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Help me choose a head unit for mercedes w203

I'm trying to decide which head unit to purchase, but as there are so many different models/manufacturers its hard to decide!
Could someone please confirm/refute the following....
the two most supported models are the nu3001 and RK3188, with the RK3188 being the most powerful.
1.6 cortex Quad core, and 1/2GB ram are the features to look out for.
Ideally I'd like a unit that is designed for the car and doesn't need a bezel to fit.
I have come across this RK3188
It seems to fit the requirements.. Quad core, RAM, custom fit. £288 inc Delivery to UK.
the other option is this nu3001 but doesn't seem to be available for my car, except for a universal version. Its a fair bit cheaper at £221.02 to UK
Is there anything I've missed, or better models I should look for?

RK3188 is not a type of head unit, it's a CPU. nu3001 is a head unit that has either a RK3188 or RK3066. I would get a double din to w203 bezel adapter, then a nu3001 and wiring harness adapter.

Hello I have the same dilemma. I have narrowed it down to the following few options.-S1 60 android OS my concerns with this option are whether or not it has the option to change the control button colors. The other option I am considering is the pure android 4.4.4 OS it does have the ability to change the button colors however the overall design feel of the OSC use more clunky Then the S1 60. My other concern with both units is will it be able to be upgraded to android 5.0.

Advice on these two head units.

I'm looking to buy something that actually fits my vehicle. (2008 Suzuki SX4). I already have one of the first Chinese pure android head units in the car. I just need to upgrade(it only has 128mb of storage for the OS and applications and 512MB of RAM. I bought it at Chinavasion back in 2012.
https://www chinavasion com/china/wholesale/Car_DVD_Players/Android_Car_DVD_Player/Road_Droid-Android_2.3_Car_DVD_with_6.2_Inch_Touchscreen_DVB-T_GPS_3G_WIFI
It was plagued by a completely unusable bluetooth mic for making and receiving phone calls. The next one I buy MUST be able to do handsfree phone.
I have 2 different devices in my sights. I don't know if anyone has ever seen or used one and I'm just looking for advice.
I would prefer to get the cheaper of the two because they both have similar specs as far as I can see.
Since I am unable to post links, I guess I'll put my faith in you and see if you'll actually search aliexpress for these terms and help me out.
Choice 1:
1024*600 screen RK3188 16G nand Car GPS navi Player For Suzuki Sx4 with WIFI BT DVD radio Android 4.4.4 Quad core
Choice 2:
8 Inch Car Stereo For Suzuki SX4 Fiat Sedici(2006-2013),Android 4.4 2 Din Quad Core 1.6G CPU Radio,GPS Navi,DVD Player,16G Flash

200mm Head Unit

Hi everyone
I am looking to replace the head unit in my car (Toyota 86 - South African equivalent of the Scion FR-S). I have been looking at a few options, and was hoping that someone might have come across something that I had not. I would like an Android head unit with Torque (OBD-II). I'm not adverse to Android Auto. The unit should be 200mm wide to fit well.
This is the most popular head units that I've found:
Joying 6" - Android 4.4.4 - 200mm wide
Joying 7" - Android 5.1.1 - 178mm wide (also, I've heard that Android 5.1.1 on Joying is just a reskinned 4.4.x)
Ca-Fi has stopped production on the head units for my car (Toyota, universal).
Pioneer has Android Auto head units, which I've looked at too. A little expensive, and I don't think they'd look as "stock" as most of the other head units. I'm speaking specifically of the AVH-4100NEX.
"In-dash" head units don't take sim cards (though it has 2GB Ram, unlike the Joying) and it isn't the right size either (184mm x 104mm).
Thanks
Gareth

Hey! I have a BRZ so I'm in the same situation as you. I have a Ca-FI Dashlinq 4 installed currently but it's a bit slow and buggy due to the low amount of RAM and dated version of the Android OS. So I'm looking to upgrade, definitely want to stick with android though. The Joying units look about the same but with better specs. Have you tried any out since posting?

Choose Rockchip RK3188 or Allwinner T3?

Hi,
I am going to install an Android add-on unit to the stock head unit for my 2012 Porsche Cayenne, like in this link:
http://www.carnavigationbox.com/sal...-auto-interface-car-multimedia-interface.html
I have the option to choose
1) RK3188, 1,2 GHz quad core, 2 GB RAM and Android 4.4
2) Allwinner T3, 1,2 GHz quad core, 2 GB RAM and Android 6.0
Which is the better platform and CPU? I got the impression that the Allwinner T3 CPU is not that good, but is it better than the Rockchip option?

I'd avoid any units still running android 4.4, KitKat. That OS is old as dirt, and had a lot of security holes. Even Lollypop (5.x.x) is looking a little dusty these days. Whatever unit you decide on, I'd highly recommend Marshmallow or newer (6.x.x+).
As far as RK3188 vs Allwinner T3, they are both discount chipsets. I have personally used the Allwinner T3 and T8 units, and they aren't bad at all. It all depends on what you want out of the unit. Do you want instant-on, or only instantly available reverse camera? Do you have an amp? Do you have kid screens and need RGB out? Do you listen to lossless music, and need high fidelity audio?
Truth is, none of these units are without problems. At this point, the most feature complete units are the Dasaita PX5 units, with the Joying Intel units not too far behind.

Rottgrub said:
I'd avoid any units still running android 4.4, KitKat. That OS is old as dirt, and had a lot of security holes. Even Lollypop (5.x.x) is looking a little dusty these days. Whatever unit you decide on, I'd highly recommend Marshmallow or newer (6.x.x+).
As far as RK3188 vs Allwinner T3, they are both discount chipsets. I have personally used the Allwinner T3 and T8 units, and they aren't bad at all. It all depends on what you want out of the unit. Do you want instant-on, or only instantly available reverse camera? Do you have an amp? Do you have kid screens and need RGB out? Do you listen to lossless music, and need high fidelity audio?
Truth is, none of these units are without problems. At this point, the most feature complete units are the Dasaita PX5 units, with the Joying Intel units not too far behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I could install a PX5 or Intel unit in my car, but there are none available units that fits. I am not sure whether an universal unit would work, as my car has an original BOSE sound system with fiber optics. Sadly I only see the units mentioned above for this car so my options are very limited.
I had a 10.4 " Android unit specifically build for the 2012 Cayenne, but the Allwinner A31 CPU and its software was extremely buggy and slow and could not run the DAB+ software smoothly without stuttering. Hence, I am a bit sceptical towards Allwinner units. I had to return it and I am now looking for other options.

ynorynor said:
I wish I could install a PX5 or Intel unit in my car, but there are none available units that fits. I am not sure whether an universal unit would work, as my car has an original BOSE sound system with fiber optics. Sadly I only see the units mentioned above for this car so my options are very limited.
I had a 10.4 " Android unit specifically build for the 2012 Cayenne, but the Allwinner A31 CPU and its software was extremely buggy and slow and could not run the DAB+ software smoothly without stuttering. Hence, I am a bit sceptical towards Allwinner units. I had to return it and I am now looking for other options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are starved for choice, the T3 is the way to go. It's plenty fast for use as a head unit. The thing that makes most of the older units choke is lack of memory. 1GB units just couldn't cut it. 2GB lets the system keep more applications in memory longer, which cuts down on problems.
That said, if you are worried about the T3, I'd do some research to see if the PX5 universal units will work. Basically, if Crutchfield will sell you an Alpine/Pioneer/whatever 2din to fit in there, then you should be able to mount up an Android Universal.

Rottgrub said:
If you are starved for choice, the T3 is the way to go. It's plenty fast for use as a head unit. The thing that makes most of the older units choke is lack of memory. 1GB units just couldn't cut it. 2GB lets the system keep more applications in memory longer, which cuts down on problems.
That said, if you are worried about the T3, I'd do some research to see if the PX5 universal units will work. Basically, if Crutchfield will sell you an Alpine/Pioneer/whatever 2din to fit in there, then you should be able to mount up an Android Universal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't yet found any of the Alpine/Pioneer/Kenwood system that are compatible with my car. But isn't the RK3188 the same as PX3? I see that some have upgraded from a PX3 to PX5 board. If I choose the Rockchip RK3188 option, is the upgrade to PX5 possible?

ynorynor said:
I haven't yet found any of the Alpine/Pioneer/Kenwood system that are compatible with my car. But isn't the RK3188 the same as PX3? I see that some have upgraded from a PX3 to PX5 board. If I choose the Rockchip RK3188 option, is the upgrade to PX5 possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upgrading the RK3188 system board to PX5 is a big, BIG maybe. First you'd need to make sure that the MCU is MTCD or MTCE. If it's a MTCC or earlier, it's not compatible with PX5. Then, assuming it's MTCD, you'll need to find a source for the PX5 upgrade board. Last I read, those were pretty scarce. Then, of course, you are cobbling together one unit from two. So say goodbye to any support or warranty.
So, not impossible... just not sure it's worth the time, money, and frustration when placed against trying the T3 unit.

Newbie needs advice :)

Hi all,
I'm totally new here and have no experience with android HU's at all!
I recently bought a Skoda Octavia (2012) with a RNS315 in it. It seems the navigation updates are quiet expensive and the navigation itself is not that good I think. So I started looking for an other device.
I would love to keep basic functions as: PDC, airco, maxidot, steer wheel controls,...
My eyes felt on the Joying android HU's, especially the ones with the look as the VM130N2. This device still have some buttons on it, which is handy in the car I think.
This model exist in the Intel Atom X3 version and the Rockchip PX5. Is the last one the better choice? (newest version I guess)
Or are there other brands that are better for (almost) the same price?
I've read the Joying HU can use some extra cooling, but installing a fan isn't that big problem I think.
Does these units display the name of the radio station on the screen? Or only the frequency?
Thanks in advance!

By trading your RNS for Joying you'll surely get better navigation, but you are going to miss:
- sound quality
- radio reception quality
- Maxidot integration (no navi guidance at all)
- overall quality/integrity
But again the whole Android world will be at your disposal. I traded my RNS510 for Joying and did not have a temptation to get it back despite all Joying's flaws.

Other brands that are better for sound quality? (Pumpkin, Eonon,...)
The Joying HU are on Android 6 others are on Android 8, isn't it a shame to buy an older system now? Or no problem at all to update to the newest Android software?

Vennet84 said:
Other brands that are better for sound quality? (Pumpkin, Eonon,...)
The Joying HU are on Android 6 others are on Android 8, isn't it a shame to buy an older system now? Or no problem at all to update to the newest Android software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy a Sony you definitely have better sound quality.
If you buy a Joying, buy the one without the internal amplifier, for example the VM130N2 you mention and NOT the VM130N2D. You better use an external amp to improve the sound.
I have a Joying VM130N2 and would buy either a Joying or Dasaita back.
Atom X3 (Sofia 3GR) is slightly faster than PX5, but the PX5 is 8-core. In the case of multi-threading apps (actually only Google apps), more cores might be useful on a "loaded" system. Even though the PX5 is an underperforming CPU and not better than an Atom X3, it still is the future for the coming 1-2 years as every supplier is abandoning the PX3 and Sofia 3GR, and switching to PX5.
If you want to run custom ROMs, you better choose a Joying or Witson Sofia 3GR (gtx made a very good custom rom) or a PX5 mtcd to be able to use the Malaysk custom ROM. The Joying PX5s are non-mtcd units and therefore incompatible with the Malaysk ROM.
And w.r.t. Android 8: Choose very carefully. Some units are really running 6 or 7 and only have the look & feel of Android 8.

What do you think about the Dasaita HA2137-V840? Should have a better internal amp (don't know if it's true, or just publicity). Have had external amps in my car before, but don't want it in my "new" car.
Probably the dasaita isn't a PX5 mtcd?

Vennet84;76001632 vHi all said:
My $0.02. Skip the Chinese head units. I've been through 5 of them in the last 10 years. First was a single din media player. It died after 3 years. Second was an ebay purchase of a Windows CE with IGO in 2011ish. Seller said it had GPS--it didn't. Then the screen died sitting on the shelf when I tried firing it up a few years later. Next I bought a Windows CE with GPS unit lasted 3 years till till DVD player died in 2015. Then the res of the unit/screen died on the shelf after trying it a few years later. Then in 2015, I got an android allwinner A13 single core 4.04/8gb storage/1gb ram. The unit died after 2 years. Plus it was so slow and under-powered, that it was a waste of time to use. Then I bought a Joying intel sofia unit in 2017 January. It was pretty good unit until it stopped working. The screen started flaking out intermittently on and off after 9 months. Joying admitted they had a fault but that they fixed it the manufacturing process but the solder joints needed repair from too many heating/cooling cycles.
I'm done with this generic Chinese junk. These units simply are not weather resistant for long term exposure to the elements in the car, and they lack decent cooling. All of this is aside from various complaints of buggy software implementations.
So I bought a Pioneer unit head unit with Android auto, and so far quite happy with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-...86&sr=1-1&keywords=AVH-2300NEX+Multimedia+DVD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Vennet84 said:
What do you think about the Dasaita HA2137-V840? Should have a better internal amp (don't know if it's true, or just publicity). Have had external amps in my car before, but don't want it in my "new" car.
Probably the dasaita isn't a PX5 mtcd?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the AMP chip. In the Joyings it is a TDA7388. Some other brand units come with a TDA7850 chip and sometimes with a Pioneer PA2030A.
Those are much better.
The Dasaita HA2137-V840 does have the TDA7850 and a better radio chip than the joyings (that is also why I mentioned that I might buy a Dasaita back. All chinese units are definitely not top-quality, but the Dasaita is slighly better).
I have really no idea whether it is an MTCD unit. Please ask Dasaita directly via mail, either via AlieExpress of via their own site www.hot-audio.com
---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 AM ----------
zipeee2 said:
So I bought a Pioneer unit head unit with Android auto, and so far quite happy with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-...86&sr=1-1&keywords=AVH-2300NEX+Multimedia+DVD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, well. My brother bought a pioneer Android unit (can't remember which one). He had to wait 1½ year before they fixed the bluetooth issues.
So much for Pioneer. It is a mixed bag everywhere until you buy a unit of at least 750 euros/dollars.

zipeee2 said:
Vennet84;76001632 vHi all said:
My $0.02. Skip the Chinese head units.
So I bought a Pioneer unit head unit with Android auto, and so far quite happy with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-...86&sr=1-1&keywords=AVH-2300NEX+Multimedia+DVD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that. Chinese Android head units may be a suitable upgrade for older cars but are no match for recent OEM units. And most recent OEMs include Android Auto/CarPlay support which renders manufacturer navi useless.
In your particular case, the RNS315 doesn't seem to have that but there seems to be a direct replacement, the RCD 330 Plus, that keeps all previous functionality and adds AA/CP connectivity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse