Database Users

How to choose which unit?

I am looking to buy an android head unit. I've found a few with different specs and screen sizes. I am wondering if someone with some experience with these units can help.
I'm trying to choose between these 3 units.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-1-Quad-C...For-Toyota-Highlander-2011-2014-/181834823295
This one is 10 inches (good), runs android 4.4.4 (good), all the latest specs...but it says it only works on 2011-2014 toyota highlander models. I have a 2009. It doesnt make sense because all of the other ones are made for Highlanders from 2008-2013, which is the 2nd gen and this looks like it is an exact replacement for my head unit. Not sure I want to gamble on that, otherwise this would be my first option.
http://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-...ouch-screen-1024-600-resolution-double-d.html
This one is only 8 inches, but it gets good reviews from some users on the Toyota Highlander forum. IT has all of the latest specs, like the one above. And it is made for my model year.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pure-Androi...n-/181738329265?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123
This one is 10 inches, but it has an older dual-core processor and is on android 4.4.2. It is also made for my model year.
There are so many options and they all look a little different. I dont know how to choose!!! I am mostly planning to use this for navigation, bluetooth audio/calling, and FM/AM radio. Of course, all of the android functionality is great, but those core functions are the most important for me. Anyone have any ideas?

I do not have a highlander, but have been doing days and days of research and cannot decide. I am on the market for a generic 7in double din unit. Hopefully some people who have lots of experience with these HUs can chime in to provide guidance/input.
I have been looking at joying, but they seem to only provide HUs with 1GB memory only. Is the 1GB memory enough? Most units these days have 2GB options.

Most units these days have 2GB options.
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Actually most of the units ARE 1GB units. Pretty much every single android head unit on the market uses the exact same small CPU/memory integrated sub-board that plugs into the main board on their unit. In fact the same motherboards are used between the dual and quad core, 8gb and 16gb flash models, only that small internal pluggable cpu board is different. It is also possible that these units will be able to be upgraded to faster CPU's with more ram in the future by swapping out the CPU boards.
All of the 2GB units right now appearing on the market, are usually a totally different design of having an entirely separate android pizza box(I am guessing they are repurposed TV boxes or something) which you have to figure out how to install somewhere and also a separate screen unit that you also have to install in the dash. The 1GB RAM head units are all a single integrated unit that installs in the regular double din location. I personally like the traditional single unit designs myself and chose not to use a 2GB unit because of that.
But really the choice comes down to price, specs (quad core, 16gb space, 1024x600 screen is what seems to be the best specs), and the features, button layout, if you want a DVD slot, or one without so you get a bigger screen, etc.. and then of course if you care about who you purchase it from and support etc..

nixfu said:
Actually most of the units ARE 1GB units. Pretty much every single android head unit on the market uses the exact same small CPU/memory integrated sub-board that plugs into the main board on their unit. In fact the same motherboards are used between the dual and quad core, 8gb and 16gb flash models, only that small internal pluggable cpu board is different. It is also possible that these units will be able to be upgraded to faster CPU's with more ram in the future by swapping out the CPU boards.
All of the 2GB units right now appearing on the market, are usually a totally different design of having an entirely separate android pizza box(I am guessing they are repurposed TV boxes or something) which you have to figure out how to install somewhere and also a separate screen unit that you also have to install in the dash. The 1GB RAM head units are all a single integrated unit that installs in the regular double din location. I personally like the traditional single unit designs myself and chose not to use a 2GB unit because of that.
But really the choice comes down to price, specs (quad core, 16gb space, 1024x600 screen is what seems to be the best specs), and the features, button layout, if you want a DVD slot, or one without so you get a bigger screen, etc.. and then of course if you care about who you purchase it from and support etc..
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Click to collapse
Nixfu - thanks for the prompt response...this is very helpful information! What about the screens? Are they also similar across the board? I do not mind paying more money for a reliable/stable unit...I am more concerned about the risk of purchasing a HU plagued with software/hardware issues. One of the things I would like is having the ability to configure the HU to go into suspend when the power is switched off. I have seen several units that can be configured up to 2 hours suspend, but would like to be able to increase that up to potentially 24/48 hours or maybe more. You may have talked me into purchasing a CarJoying HU with your post/review of it Can that unit be configured to go into suspend longer than 2 hours when car ignition is switched off? Thanks again!

skange01 said:
Can that unit be configured to go into suspend longer than 2 hours when car ignition is switched off? Thanks again!
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No. I think they all have a min of 30secs and max of 2hours in the settings menu. Maybe that is something that Malaysk could add in his custom firmware.

What is the fastest processor I can find in one of these head units?

I've been looking all over ali express find tons of conflicting info but I think I have deduced that the rk3811 quad core a9 is the fastest processor you can find in these units ( please correct me if i'm wrong). I want to upgrade the headunit in my benz cls500 and do a full overhaul with a new amp to get rid of the crappy fiber optics amp. The only reason I havn't pulled the trigger is because I was hoping to get a 9 inch screen that fits flush in the center console, something like this....... http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-8-...ation-Central-Multimedia-for/32603628957.html .... and although it seems to have been released relatively recently it appears to have older technology in it. Do they make this style with the new processor and the 4.4.4 os.

well, there's a 10.1 inch unit
danknasty said:
I've been looking all over ali express find tons of conflicting info but I think I have deduced that the rk3811 quad core a9 is the fastest processor you can find in these units ( please correct me if i'm wrong). I want to upgrade the headunit in my benz cls500 and do a full overhaul with a new amp to get rid of the crappy fiber optics amp. The only reason I havn't pulled the trigger is because I was hoping to get a 9 inch screen that fits flush in the center console, something like this....... http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-8-...ation-Central-Multimedia-for/32603628957.html .... and although it seems to have been released relatively recently it appears to have older technology in it. Do they make this style with the new processor and the 4.4.4 os.
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Click to collapse
I believe the Rockchip PX3 Cortex A9 Quad Core 1.6GHz is the fastest processor in these Android units now. Maybe the manufacturer will release the eight-core version later, but who knows how long will it take. 9 inch screen is not the limitation, I find a 10.1 inch Android unit... only watched the review video, don't know how will it work after installation. you can have a look.

u.r.rible said:
I believe the Rockchip PX3 Cortex A9 Quad Core 1.6GHz is the fastest processor in these Android units now. Maybe the manufacturer will release the eight-core version later, but who knows how long will it take. 9 inch screen is not the limitation, I find a 10.1 inch Android unit... only watched the review video, don't know how will it work after installation. you can have a look.
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Yea I was actually interested in the 9 because I think that is the largest that fits into that very specifically shaped Mercedes cluster. I was hoping to keep it pretty factory looking. Where can you find these units with that processor you speak of? I've been basically only looking at Ali express not really sure of another reputable place that has these things.
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Just Google it
danknasty said:
Yea I was actually interested in the 9 because I think that is the largest that fits into that very specifically shaped Mercedes cluster. I was hoping to keep it pretty factory looking. Where can you find these units with that processor you speak of? I've been basically only looking at Ali express not really sure of another reputable place that has these things.
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Well, I just googled the "quad core Android unit review" and it showed this in-depth review. After reading that review, I start to pay attention to that AutoPumpkin brand. They have released a few quad core Android units and also uploaded the review videos on YouTube to help us know better about their products. Of course, you can searched other brands by yourself via the net, such as Eonon, Joying etc. Since I don't know much of these brand, you can figure out by yourself. Besides, you can search the Android unit on Amazon or eBay. Don't just focus on Ali express.

u.r.rible said:
Well, I just googled the "quad core Android unit review" and it showed this in-depth review. After reading that review, I start to pay attention to that AutoPumpkin brand. They have released a few quad core Android units and also uploaded the review videos on YouTube to help us know better about their products. Of course, you can searched other brands by yourself via the net, such as Eonon, Joying etc. Since I don't know much of these brand, you can figure out by yourself. Besides, you can search the Android unit on Amazon or eBay. Don't just focus on Ali express.
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Yea I looked at pumpkin and many brands my main issue is that the ones that fit my cars stock head unit all seem to be old hardware the only company offering the new hardware for my unit are these no name brands and I believe Joying otherwise i'm stuck with the dual core or the quad a7 processors. I started looking at ebay first but thought that might be a bit more sketch than ali express but i'll give it another look.

u.r.rible said:
I believe the Rockchip PX3 Cortex A9 Quad Core 1.6GHz is the fastest processor in these Android units now. Maybe the manufacturer will release the eight-core version later, but who knows how long will it take. 9 inch screen is not the limitation, I find a 10.1 inch Android unit... only watched the review video, don't know how will it work after installation. you can have a look.
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I believe I found a company that makes the px3 cortex a9 quad core you speak of it is called xtrons... but they are very sketchy about their info at first they list all cars that have fiber optic systems in their compatibility list then I ask them if this will work with a vehicle that has fiber optics and they tell me no. Then they send me a message sayign that this is the "5m fiber optic bypass cable" I will need. this looks like no fiber optic bypass cable I have ever seen can anyone verify that this company is not just blowing smoke. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Stereo-...es-Benz-/301814784274?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I'm looking to do an upgrade from an RK3066 to an RK3188 and I'm curious if the 'PX3' and the 'RK3188' som/boards are the same - or at least interchangeable?
In my research I see that an RK3066 can (usually) be swapped with an RK3188, but the seller I'm working with has a som that looks just like an RK3188 som pictured in threads but the CPU is stamped 'PX3'.
Any confirmation this will work just like a 3188?
Thanks.

Us-Marshal said:
I'm looking to do an upgrade from an RK3066 to an RK3188 and I'm curious if the 'PX3' and the 'RK3188' som/boards are the same - or at least interchangeable?
In my research I see that an RK3066 can (usually) be swapped with an RK3188, but the seller I'm working with has a som that looks just like an RK3188 som pictured in threads but the CPU is stamped 'PX3'.
Any confirmation this will work just like a 3188?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I'm curious how you were able to get such level of detail from a seller are you on Ali express? I haven't managed to get more than what is on the ad and often is incorrect info. I wasn't aware that they could swap these boards if so many the r16 quad core a9 is a possibility?
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I agree, usually on AE it's very difficult to get good communication and detailed responses, but occasionally I've found sellers who will try to help.
I have no idea of the other A9 boards would work because the form factor is critical. These units have a pretty unique slot for the som, so you have to find one made for it - it's not generic.

danknasty said:
I'm curious how you were able to get such level of detail from a seller are you on Ali express? I haven't managed to get more than what is on the ad and often is incorrect info. I wasn't aware that they could swap these boards if so many the r16 quad core a9 is a possibility?
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The r16 is a7, not a9.
http://www.allwinnertech.com/en/clq/R_series/2015/0514/R16.html

Carjoying makes a 10" With an RK3188
I believe that the RK3188 is the fastest processor in any of these headunits, that i have seen. Joying has a 10" with the 3188 but it is the same resolution as the smaller units. Their website has pictures. They have an 8" for some specific cars. I have one in a CRV and it is excellent. Fits and looks better than the factory radio.

cardio77 said:
I believe that the RK3188 is the fastest processor in any of these headunits, that i have seen. Joying has a 10" with the 3188 but it is the same resolution as the smaller units. Their website has pictures. They have an 8" for some specific cars. I have one in a CRV and it is excellent. Fits and looks better than the factory radio.
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Do they make any of these big screens for a Mercedes? I see some but they are all running an r16. And claim that it's quad a9 but it's most likely quad a7
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I have had difficulties to find out where to buy it.
Is this the fastest/better model? Anyone knows a better place to buy it? At least a 2gb memory version would be great
https://www.olimex.com/Products/SOM/RK3188/RK3188-SOM/
Or should be the nand model?
https://www.olimex.com/Products/SOM/RK3188/RK3188-SOM-4GB/
Thx

Any upcoming head units better than rk3188?

I've been researching these chinese headunits for my mercedes and I believe the ones that run rk3188 are the fastest currently..... I am wondering if I should just pull the trigger on one of these or is there going to be an advancement coming anytime soon? Like an octocore or something. Also was wondering is there a big difference in speed between the r16 quad core a7 vs the rk3188 quadcore a9........... The unit I really want is this but I am pretty sure it is running a quad core a7 http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-8-...ation-Central-Multimedia-for/32603628957.html
even though it says quad core a9.

http://www.in-dash.net/buy_en/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=15&product_id=83
This unit specifically says it's for a Hyundai but it looks just like the "universal" 2 din unit that I have. It boots quickly, has hardware H.264 decoding along with other codecs. Octa-Core processor. If there were some more folks here who had the unit I bet we could get some really good roms and/or other customizations going for it.
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Forrice said:
http://www.in-dash.net/buy_en/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=15&product_id=83
This unit specifically says it's for a Hyundai but it looks just like the "universal" 2 din unit that I have. It boots quickly, has hardware H.264 decoding along with other codecs. Octa-Core processor. If there were some more folks here who had the unit I bet we could get some really good roms and/or other customizations going for it.
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Something looks not right. Their hardware looks like the old style to me. Buttons and so on belongs
to old units. They claim DVD optional when the hardware has an opening for DVD? SWC optional is
kind of crazy too. The specification looks thin to me.

I have the version from the indiegogo campaign which is only 800x480 I think but it mostly performs rather well. It boots in about 10 seconds, maybe 15. Supports play store out of the gate. Some software is certainly lacking in terms of his customized solutions like Bluetooth interface for phone. But all in all it's better than anything else I've had the opportunity to play with, (admittedly limited) or researched.
I think this guy needs some growth with his company and some serious feedback and maybe he can get some more talent at his company to create some better software solutions.
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These don't all come with Bluetooth phone and google play store out the box?
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I have seen some where play services implementation is junky and play store won't work at all. Some have it so that you need a spoofing app so that you can download basic apps. I'm sure they all support Bluetooth phone in some capacity or another. The implementation on this device could use some work but purely as a headset it works fine.
Oh and his specs on that page I think are identical for all of the units. So the dvd thing doesn't surprise me. The front end of the business, (store front, manuals, product shots and details) could certainly stand to improve but I'm optimistic.
- Nathan
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If a device says it's running android 4.4.4 or 4.4.2. is it safe to assume I can run store and the phone implementations are functional. I really think I want to go with the 9 inch screen for the Mercedes because I think it looks sweet but not sure how well the quad core r7 stacks to the new quad core r9. It also runs 4.4.2.
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you can check this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-Receiver-Bluetooth-Navigation-Subwoofer/dp/B01AXMEAWS/
OS:Android 4.4 Kit Kat
CPU:Rockchip RK3066 Cortex A9 Dual Core 1.6GHz
RAMDR3 1GB
Nand Memory:8GB
Audio output:4*50W max
Screen Resolution:1024*600
Cold Boot time: about 25-30s

Need an advice with processor selection.

Hi, last year i have bought HU with following specification:
SYSTEM (Android 6.0.1) 1GB/16GB
Allwinner QUAD-CORE T3 p3,
Mali-400MP2 .
Unfortunatelly it turns out horribly slow - I have rooted it and tried to speed it up, but without success.
Now I'm considering to buy another one (cheap), I need HU to normal use (google maps + music app + radar warning application) .
Here are my selections:
Android 8.1 1GB/16GB
quad-core T3 K2001M
GPU: Mali-600MP4
Android 8.1 1GB/16GB
quad-core MT8227L "1.3-1.5"
GPU: Mali-600MP4
Most units which I'm interested have these two processors some have also 2GB RAM. Which is better selection? Maybe i should choose someting with 8-core or 2GB ram?
Regards.

The processor is not the only thing that affects the speed, the amount of RAM matters too. Everything you listed has a gig of RAM, that is just too low for today's Android with all the services running in the background. Look for something with at least 2 GB, 4 would be better. The processors you're looking at are no powerhouses either. First they're all 32 bit and very obsolete. Also Allwinner is barely a decent processor for the money. Something from Rockchip or Intel would cost a bit more but you'd get more enjoyment out of it. If you have to keep it cheap maybe a PX30 with at least 2 GB RAM would be a good choice.

nic2k said:
If you have to keep it cheap maybe a PX30 with at least 2 GB RAM would be a good choice.
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Click to collapse
The man is completely right. Nothing with 1GB will perform.
2GB is enough. 4 GB is better.

I agree that 1GB is not enough for todays Android, but this is still car device, not phone. I don't really want to spend lot of money . How about this ?
OS: Android 8.1 Go 1GB/16GB
CPU: Intel 8-core 1.872GHz Intel IA processor
GPU: with Mali-T820 8-core GPU
OS: Android 8.1 2GB/32GB (i think they will be able to install GO version too.)
CPU: High quality MT8227L Quad-core 1.3-1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 processor
GPU: with Mali-600MP4 Quad-core GPU
both fit to my limit 150 $ .

spewaq said:
I agree that 1GB is not enough for todays Android, but this is still car device, not phone. I don't really want to spend lot of money . How about this ?
OS: Android 8.1 Go 1GB/16GB
CPU: Intel 8-core 1.872GHz Intel IA processor
GPU: with Mali-T820 8-core GPU
OS: Android 8.1 2GB/32GB (i think they will be able to install GO version too.)
CPU: High quality MT8227L Quad-core 1.3-1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 processor
GPU: with Mali-600MP4 Quad-core GPU
both fit to my limit 150 $ .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a bit stubborn? The first is 1GB. If 2 persons advise to go for at least 2GB: what more advise do you need? If you had searched this forum in advance, you would have seen that everybody advises against 1 GB.
choose and suffer, or choose and enjoy.

That's a really low budget. A $150 will buy you a nice Pioneer or Kenwood traditional stereo or if you want more features get a cheapie Dual or other low end brand. At any rate you will enjoy your choice better then. Those Chinese Android radios have always been a bit of a kludge. It's only in the last couple years that they've been getting almost decent and that's from having a proper amount of RAM and better processors. The one thing that hasn't improved is build quality, they work ok but there's no telling for how long. OTH they're a lot of fun if you can afford it.
The second option you listed is definitely low end but might work good enough. Like Surfer63 said do your research! Don't expect someone else to tell you what to buy. For that HU you can start here. On that first page there's a link to 4PDA too.

Believe me 150$ for car radio is quite a lot in my country To be honest initially I thought 100$ will be enough for my modest needs... I know 4pda I have studied most topics regarding Allwinner and partially this mentioned above . I have some experience with such devices (with 1) I could try to flash it but I have no time for that. In the mean time I have found that there are HU which are fitted to car steering panel better than universal one so decided to buy another. I did not expect that someone tell me what should I buy, however all yours remarks are very valuable for me. Ok I'll read a bit more and buy something, and maybe give some feedback.

newbie looking to buy an Android 10 head unit

Hi folks,
avid Android user here (mobile phone Samsung Galaxy series) for over 10 years.
I am now looking to buy an Android 10 head unit for my car.
I don't want to do anything fancy – or RAM heavy ? – (just Radio, Navigation via igo or maps, reverse and front camera, maybe torque) but I'm yet unsure whether to buy
Option A: Quad-Core, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage
Option B: Octa-Core, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage
My only reference point is that I've been using a 3 GB RAM phone for the past 6 years and it has always worked like a charm.
I wouldn't want the device to be heavy on the car battery either.
What would you recommend I get?
Option B, of course, has more RAM, but I've read contradictory information on how much battery quad-core vs. octa-core draw, sometimes that quad-core draws less and sometimes that octa-core draws less.
Also, let me ask: Option A comes with in-built carplay. Do I really need that to connect my Android phone? Would it not suffice to use the Screen Mirroring option?
Help would be greatly appreciated.
RT

I have a unit with quad core and 2 GB RAM( rockchip px3) It's damn slow especially if I'm downloading apps. Download speeds are okay but the installation takes forever.
If I were you I'd take the 4gb ram ( rock chips px5) version. Better performance. There's the 6gb ram as well ( rockchip px6).
Get the best one you can afford.
Do some research on the carplay/android auto features. Some are in built some you can buy a usb dongle to add the feature.

Thanks for the reply and recommendation!
Option A is an 8277L with Cortex A7 operating at 1.2 GHz, the amplifier is an IC 7388, radio chip ST7708.
Option B is a PX5 with Cortex A53 up to 1.5 GHz, amplifier IC 7851, radio chip TDA 6686.
I was looking to buy the one with more RAM, but hesitated, because
1) Option A supports video output
2) Option A has integrated carplay
and that alone had me wonder whether – even with lower RAM, ROM, and set of cores – this unit was the better one in terms of being tried and tested.
Now if you say, I should definitely take option B, I can get a dongle on top for android auto. Yet I was wondering if it's necessary at all because the head unit supports screen mirroring?