Database Users

Which identical HU to buy?

Hi there,
I searched, but didn't see this addressed specifically so here we go. If the topic is already covered, let's kill this thread and redirect to the other. I'm not proud.
I recently discovered that it's time for a new HU for my car - 2006 Audi A4 with RNS-E nav - and wanted better tech. I've been looking at the Pioneer units with Android Auto, but don't like how limited it is. If I want to use Waze for nav and Torque for OBD, etc, that's not going to work. So I dug into Android head units, but I'm a bit confused.
As near as I can tell, there are several companies selling exactly the same hardware. Pumpkin, Joying, and several others all sell HUs that are physically identical and have the same hardware specs. I'm guessing the difference is in the ROM rather than the hardware, but y'all probably can tell me whether that's true or not.
If the hardware is the same, is it possible to run a ROM for one brand on another? Seems likely, but I wouldn't want to bank on that when I buy. So if the hardware is the same but I need to pick a brand, what's the best option? Is there any appreciable difference in stability, sound quality, user interface, feature implementation, etc that would push me to choose one brand over another? I know that's subjective, but there's some pretty deep knowledge in this group and I'm just getting started on the car audio stuff with Android.
Again, if this has been answered already, just point me to the thread and I'm OK with a moderator killing this one.
Thanks!

StunGod said:
Hi there,
I searched, but didn't see this addressed specifically so here we go. If the topic is already covered, let's kill this thread and redirect to the other. I'm not proud.
I recently discovered that it's time for a new HU for my car - 2006 Audi A4 with RNS-E nav - and wanted better tech. I've been looking at the Pioneer units with Android Auto, but don't like how limited it is. If I want to use Waze for nav and Torque for OBD, etc, that's not going to work. So I dug into Android head units, but I'm a bit confused.
As near as I can tell, there are several companies selling exactly the same hardware. Pumpkin, Joying, and several others all sell HUs that are physically identical and have the same hardware specs. I'm guessing the difference is in the ROM rather than the hardware, but y'all probably can tell me whether that's true or not.
If the hardware is the same, is it possible to run a ROM for one brand on another? Seems likely, but I wouldn't want to bank on that when I buy. So if the hardware is the same but I need to pick a brand, what's the best option? Is there any appreciable difference in stability, sound quality, user interface, feature implementation, etc that would push me to choose one brand over another? I know that's subjective, but there's some pretty deep knowledge in this group and I'm just getting started on the car audio stuff with Android.
Again, if this has been answered already, just point me to the thread and I'm OK with a moderator killing this one.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there's no difference in hardware, why not read some product reviews to know these brands better and then choose the one who provides high quality product and better after-sales service. Nowadays you can get many information from Google.

u.r.rible said:
If there's no difference in hardware, why not read some product reviews to know these brands better and then choose the one who provides high quality product and better after-sales service. Nowadays you can get many information from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, thanks for the advice. Terribly helpful.

I have a Ownice C200 and since the last update i'm very satisfied.
The only thing that could improved is the radio reception that sometimes fade away a bit, despite you can mount a wifi antenna on the radio, the reception stays weak, the manufacturer doesn't give root.
good things are... phone calls are very good, gps works fine, good sound quality (i got mine hooked up on a audison voce AV 5.1K amplifier)
The pumpkin, joying, kgl and many others, share the same hardware probably made by one manufacturer with only 1 gb mem and no bluetooth 3.0.
Ownice has 2gb and bluetooth 3.0
Ownice produces also for Navall, Navall import the radios in to Europe Canada the US, and have a certified repair depo in the UK.

You can check Pumpkin http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-2003-2011-Bluetooth-Steering-Subwoofer/dp/B0109UATOC/

Help - Very Confused !

Hi All,
Ive been trying to read up as much as I can on all things Android head unit and have somehow got lost along the way - I've been reading up for about 3 weeks and now have more questions than when I started!
I want to fit a stereo for my wife which has Radio, GPS, CDs and phone connectivity (mainly for Calls but music etc would be nice). Ive already got a double din facia for her car so any universal double din would work. I dont yet know if her car has CANBUS - its a Toyota Urban Cruiser and has steering wheel controls but I cannot find an adapter for it so assuming it will be standard ISO connector.
Originally I was looking at non Android based units but felt the Android Auto would give her the best shot at sat nav with traffic updates etc and also mean things like sat nav wouldn't be instantly out of date. Whilst I have bought items from China before, I think somewhere like Amazon for me would be better as I can then return the unit if it doesnt work out. RDS and RDS-AF would be something that I know the missus would miss from a stereo so was trying to see how best to get that, either via ROM or a device that is known to do it. Spec wise, I wanted a unit that booted quickly and thought 2GB ram would be a worthwhile addition.
Here are two I've seen on Amazon. Originally I thought PX5 would be the way to go but it looks like ROM support for PX3 is quicker and better established. Ideally I would prefer something that just worked, but figured this may be unrealistic so something with good XDA support may be more realistic.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XFQN...TF8&colid=20JYJB23KMEOF&coliid=I1AFFIJZ2SJQWE
https://www.amazon.co.uk/EinCar-Qua...4606998&sr=8-1&keywords=Android+head+unit+2gb
https://www.amazon.co.uk/XOMAX-XM-2...504607424&sr=1-97&keywords=double+din+sat+nav
Any thoughts or pointers welcome

Sorry to bump but could really use some pointers - even if its just a "those head units are crap" and "read this"

SlyTuk said:
Sorry to bump but could really use some pointers - even if its just a "those head units are crap" and "read this"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is really hard to say something about a unit if you don't own or have owned that unit, and the units you mention are really "rare" units. What you read about here are the well-known units like Joying, Dasaita, Ownice, A-Sure, Witson and a number of others.
Your units are so rare (I personally have never heard of them) that I assume nobody knows them and therefore doesn't want to give a best-guess answer.
One thing though: I would advice not to buy a PX3. It is an older unit and quite slow. Yes, it is very well supported but the new PX5 is only here for a few months but really moving forward.
Or buy a Joying.
And remember: the quality is less than the premium brands, but you also pay 3-6x times the price for such a unit.

Ok. Thanks
Can you get a Joying with a dvd drive built in? Are there many PX5 versions with built in dvd?
Do you guys get yours direct from china? Is there any that have euro resellers?
Thanks again
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

SlyTuk said:
Ok. Thanks
Can you get a Joying with a dvd drive built in? Are there many PX5 versions with built in dvd?
Do you guys get yours direct from china? Is there any that have euro resellers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Joying Sofias have no DVD/CD player. I looked at some of the major Chinese brand PX5 models, but the ones I checked out didn't have a DVD player either. It is "old technology" (And yes, my wife also still prefers a booklet with CDs instead of selecting a playlist from a multi-playlist collection in a music player).
Joying has warehouses in Germany, Australia and the USA. Maybe the others have as well. Some of the bigger brands also sell via Amazon.

surfer63 said:
The Joying Sofias have no DVD/CD player. I looked at some of the major Chinese brand PX5 models, but the ones I checked out didn't have a DVD player either. It is "old technology" (And yes, my wife also still prefers a booklet with CDs instead of selecting a playlist from a multi-playlist collection in a music player).
Joying has warehouses in Germany, Australia and the USA. Maybe the others have as well. Some of the bigger brands also sell via Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you go for in the end? PX3 with dvd or convince the missus to go for a dvdless model?
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

SlyTuk said:
What did you go for in the end? PX3 with dvd or convince the missus to go for a dvdless model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My signture states I'm using a joying, which is DVD-less.
I would never buy a PX3 anymore.

Best Android Head Unit for a maximum of 500$ CAD?

Hi everyone. I have a Eonon GA2163 10" 2gb of ram and i want to upgrade. What brand should i look or which one should i stay away?
What i would like to have is:
10" screen
4gb of ram
DSP
Android update
Is this possible to have all that for 500$ CAD?
Another question: I see soooo many negatives comment about sound quality on youtube. For me, the sound quality of my Eonon is "correct". It only have a 3 bands EQ (treble, mid, bass). So a newer HU with DSP should have better sound quality...
Thanks for your help.

I've been looking around for an upgrade to my Pioneer Nav and I'm Canadian as well.
I don't think I was able to find any px6 10.2" screens with DSP for less than $650CAD. That said, the 9" versions come in at around $550 as seen here
The reason why I reference the PX6 is is because it comes with the DSP. But honestly, if you have a specific budget you're likely going to be looking at the PX5 models without DSP. You can always add DSP later though.
But yeah, I spent many hours trying to find the best deal. I couldn't find anything in your pricerange when I looked.

Maybe you can check on JOYING website, all of the newest intel 9853i system has built-in dsp, the sound is amazing

SummerLiu said:
Maybe you can check on JOYING website, all of the newest intel 9853i system has built-in dsp, the sound is amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears this is the model you're referring to. I didn't catch that before... might be an ok fit for the OP
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-1...een-car-navigation-system-with-4g-module.html
It does seem that Joying probably has the best pricing although it's a brand I choose to stay away from. I also can't get over the massive logo on the front of all their devices. It screams cheap to everyone that gets in my car lol. Personal preference though
I don't think you'll see much development for that either. It seems all the development right now is mostly around the PX3/PX5 and hopefully the PX6 in the future.
So software wise, I'd also be hesitant to purchase Joying.
Also, the Joying comes in at over $600CAD, outside of the OP's budget.

Thanks for your help. I said dps but what i really want is a good EQ. Not a cheap 3 bands.... 9" could do the job too.
I feel really insecure to buy a 500$+ head unit without any advice. My eonon have some bugs that i want to be sure the next head unit will not have like bluetooth connexion. If i have elm327 connected and my phone, when i receive a call the elm327 is disconnected. And this is when i successfully pair the damn device. This is one of the main reason i want an android head unit: app like torque or dashcommand connected to my car.

I don't believe any of the head unit manufacturers are good at software. That goes for the likes of Pioneer down to the Chinese brands. They are in the hardware sales business, not the software business. They need the software to work well enough to do a quick demo and get you to buy. Don't expect a lot of thoughtful design consideration or UI testing.
If I am wrong and there is a good company out there, I would love to hear who they are. I'd certainly consider buying a newer head unit from them. I am in no rush. I let my Joying HU sit on a shelf for a couple years before finally getting around to installing it.
The software is very disappointing. A2DP stops when going into GPS for example. I can't seem to figure out how to map my VOICE steering wheel button to Google Voice Input (like google search widget offers). And how do I disable AVIN so when I press the SRC or Mode SWC button it isn't in the cycled list? It's the small things. Even the pick up phone button (when hung up) doesn't start the Bluetooth phone dialer. The software is very, very poor. Reminds me of the brain dead design decisions of Kenwood and Alpine of years past.
Just my 2c.

The DSP is more than just an equalizer everybody will tell you units equipped with one sound better. Look for your car on the Ownice store the K3's have DSP. The K3 low would definitely fall in your price range but it's not 4GB/32GB. The K3 high is the better unit and should be priced close to your limit. Wait for the exchange rate to get better (probably in the fall).

SummerLiu said:
Maybe you can check on JOYING website, all of the newest intel 9853i system has built-in dsp, the sound is amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mvez73 said:
Thanks for your help. I said dps but what i really want is a good EQ. Not a cheap 3 bands.... 9" could do the job too.
I feel really insecure to buy a 500$+ head unit without any advice. My eonon have some bugs that i want to be sure the next head unit will not have like bluetooth connexion. If i have elm327 connected and my phone, when i receive a call the elm327 is disconnected. And this is when i successfully pair the damn device. This is one of the main reason i want an android head unit: app like torque or dashcommand connected to my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I'd stick to the hot-audio/dasaita models at this point.
Just the sheer amount of support and updates (the most recent update being about a week ago) makes these hopefully a safer bet. See updates here
Technology changes almost on a month to month basis. I accept that when I spent $500CAD+ on android tech that I may desire an upgrade a year later. It's just the cost of having the newest technology.
I do understand that not everyone can justify that kind of money on something that really is more of a want than a need though. If you feel that you just want something that is flawless, you may want to avoid android completely and just get something like a Pioneer unit. These units easily last 10+ years with no more than the odd map update. Just my 2cents.
$500CAD is a tough place to be for a budget right now. The reason I say this is because you definitely can't get the top of the line android HU for that. If you have that much to spend, you're better off holding off on the purchase until you can save up another $150 or so for the top of the line. If you can't afford top of the line, maybe pickup something on the lower end for like $250 for the next year or two and then upgrade later when you have the extra money? I'd hate to dump $500 though on something that's outdated or not receiving patches a year from now.

stokedcrf makes a good point about long term support especially with those Chinese units. They are getting better but there's still work to be done. Actually your best source for support is here provided you have a unit that's compatible. Look for one that is supported by hal9k or malaysk firmwares. Those would be Intel and Rockchip CPU with MTC_ MCU.

nic2k said:
The DSP is more than just an equalizer everybody will tell you units equipped with one sound better. Look for your car on the Ownice store the K3's have DSP. The K3 low would definitely fall in your price range but it's not 4GB/32GB. The K3 high is the better unit and should be priced close to your limit. Wait for the exchange rate to get better (probably in the fall).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Is Ownice a good brand? And right now there is 45% discount on the model for my car. What do you think of this head unit?
And what about update for Ownice? Will i be stuck with android 9.0 for ever or they have update for their head unit?
Thanks

Yeah don't get too excited about Aliexpress' discounts they come and go and come again. I linked to the Ownice official store there are others that sell them too but on the bright side shipping is included in the price at that store. Ownice is a manufacturer so you could have better support. Now talking about a good brand, these are Chinese units I wouldn't qualify any of them as good in the sense of Pioneer good. Lets just say some units suck less than most. In the last year this brand has put out units that were pretty decent. Here's the current K3/C800 thread and you can also read up on the C500.
Maxim is running HAL9K ROM 3.1 on his C800. HAL9K ROM started with Lollipop and is now up to Pie and the last 3 version of MTC MCU's are cross compatible so there should be upgrade possibilities for a while. You should do your own research and not have someone tell you what to spend your money on.

best android unit with DSP
When it comes to giant touch screen Android head unit with DSP, the best one I can think of is the XTRONS PST series. Unlike the pionneer, alphine, kenwood which usually has a relatively small screens, XTRONS PST series have 9~10 large screens.
The built-in dsp feature allows you to simply adjust the equalizers and add music effects and will offer great music experience.
Besides as I know, this is a brand designed in England, though it is manufactured in China.

Android Firmware Update link?

Shopping Advice

I'm looking for a unit to put in a '96 Volvo that's a project car for me. Due to the age there's not a lot of built in stuff to contend with and I'm planning on modifying a lot anyway.
From what I've been reading it sounds like PX6 based units are the most likely candidates for long term community support though it's still new. I had my eye on this unit from Amazon. I couldn't find a lot of specifics about it or if anyone else had something like it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VT82FVN
Any general thoughts from the community on the unit, brand, etc? I'm hoping to get one of the larger Tesla Style screens. The car has 2din currnetly and a lot of wasted center console space. Any other specific unit suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

benmyers2941 said:
I'm looking for a unit to put in a '96 Volvo that's a project car for me. Due to the age there's not a lot of built in stuff to contend with and I'm planning on modifying a lot anyway.
From what I've been reading it sounds like PX6 based units are the most likely candidates for long term community support though it's still new. I had my eye on this unit from Amazon. I couldn't find a lot of specifics about it or if anyone else had something like it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VT82FVN
Any general thoughts from the community on the unit, brand, etc? I'm hoping to get one of the larger Tesla Style screens. The car has 2din currnetly and a lot of wasted center console space. Any other specific unit suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get units much cheaper than that. I have a Xtrons PX6 headunit 4gb and 64gb android 9 10.25 screen. Screen only displays landscape and not portrait. I paid £260 approx 340 USD.
Definitely look at other sellers or manufacturers.
Have a look through the forums and see what people are saying about different models with the good and the bad points and then that will help you make your mind up.
Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

Has anyone heard of "Roadanvi"?? Also, Im struggling to choose a head unit.

I just bought a head unit for the first time in years.. A Pioneer C5500NEX.
Only AFTER do I discover android units..
Anyway, I have been looking at them for weeks and cannot make up my mind.
I recently came across this brand. It looks good but you know.. the whole looks and deceiving thing...
Amazon.com
- I am not familiar with these terms like FYT. But I would like one that I can root relatively easy.
-4+gb of ram (6gb ram would be ideal)
-Decent audio quality and would prefer an optical output.
-A VOLUME KNOB isn't a requirement but would be nice. (Or any suggestions for wired remote controls)
-NOT vehicle specific. 9-11 inch floating IPS display.
-Any other recommendations are appreciated..
I've been looking at
-Joying:
Amazon.com
-Roadanvi
Amazon.com
-Dasaita.. also this is my first time seeing the "scout" models
Amazon.com
-EONON
Amazon.com
-ATOTO S8.. Which Verizon should I get?
Amazon.com
-IYING
Amazon.com: IYING 6G+128G Android 10 Single Din Adjustable Car Stereo Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Car Radio Receiver AM/FM GPS Navigation Bluetooth WiFi Car Multimedia Player 10.1 Inch In-Dash Head Unit : Electronics
Buy IYING 6G+128G Android 10 Single Din Adjustable Car Stereo Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Car Radio Receiver AM/FM GPS Navigation Bluetooth WiFi Car Multimedia Player 10.1 Inch In-Dash Head Unit: In-Dash Navigation - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Read

marchnz said:
Read
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
???? What is this...
Can anyone suggest something, please

Get anythng with PX6. We have great guy here with ROM.

xFaLzY said:
???? What is this...
Can anyone suggest something, please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Item #1,
As in read the forum articles that deal with that, you need to put some work in.
123olasoft said:
Get anythng with PX6. We have great guy here with ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is an Anything PX6, as there are different vendors.
Also, I think you mean modded factory ROM. It largely attempts to address bugs to make things work properly, like Things that just work in the latest FYT UIS7862 unit. My advice, look for an FYT UIS 7862 such as mekede. The MTCD/E/P/H units remain buggy and slow in comparison.
You probably don't know what is being discussed here because item #1.

It's not easy indeed, especially when manufacturers don't tell you things you want to know.
We recently released a blog article that should give you a very good head start:
https://extrememod.co.uk/blog/f/android-head-unit-vs-android-auto-vs-bluetooth-stereo

I went with this one.
Did I mess up?
https://www.amazon.com/Dasaita-Carplay-Android-Navigation-1280x720/dp/B09DYCS8XY?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1&tag=xdaforum01-20

xFaLzY said:
I went with this one.
Did I mess up?
https://www.amazon.com/Dasaita-Carplay-Android-Navigation-1280x720/dp/B09DYCS8XY?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1&tag=xdaforum01-20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't show the product. Got another link?

ExtremeMOD said:
It doesn't show the product. Got another link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DYCS8XY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_PQDHBPNZPM95TPP9F2KD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm have 2nd thoughts.. It was the display that really sold me.. except
-I wanted/NEEDED it in 10 inch. 11.6 is too much.
-No SPDIF or HDMI.
-No SIM card
-4gb+128gb...
These arnt the worst things in the world but @ $600 with shipping I feel like I'm giving up a lot.
It does have a PX6 like he said so I guess that's good?
Can you link me some good articles..
I'm curious what kind of modifications/ROMS/ O.S/ et I can do with these Chinese head units.

xFaLzY said:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DYCS8XY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_PQDHBPNZPM95TPP9F2KD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm have 2nd thoughts.. It was the display that really sold me.. except
-I wanted/NEEDED it in 10 inch. 11.6 is too much.
-No SPDIF or HDMI.
-No SIM card
-4gb+128gb...
These arnt the worst things in the world but @ $600 with shipping I feel like I'm giving up a lot.
It does have a PX6 like he said so I guess that's good?
Can you link me some good articles..
I'm curious what kind of modifications/ROMS/ O.S/ et I can do with these Chinese head units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay as much as I like Dasaita, it's probably not the right choice for you. You are looking to make a considerable investment and seem to have a good understanding of features you're looking for.
Here's our latest article that will help you greatly making the right choice of head unit. It reveals many secrets manufacturers don't tell you.
https://extrememod.co.uk/blog/f/android-head-unit-vs-android-auto-vs-bluetooth-stereo
Once you've read it, reach out to us on our Facebook page and we'll help you through FB Messenger to find the perfect head unit for you and pick a trusted seller on AliExpress to save you money.

I bought one of these and I think they use Junsun firmware. I'm still digging into mine but the model of mine is FF_866X which xda has a thread for. What did you end up getting?