radio in both the results are I have more lower end bass in the F150 due to the sub setup (and a Loudness setting that appears missing from the Alpine unit) and both have the same crisp sound. For streaming I feel the results are also the same at normal volumes.
Where the difference is, if you want to really crank it up the Jeep will go way and above the F150 with the dual 12" subs and better amp. But the reality for me these days is not cranking it, its just enjoying it without making my hearing any worse for wear than it already is after years of doing these kinds of systems.
I would gladly spend half what I spent on the Jeep.
I've spent too much time browsing AliExpress auctions, and I really like the button layout (with SRC button) of the Joying units. However, the only 4GB Joying unit with that button layout is the N4 (JY-UO135N4PX5) unit. The P2 version of this Joying unit comes in 2GB only.
Do you think the 4GB/32GB unit in the following AliExpress auction is a hardware clone of the Joying N4 unit?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre...0dc0-4bcd-81df-8454ea163451&priceBeautifyAB=0
hello all, new here although i have ready many posts.
I have posted in another forum about head units, i have a Ford Focus 08 model so have joined the ford owners club forum for advice but i think some of my issues would be best answered in a place like this.
I have recieved some good feedback but i think i may have exhausted them with particular units.
I seem to have found some answers to my original post but have now dwindled my choice down to 3 so i need more help if at all possible...
so my post today was about how i have come to the choice of these 3..
XTRONS TE103AP
or
EONON GA2168
or
EONON GA2168k
The XTRONS is the top spec i can find on a 10" screen which could be overkill for my focus but it looks great in some vids i have seen, its also the only 10" that has 4gb RAM and 32gb ROM with octacore and Android 8.0 which was reccomended above so it has pretty much got me. the screen is detachable although slightly more longwinded to take off than some pumpkin and eonon models of similar size that i found. Also being black friday/cyber monday weekend i could get it with a fair whack off the price (£240ish on their site). My only worry is it doesnt look like it comes with the CANBUS adapter, i also am not too familiar with what that even is, is it just for steering wheel controls (which i dont have) or is it for the stalk aswell?
As for the EONON GA2168, that screen is better detachable and is also octacore however it is only Android 7.1 (is that a major difference?) its also only 2gb RAM and not 4 (again not too sure about this, would a car stereo really benefit from more than 2gb? This also doesnt seem to come with the CANBUS adapter but does come with a free rear cam or dash cam and is £247
And finally the EONON GA2168K which is very simlar obviously but is only 16gb ROM and again 2gb RAM but this time with Android 8.1 but only quadcore processor without CANBUS and also comes with free cam of my choice and is cheaper at £217
Both XTRONS and EONON offer similar spec stereos that will fit right into my hole that are only 7" however but do for some reason come with CANBUS decoder/box (is that the same thing?)
So im swaying toward the XTRONS, better spec and all that but will i need to but this CANBUS thing? Any help would be greatly appreciated, sorry this was a bit longwinded but i have spent many hours now researching/spreadsheeting/doing my missus head in with all this now and want to purchase while these deals and offers are on. Hopefully some of you may have experience here.
Thanks in advance for any input :good:
understandably i cant post links to the actual units or my original thread on the owners club but hopefully some of you will know which units i am refering to. Thanks
I have the ga2168k from Eonon...
Had it only a short time now but so far I love it.
Now, I'm using it as a daily driver in a Ford f550 superduty.... not entering it into a show...going to car club gatherings or anything of the sort. I wanted it because I needed GPS, hands free calling and that 10.1 BIG display just fits a Ford F550 well as it is a lot of truck.
Perhaps the more memory one may be better for you if you are watching things on it... or doing some crazy things with it... for a simpleton like myself, it's perfect.
Which did you go for in the end?
Im pretty much in the same position as you, torn between which 10.1 to go with... Pushing slightly more towards the Eonon GA2168K
mdis89 said:
Which did you go for in the end?
Im pretty much in the same position as you, torn between which 10.1 to go with... Pushing slightly more towards the Eonon GA2168K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed a GA2168K yesterday in my 2006 GTO.
One thing I noticed in the included harness adapter is they have constant battery power and accessory power swapped.
Installed it with their R0008 dash cam that came with it. No DVR app. Finally found the main config menu (hidden by password 8888) and enabled DVR.
It does not detect the camera. it was working fine with my GA2170. Went to their website and was looking to see if they had a different camera available, and that is the only one. However, on the R0008 camera product page it gives a list of HU's it isn't compatible with, and the GA2168K is one of those. Sent support an email, hopefully will have an answer Monday on that. The other frustration is that half the settings they show in the user manual and online, aren't showing up in the actual menu's. Hoping they can send me a newer Firmware/OS that enables those... And finally, there is no seperate control for subwoofer like there was in the GA2170 Looks like I need to buy the remote amp level control and run a new cable to the trunk
Another issue... It is advertised as having 18 FM presets and 12 AM. It only allows me to store 6 of each...
Dears,
anybody tried Eonon GA2178 - 10" Android 9 Head Unit?
I'm actually on Eonon GA2168K - 10" Android 8 Head Unit, it's a good device with minor problems.
Anytime developers fix a problem they introduce an other problem and there's no community support for MTK chipsets.
Because of this I'm evaluating the new Eonon GA2178, that is quite similar but based on Rockchip chipset.
Tks!
I been wanting to update my old head unit and tried looking in here for info but I can't find anything for my questions but my main question is the android units pretty mature that it's smooth and you don't have to really worry about it it just works ? I have no clue on what brands are pretty good I seen joy alot and are people here modding the head units and making them run better?
I am also interested in the feedback from the more experienced Here.
I want to install a large screen Android in our motorhome, but don’t want something that doesn’t work well.
Paul
I recently purchased Topway TS10 unit. My first Android HU, actually my first Android device also.
If I had to do it again I would look for a unit that can be rooted fully - otherwise you are at total mercy of Chinese vendor who may ignore you, give you wrong information or will simply not understand your question.
Based on my, rather limited, knowledge, 3GB RAM CC2 Plus from Alibaba would be on top of my list.
firstbob said:
I recently purchased Topway TS10 unit. My first Android HU, actually my first Android device also.
If I had to do it again I would look for a unit that can be rooted fully - otherwise you are at total mercy of Chinese vendor who may ignore you, give you wrong information or will simply not understand your question.
Based on my, rather limited, knowledge, 3GB RAM CC2 Plus from Alibaba would be on top of my list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah that's my main worry's is being at the mercy of a Chinese vendor and having to deal with a buggy OS with no updates and noone on xda having there own version that's better
Neogx said:
Yah that's my main worry's is being at the mercy of a Chinese vendor and having to deal with a buggy OS with no updates and noone on xda having there own version that's better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite right.
marchnz said:
Quite right.
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I've had some personal experience with both options. Last year I purchased a top-of-the-line Pioneer HU (AVIC W8500NEX) and installed it in my Toyota Highlander. I had nothing but trouble with it. Random reboots and freeze-ups. Replaced the HU once and the CanBus adapter once but problems persisted. I finally gave up and recently purchased a Sygav PX6 android HU. The first HU died after one day. The second HU has been working well other than a few quirks that are well documented in this forum.
So, I don't think there is a clear answer here. I completely understand the concerns about purchasing an off-brand HU, but name brand HU's are not without problems as well.
I've been in this game quite a long time. Heck., I was in this game years ago when it was WinCE.
Functionality wise, the top brands have been playing catch up for years. In the case of some of them, they even went down the WinCE route, so as to provide a pathway to all the great software that was available (iGo Primo, for example).
Where the Chinese head units are playing catch-up, has always been the sound quality. Historically, Chinese Head Units have used very low quality amplifier IC's which give a very mediocre sound.
Then we got the generic Android Head Units and again, the big brand manufacturers were playing catch up, except it's not a level playing field. I doubt big brands would be allowed to ship an almost stock Android Head Unit as they are not 'actually safe' for cars. They are the kind of thing which would have to be sold with a 'Not Road Legal' label attached.
So you've got the CarPlay and Android Auto options coming out of the big brands and you've got the generic Android kit coming out of the Chinese brands. Except, the Chinese brands have now caught up with the sound quality. The PX5 units I had in my BMW and Audi had exceptional sound quality.
As for the quality and reliability. I've always had good luck with Chinese units until recently. My WinCE badgers never failed me. Two PX5's didn't fail either (6 months and 2 years).
So, I got a PX6 for my Jetta as a treat to myself. I was mezmerized by the speed but the first thing I noticed on day 1 is that it ran hot. The PX5 ran comparatively cool and the issue with electronics when they get hot is the lifespan shorten and as this thing ran hot seemingly all the time, it unfortunately didn't last a month, and was returned with an amp defect.
I'm now on a Xtrons MA series, which is basically a Junsun V1 Pro. Performance wise, it pales in comparison to the PX6 and tbh, it even feels a bit sluggish compared to the PX5. However.... it has an extremely good DSP which means the sound quality utterly blows away the PX6, which was already decent btw. It also has some other nice features like Android Assistant that is actually able to dial via your phone properly (it never worked on the PX5), CarPlay for your iPhone, Android Auto if you want it....
So the gap between what Pioneer are knocking out and these Chinese head units is actually massive at this point and it's in favour of the Chinese stuff. You can literally buy a Chinese head unit that offers the same functionality as the Pioneer (CarPlay etc), and more (Android 10) and similar sound quality.
Big manufacturers are on borrowed time. In-built stuff with new cars + these units for old cars are literally the death knell.
You are not comparing apples with apples - genuine units are Android Auto, Chinese origin greyboxes are a hacked Android and are NOT Android Auto. They have two very different use cases.
The problem with Chinese origin knock off Android head units is the lack of recourse, support and consumer protection.
The resellers stop communicating when bugs and problems get hard for them, leaving buyer stuck or out of pocket.
marchnz said:
You are not comparing apples with apples - genuine units are Android Auto, Chinese origin greyboxes are a hacked Android and are NOT Android Auto. They have two very different use cases.
The problem with Chinese origin knock off Android head units is the lack of recourse, support and consumer protection.
The resellers stop communicating when bugs and problems get hard for them, leaving buyer stuck or out of pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Chinese unit also offers Android Auto and CarPlay via USB, hence my point that I am able to access numerous ecosystems here. Android, Android-Auto, CarPlay.
I think there is some truth to your statement with regards to lacking resource and consumer protection but your best bet is buying from one of the more legitimate UK based resellers. I've bought my last three from Xtrons and the one which failed, they took back in an instant and refunded the money. It's a gamble but it's hardly a risky gamble, we're talking a few hundred pounds here, and if you're sensible and buy through a protected platform like Amazon, you'll be fine.
In my experience, quality control issues usually manifest themselves within a very short period of time. In my case, it was less than a month. If your unit is still going strong after 3-4 then I'd say you're onto a winner. The bugs are usually bitty I find. My PX5 and PX6's were really smooth and powerful, but had irritating little 'misses' like Google Now couldn't make a call via Bluetooth, which is more like a missing feature than an actual bug. This new unit doesn't feel particularly buggy UI wise, but it's definitely not as powerful.... However, it offers some really clever features that the PX5 and PX6 didn't, such as calling via Google Now right out of the box and separated volume channels for different things. Higher clock speeds aren't everything. I've not made up my mind on it currently, but as it costs £260 inc delivery and brought a whole load of surprisingly useful extras the PX5/6 don't, I think I am OK with it.
One thing I would point out here:
Any aftermarket radio that offers apps or 'AppRadio-esque' functionality is at the mercy of manufacturer. The ecosystem they selling against is essentially a moving target. I think the big brands get let off so easily here.
AppRadio – Apps on Google Play
Turn your car into a connected car with Pioneer AppRadio
play.google.com
The Pioneer AppRadio app above has a wonderful 2 star rating on Google Play. Is it any wonder? A number of the early App Radios (1-4 definitely) are now dead if used with official software. The only alternative is AppRadio Unchained which is effectively a screen mirroring app and a right mess to get working. Let's not pretend that you're good for life if you get yourself a Pioneer or Sony. You are merely on a countdown and eventually they'll pull the plug.
In the case of a Chinese radio, it's usually however long it takes for the hardware to become obsolete and unusable, if the hardware itself doesn't fail. My PX5's were running the latest apps and my oldest was bought in 2018. I expect this current unit will keep going for a similar amount of time, albeit not as quick as I'd like. Tl:dr, I think it's naive to think we buy radios (including big brand) to last 5-10 years. At the price point they exist, we should be happy with 3 years. Not many people keep their cars much longer than that anyway.